Smartwatches have become an essential part of our daily life due to their features and functionalities. Smartwatches are apt for every circumstance, from location tracking and maps route to health monitoring and sports activities to digital timekeeping.
Recently, Our tech editor Parvinder Singh analyzed different smartwatches, including the best smartwatch for women, the Apple watch for kids and teens, the LTE smartwatch with a sim card, and the fall detection smartwatch for elders and children.
He says that before recommending a smartwatch to our readers, the most crucial thing he checks is its battery life, health monitoring, location tracking, and GPS capabilities.
For any smartwatch, built-in GPS technology is a game changer as it has many customer use cases, including – tracking family members, map directions and navigational capabilities, and running and cycling route tracking.
Whether you are a parent who wants to track your children’s whereabouts or a fitness enthusiast who wants to follow map navigation during long cycling or trekking adventures, having access to map navigation and GPS location tracking devices could be a game changer.
The article below will explore the various smartwatches that support maps and discuss their navigation features.
SmartWatch Brands and models that Support Maps?
| Brand | Model Series | GPS & Location Technologies | Primary Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple | Apple Watch Series | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Navigation, Fitness Tracking, Outdoor Activities |
| Garmin | Garmin Fenix, Forerunner, Venu, Instinct, Vivoactive | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Outdoor Navigation, Hiking, Sports Tracking |
| Samsung | Samsung Galaxy Watch, Gear | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, Galileo | Navigation, Fitness Tracking, Health Monitoring |
| Fitbit | Fitbit Versa, Ionic, Sense | GPS, GLONASS | Fitness Tracking, Navigation |
| TicWatch | TicWatch Pro, TicWatch E, TicWatch C | GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Navigation, Health Tracking, Connectivity |
| Huawei | Huawei Watch GT, Watch Fit, Watch GT Pro | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, Galileo | Outdoor Navigation, Fitness Tracking |
| Fossil | Fossil Gen, Fossil Sport, Fossil Hybrid | GPS | Navigation, Fitness Tracking, Smart Features |
| Amazfit | Amazfit GTR, Amazfit Bip, Amazfit T-Rex | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, Galileo | Outdoor Navigation, Sports Tracking |
| Suunto | Suunto 9, Suunto 7 | GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Outdoor Navigation, Fitness Tracking |
| Polar | Polar Vantage, Polar Ignite | GPS, GLONASS | Fitness Tracking, GPS Navigation |
| Casio | Casio Pro Trek | GPS, GLONASS, Michibiki | Outdoor Activities, Navigation |
| Gabb | Gabb Watch Series | GPS, GLONASS | Navigation, Track steps., Outdoor Activities |
Apple Watch Series
Apple’s domination in the smartwatch market is undeniable. In 2022 alone, apple sold around 50 million smartwatches out of 113 million units worldwide. So, a large chunk of smartwatch share has been captured by Apple due to their immense reach, excellent Apple Watch built, and vital features like family safety, LTE connectivity, smooth display, various band options, and health and fitness tracking sensors that give accurate measurements.
From a budget smartwatch like Apple Watch SE to a premium smartwatch Apple Watch 8 Ultra, which caters to professional sports enthusiast’s needs, one can’t deny that Apple caters to the needs of its customers.
You can also use Google map navigation to get directions to your home, office, or restaurant. It integrates well with the watch, and you don’t need an iPhone to use maps if you have a cellular version of the Apple Watch, which comes with mobile data and LTE connectivity making it more convenient.
Users can access the Apple Maps app directly from their wrist, making navigating unfamiliar streets, hiking trails, or even while cycling easy. The watch seamlessly integrates with your iPhone to offer turn-by-turn directions and haptic feedback for easy navigation.
Garmin and Fitbit Smartwatches
Garmin and Fitbit Smartwatches are renowned for their fitness and health-tracking features. Both fitness wearable brands equip their devices with GPS technologies which can be used for navigation.
Garmin smartwatches come with preloaded topographic maps and support multiple navigation systems, including GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo.
Fitbit watches, including Versa 3, Charge 4, Ionic, or Sense, come with GPS, GLONASS, and Galileo.
You can use google maps on these wearable devices by opening the app form the app drawer.
These watches are perfect companions for outdoor enthusiasts, allowing them to plan routes, track their progress, and even find points of interest along their journeys.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Series
Thanks to its integration with the Samsung Health app and HERE WeGo navigation service, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Series boasts strong navigation capabilities. The watch can provide turn-by-turn directions and display maps directly on its AMOLED screen. Whether walking, running, or driving, the Galaxy Watch will keep you on the right path without needing to check your phone constantly.
Wear OS by Google Smartwatches
Wear OS is Google’s operating system designed specifically for smartwatches. Many Wear OS smartwatches support navigation features, offering users access to Google Maps directly on their wrists. With voice commands and intuitive navigation, Wear OS smartwatches make it easy to find your way around town, locate nearby restaurants, or plan your daily commute.
Embracing Smartwatches: Navigating the World from Your Wrist
Whether exploring new places, keeping track of your fitness activities, or just trying to find the nearest coffee shop, having a map on your wrist offers unmatched convenience.
From the Apple Watch Series with its seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem to the feature-rich Garmin smartwatches designed for outdoor adventures, there’s a smartwatch out there for everyone.
In conclusion, having a smartwatch with maps and navigation support can be a valuable asset, providing convenience, safety, and peace of mind during your daily adventures. With the ever-evolving technology in the wearables industry, the future promises even more exciting and advanced navigation features on smartwatches.
