Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 5 series are among the best smartwatches available in the market today. They offer a sleek design, a vibrant display, a powerful processor, and a host of features that make them stand out from the crowd. One of the most attractive features of these smartwatches is that they run on Wear OS, Google’s operating system for wearable devices. This means that they can access a variety of apps and services from Google, including Google Maps, one of the most popular and useful navigation apps in the world.
Google Maps is an essential app for anyone who wants to explore new places, find directions, check traffic conditions, and more. However, until recently, Google Maps on Wear OS had some limitations and issues that affected its performance and usability. For instance, it required a constant connection to a smartphone to work properly, it had a laggy interface, and it lacked some features that were available on the phone version.
But now, Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 5 users have a reason to rejoice. Google has rolled out a major update for Google Maps on Wear OS that brings several improvements and enhancements to the app. The update, which has the version number 11.85.0502.W, claims to provide a marked improvement in helping users “discover new places and navigate to them.” It also fixes some bugs and glitches that were present in the previous version.
What’s new in Google Maps for Wear OS?
The latest update for Google Maps on Wear OS brings some notable changes and additions to the app. Here are some of them:
- Offline mode: One of the biggest improvements in the update is that Google Maps on Wear OS can now work without requiring a connection to a smartphone. This means that users can download maps and directions on their smartwatches and use them offline when they are out of range or have no internet access. This is especially useful for travellers, hikers, bikers, and anyone who wants to explore remote areas without worrying about losing their way.
- Faster and smoother interface: Another improvement in the update is that Google Maps on Wear OS has become faster and smoother than before. The app now loads quicker, responds better to touch inputs, and displays more information on the screen. Users can also zoom in and out of the map with ease using the rotating bezel or the touchscreen. The app also supports gestures such as swiping left or right to switch between different modes such as navigation, transit, satellite, etc.
- More features and options: The update also adds more features and options to Google Maps on Wear OS that were previously missing or limited. For example, users can now see more details about places such as ratings, reviews, photos, opening hours, etc. They can also search for nearby places using voice commands or by typing on the keyboard. Users can also customize their navigation settings such as choosing between different routes, avoiding tolls or highways, etc. The app also shows more information during navigation such as distance, time, speed limit, traffic alerts, etc.
How to get the update?
Users of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 5 series can get the update through the Play Store on their smartwatches. They simply need to follow these steps:
- Open the Play Store app on your smartwatch.
- Scroll down to the Manage Apps widget and tap on it.
- Tap on Update All or select Google Maps from the list of apps.
- Wait for the update to download and install.
- Enjoy the new and improved Google Maps on your smartwatch.
What’s next for Samsung Galaxy Watches?
The new Google Maps update is not the only thing that Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 5 users can look forward to. Samsung is also expected to launch the Galaxy Watch 6 series soon at its second Galaxy Unpacked event this year. The event is confirmed to take place in Seoul in July 2023.
The Galaxy Watch 6 series is likely to include two models: a base model and a Classic model. The base model will have a similar design as the Galaxy Watch 4 series with a touch-sensitive bezel. The Classic model will bring back the iconic mechanical rotating bezel that was missing from the previous generation. The mechanical bezel will allow users to navigate different apps and widgets on their smartwatches with ease.
The Galaxy Watch 6 series will also run on Wear OS 3.6-based One UI Watch 5.0. This will bring more features and improvements to Samsung’s smartwatches such as better sleep tracking, fitness tracking, health monitoring, battery optimization, etc. The Galaxy Watch 6 series will also support more apps and services from Google and Samsung such as Google Assistant, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, Samsung Health, etc.
The Galaxy Watch 6 series will also come with a new processor, more RAM, more storage, and a bigger battery. The exact specifications and prices of the Galaxy Watch 6 series are not yet known, but they are expected to be revealed soon.
Conclusion
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 5 series are already great smartwatches that offer a lot of features and functionality. But with the new Google Maps update, they have become even better. The update brings more convenience, reliability, and versatility to users who want to use Google Maps on their smartwatches. The update also shows that Samsung and Google are working together to provide the best experience for their customers.
If you are looking for a smartwatch that can help you discover new places and navigate to them with ease, you should definitely consider getting a Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 or Galaxy Watch 5 series. And if you are waiting for the next generation of Samsung smartwatches, you should keep an eye on the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event where the Galaxy Watch 6 series will be unveiled.
Samsung Galaxy Watches are the ultimate devices for anyone who loves to explore the world with Google Maps. Get yours today and enjoy the new update!
