Google has rolled out an update making offline Google Maps available integrated in Wear OS watches, including the Pixel Watch 3. Users can now download map data and access it in areas with weak or no phone signal, a handy feature for outdoors enthusiasts.
To use this feature, the desired map area needs to be downloaded into the watch when connected to wifi. Users can then rely on the smartwatch’s GPS to track their location. However, real-time traffic updates, which require an internet connection, will not be available.
The offline maps are not exclusive to the Pixel Watch 3 or other new models. Even older Wear OS models dating back to 2021 have received the feature. When the Google Maps app is launched post-update, a notification informs users about the new offline maps capability.
Users can enable the offline map feature by activating Google Maps on their phone.
Offline maps update on Wear OS smartwatches
If they have existing offline maps stored on their phones, these will automatically sync with the watch. Users can download additional offline maps via their phones, which then sync to the watch.
Even in places with shaky or no internet connection, the smartwatch can provide uninterrupted navigation, leveraging these automatically downloaded offline maps. Users can also choose to store maps of their frequent travel routes to optimize their smartwatch’s battery life.
Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + LTE supported watch users will find offline maps beneficial in areas with poor reception. Even without an internet connection, the smartwatch can guide users accurately based on the watch’s stored offline maps, helping avoid expensive roaming charges or losing their way in remote areas.
Users need to remember the smartwatch’s storage limitation for maps compared to smartphones, which could mean manually deleting unnecessary maps. However, future updates on Google Maps and improvements are expected as next-generation smartwatches launch. Technology advances make it likely that future smartwatches will offer larger storage capacities than their predecessors.
In conclusion, although storage space on smartwatches is currently limited, tech evolution and future updates are set to better this condition. These anticipated improvements will enhance navigation convenience and flexibility on smartwatches, providing a more robust and user-friendly system.
