Available now, select Garmin smartwatches are picking up an official Google Maps app that, of course, is free to download.
Through the ConnectIQ store, the new Google Maps app for Garmin smartwatches is available for “select Venu, Forerunner, vívoactive, and fenix” models. The app supports turn-by-turn directions with a vibration to notify users of an upcoming turn. The app can show the next three turns.
Further, Google Maps for Garmin will be able to work while a user is recording walk, run, or bike workouts.
Garmin explains:
For those who prefer to walk to their destination, Google Maps provides on-the-go directions that gently vibrate their Garmin smartwatch to keep users from having to look down at their phones while crossing the street or maneuvering through a crowd. And for even greater awareness, simply tap into the app to see the next three turns.
Users can still record walks, runs or bike rides on their Garmin smartwatch while using Google Maps, allowing them to track distance, heart rate and more, while also getting notified when it’s time to make a turn along the route. Once they arrive at their destination, users can sync their activity data from Garmin Connect to other Android health and fitness apps via Health Connect, providing them with more tools and flexibility than ever before.
Garmin doesn’t mention the criteria for which smartwatches do and do not support this new app, but it’s a welcome addition for anyone who is able to download it. There are plenty of other navigation/mapping apps for Garmin watches, but having Google Maps available is certainly going to be useful.
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