The technology giant Google has launched a new watch that it termed, the Pixel Watch 3 complete with innovation for its clients. One of the significant enhancements implemented is, for example, navigation with the help of the Google Maps even when the device is not connected to the Internet.
Pixel Watch 3 Offline Google Maps Comes to All Wear OS Smartwatches
The below navigation feature is not limited to the Pixel Watch 3. Testing the feature has now begun and, as per the reports from 9to5google, all the smartwatches with Wear OS will be soon capable to use offline Google Maps since the versatility of this feature has been extended to a more extensive range of devices.
At present, this feature is only available in the beta version of Google Maps. This new capability is available to users who are running the latest version and can start using it if they are in the beta program. After providing them the offline mode installation, they will receive the instructions on how to use the offline mode as soon as they launch the application.
Also, this feature itself synchronizes and downloads the offline maps from the phone to the smartwatch so that the users have the necessary navigation data with them. There will also be a new section for ‘Offline Maps’ in settings allowing for its efficient control.
Although it is not available to the users currently, it is a step towards creating smartwatches much more useful and less reliant on the connection. Thus, users can expect the scope of the employed format to expand even further during the near future once the feature is disseminated.
Offline Maps Coming Soon to Wear OS: A Beta Preview
The latest beta version of Google Maps introduces a much-anticipated feature for Wear OS users: to a greater extent, the use of offline maps. One new feature lets you download maps to your smartwatch so that you can navigate even when your phone is not connected. Although available now only if you’re a beta tester for Google, the feature clearly suggests more users will get to see it shortly.
When the beta update is installed users will be prompted to enable offline maps the first time they open the app. I found it easy to set up; the watch synchronizes with the offline maps in the paired phone automatically. This helps in that users of the map will always have fresh information about the area of interest.
The addition of offline maps into Wear OS watches extends the utility of these gadgets and especially for individuals who use Google Maps for adventure or in such regions with low connectivity. The settings allow a simplistic approach to the downloaded maps through the new offline map option located in settings submenu.
At the moment, this feature is only available to beta users, but the fact that it is integrated implies that Google wants to release offline maps for all Wear OS smartwatches. This would be a big change and put even more emphasis that Wear OS watches are super capable, standalone devices.
It remains to be seen if users will get their requested change pushed to the final version of the app since the communication would continue with users as the beta programme progresses. Once it hits in full, this addition can significantly improve the usability of Wear OS, making it a worthwhile proposition for all those who need strong navigation tools in their smartwatch.
Google Maps Beta Brings Offline Sync to Smartwatches
The current version makes it clear that the app has a new feature; it will download the map of your region to your watch. This integration is done in a way that guarantees that the users always have the locally stored maps no matter where their phone is.
Other than this, the app makes existing maps that are stored locally on your phone to be available on the watch. This as a feature makes it easy for the users to work with since they don’t have to stick to permanent connectivity with the internet they are able to maneuver without it.
However, this feature is for now only in the testing phase and not all players have access to it. Availability of this feature is limited since the service carrying it is in its testing mode.
As for this feature, unfortunately, it was possible to try it only in case if the user registered in the beta version of Google Maps. This early access enables the participants to have a feel of the feature even before other participants in the society get an opportunity to do so.
When this feature is fully implemented, it should revolutionize the wearable technology’s space, giving more autonomy to the smartwatch user.
