Garmin adds support for Google Maps, offers navigation directly from the wrist

Garmin is finally delivering what many users have long awaited – official support for Google Maps on their sports watches. This move, which was hinted at by a recent leak, is now a reality. The app is available for free in the Connect IQ store and provides simple navigation instructions on compatible watches, including some models from the Venu, Forerunner, Vivoactive, and Fenix series. Users simply enter their destination into Google Maps on their Android phone, and the app then sends notifications directly to their wrist.

Navigation directly on your wrist

„Whether you’re exploring a new city, planning a run route, or cycling with friends, the Google Maps app in the Connect IQ store will keep you on the right path,” said Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing, in a press release. „Turn-by-turn notifications will be a game-changer for those who want to keep their hands free and their phone safely in their pocket,” she added.

The system is designed to work very simply. Once a user enters a destination into Google Maps on their Android phone, the app starts sending alerts to the watch. These inform the user of every upcoming turn, whether they are walking, running, or cycling. If you need more information, simply tap the app, which will display the next three turns on the route.

Ideal for pedestrians and athletes

For pedestrian users, Garmin watches are equipped with subtle vibrations that alert them to turns without needing to look at the display. This is a thoughtful way to avoid forcing users to constantly check their screen while navigating busy city streets.

Garmin adds support for Google Maps, offers navigation directly from the wrist Adam Kurfürst Zprávičky Adam Kurfürst Zprávičky

Athletes, on the other hand, will appreciate being able to simultaneously record their activity while receiving navigation instructions. This means that while running or cycling, you can track distance, heart rate, and other metrics while getting alerts on when to turn. After completing the activity, data can be synced from Garmin Connect to other Android health and fitness apps via Health Connect.

Availability and Supported Models

The Google Maps app is now available in the Connect IQ Store and can be downloaded completely free of charge. The full list of supported models is as follows:

• Approach® S50
• Approach® S70 (42mm)
• Approach® S70 (47mm)
• D2™ Mach 1
• D2™ Mach 1 Pro
• Descent™ G2
• Enduro™ 2
• Enduro™ 3
• epix™ (Gen 2)
• epix™ Pro (42mm)
• epix™ Pro (47mm)
• epix™ Pro (51mm)
• fēnix® 7
• fēnix® 7 Pro
• fēnix® 7 Pro – Solar Edition (No Wi-Fi®)
• fēnix® 7S
• fēnix® 7S Pro
• fēnix® 7X
• fēnix® 7X Pro
• fēnix® 8 AMOLED (43mm)
• fēnix® 8 AMOLED (47mm/51mm)
• fēnix® 8 Solar (47mm)
• fēnix® 8 Solar (51mm)
• fēnix® E
• Forerunner® 165
• Forerunner® 165 Music
• Forerunner® 265
• Forerunner® 265S
• Forerunner® 570 – 42mm
• Forerunner® 570 – 47mm
• Forerunner® 955 Dual Power
• Forerunner® 965
• Forerunner® 970
• MARQ® (Gen 2)
• MARQ® Carbon Collection
• MARQ® Adventurer (Gen 2) – Damascus Steel Edition
• MARQ® Commander (Gen 2) – Carbon Edition
• MARQ™ Aviator (Gen 2)
• tactix® 7
• tactix® 7 – Pro Ballistics Edition
• tactix® 7 – Pro Edition
• tactix® 7 – AMOLED Edition
• tactix® 8 – 47 mm, AMOLED
• tactix® 8 – 51 mm, AMOLED
• tactix® 8 – 51 mm, Solar
• tactix® 8 – 51 mm, Solar, Elite
• Venu® 3
• Venu® 3S
• Venu® X1
• vívoactive® 5
• vívoactive® 6

How do you rate the addition of Google Maps to Garmin watches?

Sources: Garmin (1, 2)