- Garmin has added support to Google Maps on its laptops
- This gives you reversal of turning on your wrist
- The update allows you to find your way without using your phone
When you are out enjoying the big outdoors, the last thing you want to do is ruin your experience by constantly having to check your phone for directions. It is double true when driving or cycling where a distraction like a phone can be a real nuisance.
However, if you have a Garmin laptop, you don’t have to worry about it as Garmin has just added Google Maps to its Fitness Tracker App Store. The idea is that you get reversal on your wrist so you can keep your phone in your pocket or bag.
It’s compatible with popular models such as Garmin’s Venu 3, Vivoactive 5 and Fenix 8 Smartwatches, among many others (you can find the full list of compatible models at the end of this article).
In a press release, Susan Lyman, Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing at Garmin, said, “Whether exploring a new city, mapping a race or random cycling with friends, the Google Maps app in the Connect IQ store will keep users in the right direction.”
They added: “The turns that turn for turns will be a game election for those who want to stay hands -free and keep their phone in their pocket.”
Quick directions on your wrist
Garmin says this will benefit both pedestrians and fitness fans. For hikers, your Garmin laptop will vibrate gently as you approach a trip. If you press the app, it will show you the next three twists.
If you want to go on a run or bike ride, you can still measure your fitness metrics while getting route guidance from Google Maps. When you’re done, you can sync your activity data from Garmin Connect to third party Android Health and Fitness apps using Google Health Connect.
Garmin is not the first company to implement a feature like this, but it is a welcome addition regardless. My Apple Watch offers similar functionality through the Apple Maps app, and it’s perfect for when I need to get routing guidance without pulling up my phone every time. I find that it is ideal not only when I am out on a race, but also at the times when I am in a busy city and will keep my phone safe.
If Garmin’s latest update sounds like something you would use, you can download the Google Maps app from the Garmin Connect IQ store where it is available for free.
The full list: Garmin looks at getting turn-for-turn google maps directions
- Approach S50
- Approach s70 (42 mm)
- Approach s70 (47 mm)
- D2 Mach 1
- D2 MACH 1 PRO
- Design G2
- Enduro 2
- Enduro 3
- Epix (Gen 2), Quatix 7 – Sapphire Edition
- Epix Pro (42 mm)
- Epix Pro (47 mm), Quatix® 7 Pro
- Epix Pro (51mm)
- Fēnix 7, quatix 7, fēnix 7– Sapphire Dual Power Edition
- Fēnix 7 pro, fēnix 7 Pro – Solar Edition, Fēnix 7 Pro – Sapphire Solar Edition, Fēnix 7 Pro – Sapphire Dual Power Edition
- Fēnix 7 Pro-Solar Edition (No Wi-Fi)
- fēnix 7s, fēnix 7S – Solar Edition, Fēnix 7S – Sapphire Solar Edition
- Fēnix 7s pro, fēnix 7s pro – sapphire solar edition, fēnix 7s pro – Sapphire Dual Power Edition
- fēnix 7x, fēnix 7x – Solar Edition, Fēnix 7x – Sapphire Solar Edition, Quatix 7x – Solar Edition
- fēnix 7x pro, fēnix 7x pro – sapphire solar edition, fēnix 7x pro – Sapphire Dual Power Edition
- fēnix 8 amoled (43 mm)
- fēnix 8 amoled (47 mm/51mm), Quatix 8 Amoled (47 mm/51mm), Tactix 8 Amoled (47 mm/51mm)
- Fēnix 8 solar (47 mm), fēnix 8 dual power (47 mm)
- Fēnix 8 solar (51 mm), fēnix 8 Dual Power (51mm), Tactix 8 Solar (51 mm)
- fēnix e
- Forerunner 165
- Forerunner 165 Music
- Forerunner 265
- Forerunner 265s
- Forerunner 570 – 42 mm
- Runs 570 – 47 mm
- Experiences 955 double power
- Forerunner 965
- Forerunner 970
- Marq (Gen 2), Marq Carbon Collection, Marq Adventures (Gen 2) – Damascus Steel Edition
- Marq Commander (Gen 2) – Carbon Edition
- Marq Aviator (Gen 2)
- Tactix 7, Tactix 7 – Pro Ballistics Edition, Tactix 7 – Pro Edition
- TACTIX 7 – AMOLED EDITION
- Tactix 8 – 47 mm, Amoled, Tactix 8 – 51 mm, Amoled
- Tactix 8 – 51 mm, Sun, Tactix 8 – 51 mm, Sun, Elite
- Venu 3
- Venu 3s
- Venu X1
- Vívoactive 5
- Vívoactive 6



