Garmin announces new Google Maps app for smartwatches
Garmin smartwatch users can now install the Google Maps app directly on their wearable. This joins a wide range of apps for the brand’s products, including the ComingUp app, which was released earlier this year. However, this new navigation app is currently only available for users with an Android phone.
Google Maps for Garmin smartwatches brings turn-by-turn directions to users while running, cycling or walking. Customers can set their destination in their Google Maps smartphone app, with notifications shared to the watch. On the watch, users are shown their ETA in minutes remaining, with a distance to the next turn, arrows and road names. Plus, users can view up to three steps in advance, and there is a vibration setting, alerting users when it is time to make a turn.
Garmin notes that its smartwatches will still track your run, walk or bike ride while you use Google Maps. At the bottom of the announcement, Garmin officially acknowledges the new Garmin Connect and Google Health Connect integration, allowing users to sync activity data between devices.
The Google Maps app is available for free at the Connect IQ Store. It works with a range of the brand’s smartwatches, including the Fenix 8, Forerunner 570 and the Venu X1 (curr. $799.99 at Amazon); the complete list of compatible devices can be found below.
- Garmin Approach S50
- Garmin Approach S70
- Garmin D2 Mach 1 | D2 Mach 1 Pro
- Garmin Descent G2
- Garmin Enduro 2
- Garmin Enduro 3
- Garmin epix (Gen 2)
- Garmin epix Pro
- Garmin Fenix 7 | Fenix 7S | Fenix 7X | Fenix 7 Pro
- Garmin Fenix 8 AMOLED | Fenix 8 Solar
- Garmin Fenix E
- Garmin Forerunner 165 | Forerunner 165S
- Garmin Forerunner 265 | Forerunner 265S
- Garmin Forerunner 570
- Garmin Forerunner 955
- Garmin Forerunner 965
- Garmin Forerunner 970
- Garmin MARQ (Gen 2) | MARQ Commander (Gen 2) | MARQ Aviator (Gen 2)
- Garmin Quatix 7 | Quatix 7 Pro | Quatix 7 Sapphire Edition | Quatix 7X Solar Edition
- Garmin Quatix 8 AMOLED
- Garmin Tactix 7 | Tactix 7 Pro | Tactix 7 AMOLED
- Garmin Tactix 8 | Tactix 8 Solar
- Garmin Venu 3 | Venu 3S
- Garmin Venu X1
- Garmin Vivoactive 5
- Garmin Vivoactive 6
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