Google Maps is a handy and versatile tool that shouldn’t miss in the list of your favorite apps either on your phone or smartwatch.
With Google Maps, you can navigate from your point of departure to your unknown destination seamlessly and quickly as if you are familiar with the path.
Nonetheless, having Google Maps on your smartwatch eliminates the downright annoyance of looking at the phone every time while driving. It could be risky while driving, instead of keeping your eyes focused on the road.
With Google Maps, your smartwatch can work as a standalone device because Google Maps require special functionalities for it to work effectively.
Arguably, only a few brands of smartwatches can support Google Maps. Therefore, you need to take ample time shopping for the best smartwatch with Google Maps.
Before we proceed into factors that will help you select the best smartwatch with Google Map, let’s look at the significance of Google Maps.
The Significance of Having Google Maps on Your Smartwatch
According to the survey, Google Map is the most preferred navigation by many people because it offers clear directions and the quickest route to your destination. Provided you have data, here are the benefits of having Google Maps on your smartwatch. They include:
- It provides instant directions from one location to another by clicking “Get Directions” or utilizing the in-build mic onboard and voice-guided navigation system.
- It can also tell the traffic condition ahead towards the direction/path you are taking to help you beat the jam.
- With Google Maps displayed on your wrist and the voice assistant-navigation system, it gives you an untroubled and straightforward navigation experience.
- It makes a shortcut to your route visible. It will help you learn about alternative routes you have never used before.
- Google Maps provides an advanced search bar that can filter your search and help you get detailed info about the address of your destination, including pictures, driving directions, and more.
- Using Google Maps directly from your smartwatch enhances your focus and safety on the road. It eliminates the dependency on using your smartphone, which can easily divide your attention while driving.
Buying Guide for the Smartwatch with Google Maps
If you want to purchase the best smartwatch that supports Google Maps, here are the factors to consider to help you make the right choice. They include:
Hardware Specifications
It is the most vital factor you should look into because it will provide you with quick knowledge of whether it can support Google Maps or not. When it comes to hardware specifications, you should consider the type of operating system, memory capacity, and storage capacity.
For instance, Google Map works best on WearOS without glitches, unlike iOS. iOS devices can support Google Maps, but it works slowly with glitches that can compromise depending on your urgency. Therefore, for a seamless and straightforward navigation experience, we recommend opting for a smartwatch powered by WearOS.
On the other hand, your seamless experience navigating around will also be determined by the smartwatch’s memory and storage unit capacity. The bigger the memory and the storage unit, your smartwatch will process and display info faster and seamlessly without glitches.
Minimally 512 RAM and 4GB storage capacity is good, but it would be better if you opt for a smartwatch with 1GB RAM and 8GB storage capacity. Don’t opt for a smartwatch that offers limited memory and storage capacity because it takes much time to process the data.
Thus, increasing the probability of encountering glitches while driving.
Connectivity
Also, while reading hardware specifications, check if the smartwatch has in-built GPS and cellular functionality onboard. Google Maps cannot work without GPS and cellular connection even if the watch supports the Google Maps application.
Google Maps utilizes your device’s location functionality and a cellular connection to search and collect routes and location data. Most of the old model smartwatch devices do not have GPS and Cellular connection functionality onboard.
In-Built Speaker, Mic, and Voice Assistant-System
If you want to beast the jam and be safe, your focus on the road is your top priority. However, what is the sense of having a smartwatch without an inbuilt speaker, mic, and Voice Assistant-System functionality?
With these functionalities on board, you can command the Voice-Assistant System via the inbuilt mic and speakers to show you directions without tapping on the display.
It will help you stay focused on the road while driving, listen to notifications, make/receive calls, and reply to messages using the voice assistant.
Display
Suppose you want to make the most out of Google Maps and interpret well the route provided on the wrist without confusion. In that case, you need a screen display that is both handy and intuitive. However, this is influenced by the size and type of the display.
Therefore, it is recommended to go for a screen display that isn’t lesser than 1.2 inches. Meaning more than that is acceptable and comfortable to the eyes.
