Garmin smartwatch owners can now access the convenience of Google Maps directly on their wrists. This new integration, available through the Garmin Connect IQ store, brings turn-by-turn navigation capabilities to a range of Garmin wearables, allowing users to stay on course while simultaneously tracking their fitness activities. It’s important to note, however, that this feature is currently exclusive to Garmin users who also own an Android smartphone.
Seamless Navigation and Activity Tracking
The Google Maps application for compatible Garmin smartwatches is designed to provide clear, real-time directions for various activities like running, cycling, or walking. Users can effortlessly set their desired destination within the Google Maps app on their Android phone, and then receive timely notifications and directional cues directly on their watch. The smartwatch display shows essential information such as estimated time of arrival (ETA) in minutes, the distance to the next turn, clear arrow indicators, and road names. For added convenience, users can view up to three upcoming steps in their route, and a customizable vibration alert notifies them when it’s time to make a turn, ensuring they don’t miss a beat.
Maintaining Fitness Data and Broader Connectivity
One of the key advantages of this integration is that the Google Maps app operates seamlessly in the background without interrupting your ongoing activity tracking. Whether you’re on a long run or a leisurely bike ride, your Garmin smartwatch will continue to record your performance data as usual. Furthermore, Garmin has officially acknowledged the new integration between Garmin Connect and Google Health Connect, signifying a broader push towards allowing users to sync their valuable activity data across different platforms and devices.
Availability and Compatible Devices
The Google Maps app is available for free download from the Connect IQ Store. It supports a wide array of Garmin smartwatches, ensuring that many existing users can take advantage of this new functionality. While the Venu X1 (currently priced at $799.99 on Amazon) is among the compatible devices, a comprehensive list of all supported Garmin smartwatches is provided below, allowing users to verify if their specific model is included.
List of Compatible Garmin Devices:
- Garmin Approach S50
- Garmin Approach S70
- Garmin D2 Mach 1 | D2 Mach 1 Pro
- Garmin Descent G2
- Garmin Enduro 2
- Garmin Enduro 3
- Garmin Epix (Gen 2)
- Garmin Epix Pro
- Garmin Fenix ​​7 | Fenix ​​7S | Fenix ​​7X | Fenix ​​7 Pro
- Garmin Fenix ​​8 AMOLED | Fenix 8 Solar
- Garmin Fenix ​​E
- Garmin Forerunner 165 | Forerunner 165S
- Garmin Forerunner 265 | Forerunner 265S
- Garmin Forerunner 570
- Garmin Forerunner 955
- Garmin Forerunner 965
- Garmin Forerunner 970
- Garmin MARQ (Gen 2) | MARQ Commander (Gen 2) | MARQ Aviator (Gen 2)
- Garmin Quatix 7 | Quatix 7 Pro | Quatix 7 Sapphire Edition | Quatix 7X Solar Edition
- Garmin Quatix 8 AMOLED
- Garmin Tactix 7 | Tactix 7 Pro | Tactix 7 AMOLED
- Garmin Tactix 8 | Tactix 8 Solar
- Garmin Venu 3 | Venu 3S
- Garmin Venu X1
- Garmin Vivoactive 5
- Garmin Vivoactive 6
