Google Maps Adds Public Transit Directions to Wear OS

oogle has announced an exciting update for Wear OS users: the addition of public transit directions on Google Maps. This new feature aims to enhance the navigation experience on smartwatches, making it easier for users to access public transportation information while on the go.

Improved Navigation on Wear OS

With the latest update, Wear OS users can now search for a location or select a recent one from the main feed and discover the new Transit option. This option appears after Driving, Walking, and Bicycling, providing an ETA and rounding out the list of available travel modes. Additionally, the update works seamlessly with the Wear OS Tile feature, which displays the user's Home and Work locations, allowing for quick and convenient travel planning.

When users select a route, navigation is initiated with always-on display (AOD) support, ensuring that directions are easily accessible at all times. Users can scroll through the directions on their smartwatch and even view a live map by tapping the pill-shaped FAB (floating action button). For a comprehensive overview of the route, the "Preview route" option offers a zoomed-out map view with all the stops along the way.

Seamless Integration and Accessibility

To make accessing Google Maps even more effortless, a transit icon will now appear at the bottom of the watch face, allowing users to quickly return to the app. This seamless integration ensures that users can access transit directions with just a glance at their wrist.

The rollout of transit directions on Wear OS is part of a server-side update, with the latest version of Google Maps for Wear OS being 11.119.0702.W. This update complements the existing features of the app, such as finding nearby transit stations and viewing departure/arrival times, providing users with a comprehensive transit experience.

Conclusion

The addition of public transit directions on Google Maps for Wear OS brings a new level of convenience to smartwatch users. With this update, Wear OS users can easily access transit information, plan their journeys, and navigate through their chosen routes with ease. Whether it's commuting to work, exploring a new city, or simply getting around town, Google Maps on Wear OS ensures that users have the necessary information at their fingertips, right on their wrists.