Access Google Maps anywhere even if you left phone back home

Google has announced that the WearOS will soon offer Google Map navigation support without connecting to the phone.

Google Maps on Wear OS will get offline navigation support soon. (Google)

WearOS is bringing Google Maps for navigation purposes without connecting it to the phone in the coming months. The new feature will let users open and use the Google Maps app for navigation even if they don't have their phone with them. Google has announced this feature during Samsung's Unpacked event on August 10. The tech giant stated that once this feature is added to the operating system, users will be able to go for a run or a bike ride, leaving their phone at home as they would still be able to take advantage of the navigation features. However, it is worth noting that not every Wear OS watch is going to receive this feature. Though Google did not mention any particular Watch model or WearOS versions in line to receive it, we expect it to first land on Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 series.

Also, it is yet to be known if this feature would exclusively arrive on LTE watches or not. It would only be possible to begin a new navigation session while connected via Bluetooth to the phone. However, LTE-enabled watches are likely to be more efficient.

Recently, Google Maps has added aerial and immersive views of around 100 of the world's most popular landmarks like Street View and aerial images. With the latest update, Google Maps may also show detailed cycling routes for cyclists indicating the presence of stairs or steep hills in their direction. Apart from this, the location sharing feature on the platform is also getting new features like arrival and departure notifications.

Meanwhile, Samsung 's new Galaxy Watch 5 will arrive in 40mm and 44mm size options. The fifth generation of the Galaxy Watches come with upgraded health tracking features like temperature tracking, heart rate monitor, blood oxygen level monitor and sleep tracker. They are currently available for pre-booking and the sale will go live from August 26.