After deciding on the size of the display, it’s time to check for the type of display. For the best vision and easy route interpretation on Google Map, OLED, AMOLED, and Super AMOLED smartwatch displays are a great choice.
You are far better if you find either AMOLED or Super AMOLED displays because they can offer a sharp display even under low-light settings.
Most importantly, the smartwatch should also feature “Always-on display” functionality. With this functionality, your smartwatch display will always be on to eliminate the need to wake up the screen every time you drive, cycle, or run.
Besides, it improves your focus while navigating from one point to another.
7 Best Smartwatch with Google Maps On Board
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4
The first on our list is Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, the first smartwatch to run on WearOS. It offers numerous connectivity functionality, including; Bluetooth, cellular connectivity, Wi-Fi, and GPS.
It means it supports the Google Maps application and thus offers you the ability to engage in outdoor activities, hiking, and escaping the traffic.
Also, there is an integrated voice assistant, inbuilt speaker, and mic onboard. With these features on board, you can utilize the Google Map without staring at it for reference every time. Instead, use your voice command to quickly control and navigate from one point to another.
You can make calls, reply to messages and listen to notifications using the voice assistant and the mic.
Interestingly, you can monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, sleep quality, and heart health. That’s because it features advanced health monitor and motion sensors, including; an ECG monitor, sleep monitor, accelerometer, and more.
Furthermore, it features 1.4 inches Super AMOLED display with 450 x 450 pixels and an internal capacity of 1.5GB RAM and 16GB storage.
TicWatch Pro 4G
TicWatch Pro 4G is the ideal choice for those on a tight budget. It is powered by WearOS and comes with Google Map, 4G cellular network, and GPS onboard to help get an accurate location estimate.
This watch is also compatible with iOS devices, meaning that you can run both iOS and Android apps on your watch.
There’s a 1.39-inches dual-layered AMOLED touchscreen display with a transflective screen that can show the time and step count while the display is off.
This watch will help you navigate seamlessly without glitches because it offers 1GB RAM and 4GB ROM, allowing it to process and display data very fast without lagging.
With the Google assistant functionality onboard, you can voice commands to make calls and use Google Map to navigate without either looking or tapping the display.
Nonetheless, it comes with 18 hours of battery life, is waterproof, is rated IP68, and monitors your heart rate all around the clock. You can zoom out maps by 30% using the featured rotating crown for better and seamless navigation.
Huawei Watch 2 Classic
Huawei Watch 2 Classic is designed with the latest features and sensors to offer powerful functionalities.
Interestingly, it is compatible with Android and iOS smartphones, including tablets and computers. Call, messaging, and voice assistant-system functionalities offer convenience as you simultaneously navigate with Google Maps.
This 42mm smartwatch features a 1.2″ circular always-on 390 x 390 AMOLED display and 768 MB of RAM, and 4GB of storage capacity.
It is powered by a 1.1 GHz Snapdragon Wear 2100 quad-core processor and runs on WearOS, which offers Bluetooth, in-built GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular network connectivity.
Other improvements include; a QWERTY keyboard, an update to Google Fit, Play Store, and an IP68 rating that is both waterproof and dustproof.
With GPS functionality and equipped motion sensors, you can keep track of your activities, including running, walking, and hiking.
Also, you can monitor your heart health because it features a heart rate tracker. The heart rate tracker can also serve as a time, lap, and distance reminder and offer insight into training, recovery, and speed guidance.
Skagen Falster 3 Gen 5
Skagen Falster 3 Gen 5 is both sophisticated and minimalist designed, making it look classy. This watch offers similar specifications as Fossil Gen 5; however, the battery modes included are what makes it unique from Fossil Gen 5.
With WearOS, Google Maps can run smoothly with in-built GPS, Google Assistant, and cellular/Wi-Fi connectivity featured onboard.
You can easily customize battery usage into different modes to prolong battery performance. Since it is compatible with iOS and Android devices, it offers an in-built speaker and Mic and Bluetooth connectivity for listening to music and answering calls.
In addition, this device is versatile and reliable when it comes to tracking activities because it is integrated with activity trackers, Google Fit, GPS, notification alerts, and many more.
