Those who have Wear OS-power smartwatches will be delight to know that Google has finally adds support for standalone turn-by-turn navigation when using its Maps app. This feature was promise many months ago and is now finally available for Wear OS-power smartwatches from any brand, provide they meet some minimum requirements.
Turn-by-turn navigation was previously available on Wear OS-power smartwatches, it was able to do so by relaying information from the connect smartphone.
This new update now makes it possible to leave the smartphone behind.
Google has mention that there are a few conditions to make standalone turn-by-turn navigation possible on your Wear OS-power smartwatch.
The base requirement is the need for a smartwatch that supports LTE or cellular connectivity.
Along with this comes the need for a working LTE plan.
The watch will also need to be pair with an Android phone for the hand over feature from smartphone to watch to work.
Google in its support documents also states that users can initiate turn-by-turn navigation when connect to Wi-Fi networks as well.
If the smartwatch checks the above requirements, the mostly happens automatically.
A user can initiate turn-by-turn navigation from the watch both when connect to a smartphone or standalone.
Those who prefer to use watch-base navigation only, can turn off the ‘Mirror on the phone’ by going into Settings>Mirroring.
Users need to open Maps and then use voice or keyboard tools to enter their destination.
They need to select a mode of transportation and get their ETA.
Then hit ‘Start’ to commence the trip.
Watch-based navigation is also available when a user pairs their Wear OS device with iOS handsets.
Support for offline turn-by-turn navigation was announce by Google at Samsung’s last Unpack event where the manufacturer announce its Galaxy Watch 5 series.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro models are power by Google’s Wear OS operating system.
Google has also working on an offline Find My Device service according to a recent report.
Google’s Find My Device service relies on an internet-based tracking system, but competitors like Samsung and Apple have already manage to deliver an offline service that uses Bluetooth to connect with other devices from the same brand and relay the location of a lost or stolen item.
