Google Maps on Wear OS-Powered Smartwatches Can Now Work Without a Phone

Owners of Wear OS-powered smartwatches might be delighted to know that Google has lastly added assist for standalone turn-by-turn navigation when utilizing its Maps app. The characteristic was promised a number of months in the past and is now lastly accessible for Wear OS-powered smartwatches from any model, supplied they meet some minimal necessities. While turn-by-turn navigation was beforehand accessible on Wear OS-powered smartwatches, it was ready to take action by relaying data from the related smartphone. The new replace now makes it attainable to depart the smartphone behind.

Google has mentioned that there are just a few circumstances to make standalone turn-by-turn navigation attainable in your Wear OS-powered smartwatch. The base requirement is the necessity for a smartwatch that helps LTE or mobile connectivity. Along with this comes the necessity for a working LTE plan. The watch may even should be paired with an Android telephone for the hand over characteristic (from smartphone to observe) to work. Google in its support documents additionally states that customers can provoke turn-by-turn navigation when related to Wi-Fi networks as nicely.

If the smartwatch checks the above necessities, the remaining principally occurs routinely. A consumer can provoke turn-by-turn navigation from the watch each when related to a smartphone or standalone. Those preferring to make use of watch-based navigation solely, can flip off the ‘Mirror on the telephone’ by going into Settings>Mirroring.

On the watch, customers have to open Maps after which use voice or keyboard instruments to enter their vacation spot. From there, they should choose a mode of transportation and get their ETA. Then hit ‘Start’ to start the journey. Watch-based navigation can also be accessible when a consumer pairs their Wear OS system with iOS handsets. Support for offline turn-by-turn navigation was introduced by Google at Samsung’s final Unpacked occasion the place the producer introduced its Galaxy Watch 5 collection. The Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro fashions are powered by Google’s Wear OS working system.

Google has additionally been engaged on an offline Find My Device service in response to a latest report. Currently, Google’s Find My Device service depends on an internet-based monitoring system, however opponents like Samsung and Apple have already managed to ship an offline service that makes use of Bluetooth (amongst different issues) to attach with different units from the identical model and relay the situation of a misplaced or stolen merchandise.