The downside of this smartwatch is low-water resistance as it offers a water resistance rating of 30m, meaning it can only withstand water splashes. But it provides enough storage capacity; 1GB RAM and 4GB ROM.
AmazFit GTS 2
AmazFit GTS 2 is a mini-smartwatch with handy functionalities with a 220mAh battery. The battery features a fully-optimized battery management system that provides up to 14 days of battery life on a single full charge.
Most important, it is sport-focused, designed with comprehensive health management, including a PAI health assessment system and activity trackers, and features over 70 built-in sports modes.
When it comes to health management, it can monitor your heart rate, blood oxygen, stress level, sleep pattern, and track your menstrual cycle.
If you don’t want to tap your 1.65 constantly” 348×442 pixel AMOLED display, you can talk to Amazon Alexa to do it on your behalf. You can swim with it, provided you don’t exceed 50m depth from the surface, as it provides 5ATM water resistance.
Moreover, it is powered by RTOS and compatible with iOS and Android devices, meaning it can support Google Maps. The inbuilt GPS and Wi-Fi connectivity will provide you with accurate navigation data.
However, for Google Maps to work on AmazFit GTS 2, you must install the Zepp app, the Amazfit Watch app.
Fossil Gen 5
Fossil Gen 5 is powered by Wear OS and comes with various sensors, including an ambient light sensor, gyroscope, heart-rate monitor, accelerometer, Altimeter, and NFC.
The significance of these sensors is to allow you to track your activities and monitor your health maximally. Besides, it is also compatible with Google applications, including Google Maps, Google Pay, Google Fit, Google Assistant, and many more.
Nonetheless, you can stream songs and make calls/reply to messages because it offers an inbuilt speaker, Mic, GPS, Bluetooth, Cellular network Google assistant, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
With these features available, you can accurately track your activities and use Google Maps to navigate around the city. Thanks to its battery life which can last up to 24 hours; therefore, you can listen to music and use Google Maps without worrying.
The AMOLED screen display will offer you high-resolution visibility with a superb brightness even under low light settings. It provides the “Always On Display” functionality, eliminating the need to press the crown or power button while driving constantly.
Well, about data processing, there is no need to worry because you will not experience any glitches as it provides a fast processor, 8GB of storage, and 1 GB of RAM.
Apple Watch Series 7
If you have the latest Apple Watch Series 7, know that it can support Google Maps to provide seamless navigation toward your destination.
Series 7 offers the most advanced GPS, yet its operating system incorporates a dual-core 64-bit S4 processor and a new W3 wireless chip. Due to this, it can provide navigation data as fast as possible without getting comprised with glitches.
Other improvements include; an enhanced gyroscope, ECG, heart rate sensor, SpO2, accelerometer, fall detection, etc. These features make Series amazing and a handy tool to help you manage your health and lifestyle and track activities effortlessly.
Thanks to its powerful Mic, Inbuilt speaker, Retina LTPO OLED Display, cellular network, eSIM, and Wi-Fi connectivity. You can make calls, stream music, have a sharp display even under a low light setting, and search accurate grid locations.
FAQs: Google Maps on Smartwatch
Can I use a smartwatch for navigation?
Provided the smartwatch offers in-built GPS functionality, it can provide a more precise navigation grid if you use it along with Google Maps. Better yet, it can also display your workout navigation map and routes.
Will Apple Watch support Google Maps?
Yes, Apple Watch can support Google Maps provided your device is powered by WatchOS 5 or greater/iOS 10 or greater, has an inbuilt GPS, Cellular network, and is Bluetooth enabled. Other factors you may include; a Voice-Assistant system and inbuilt mic and speakers.
GPS-enabled smartwatches and GPS smartphones: Which One Is More Accurate?
GPS-enabled smartwatches are more accurate and precise than enabled GPS smartphones. However, if you want a detailed GPS report or analysis smartphone is the best.
Is Google Maps better than third-party applications?
Yes, Google Maps is much better than third-party navigation applications because it provides navigation routes and maps that are more precise and real-time. Nonetheless, it is also free to use, unlike other applications you must pay to use.
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