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Garmin Smartwatches Now Support Google Maps Navigation

An Android-exclusive release streams live navigation steps to Venu, Forerunner, Vivoactive and Fenix watches without disrupting activity tracking.

Garmin smartwatches will need a connected Android handset for the Google Maps app to work
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Overview

  • The Google Maps app is free to download from Garmin’s Connect IQ Store for compatible smartwatches paired with Android phones.
  • Users receive dedicated turn-by-turn directions on their wrist, including a preview of the next three turns.
  • Support is limited to select Venu, Forerunner, Vivoactive and Fenix models, and iOS devices cannot install the app at launch.
  • Navigation guidance runs in the background during walk, run and bike workouts without interrupting distance, pace or heart-rate recording.
  • This move narrows the mapping gap with Apple Watch and Wear OS devices, although offline map support is not yet available.