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

Garmin is finally bringing what many users have long awaited – official support for Google Maps for its sports watches. This move, which was already hinted at by a recent information 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 just need to enter a destination into Google Maps on their Android phone, and the app will then send notifications directly to their wrist.

Navigation directly on your wrist

«Whether you’re exploring a new city, planning a running 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 will start sending alerts to the watch. These will 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 display while navigating busy city streets.

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

Athletes, in turn, will appreciate being able to simultaneously record an activity while receiving navigation instructions. This means that while running or cycling, you’ll be able to track distance, heart rate, and other metrics, while also receiving alerts for when to turn. After completing an 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)