Is google maps making a Garmin version?

Google Maps to Land on Garmin Watches: Navigating a New Era?

Leaks and findings suggest a collaboration is underway: Google Maps is set to integrate with Garmin watches. This partnership could redefine on-wrist navigation for users, bridging mapping and fitness tracking.

For years, Garmin users have relied on the brand's navigation systems. A recent leak point towards Google bringing its service to the sports watches. Spotted in a Google Maps build, a "Watch / Wearable" mirroring function indicates development is underway, with an announcement possibly close.

The leaked image showing Garmin in google maps, courtesy of reddit user u/bendotlc.

How it Works

The integration will function as a mirror of your smartphone's Google Maps. Your phone will handle routing and rerouting, sending map tiles and turn-by-turn directions directly to a Google-authored Connect IQ app on your Garmin watch. This means non-map-enabled Garmin models could benefit, as the work happens on your phone, not the watch.

A Win-Win with Caveats? This move could be a boon for both. For Garmin, it potentially opens up its Venu and Vivoactive lines, making them attractive to users who want Google Maps for city navigation. It could also draw in users embedded in Google's ecosystem. For Google, it's an expansion of its brand into the competitive wearable market.

However, the path isn't without bumps. Possible downsides include Bluetooth connection stability, battery drain from data streaming, and limitations of Garmin's graphics engines, especially on older models. There's also speculation that the feature might initially be limited to newer generations like starting from the Fenix 8. I really dont know what I think about Garmins new software strategy.

This integration could disrupt existing navigation apps and some of Garmin's own tools, but I think we as the users eventually will win. Imagine navigating a city on foot or bike, with Google Maps directions appearing directly on your wrist, phone stowed away. If executed well, this could be a feature for wearables. Time will tell how well it stacks up against garmins own maps and navigation.

Source: Reddit user u/bendotlc via Garmin rumours.