Galaxy Watch users can look forward to the new Maps feature

Google had already mentioned it during the Pixel presentation, and now it is becoming a reality: Owners of a Wear OS smartwatch, such as the current Galaxy Watch models, can now download maps in Google Maps directly to the new watch so that they can use it offline.

Galaxy Watch: Finally use Google Maps offline

Using Google Maps on the Galaxy Watch can sometimes be a bit frustrating. Every time you open the app to see the route to your destination, the current map of the region has to be downloaded first. This often only takes a few seconds, but it's still annoying.

But that may be over now. As 9to5Google reports, Google has updated the Google Maps app for Wear OS smartwatches, giving it a new feature: Offline maps.

Android smartphone users are already familiar with this function. It allows you to download maps in advance via Wi-Fi or the mobile network. This is particularly useful when you are going on holiday and can save unnecessary roaming charges or are travelling in a place where reception is poor.

This function is now also available for Wear OS devices such as the Samsung Galaxy Watch from the fourth generation or the Pixel Watch devices.

How the offline maps function works

Offline maps that you have already downloaded to your smartphone should Automatically synchronize with your smartwatch – provided you still have enough free storage space. In addition, an offline map of your immediate area should be created when you first start the Maps app after the update.

You can manage your offline maps directly on your smartwatch in the menu item of the same name. By default, Google updates the offline maps when your smartwatch is connected to WiFi and is charging.

So far, Google seems to still have the update not fully rolled out globallyIn any case, the update has not yet been offered to us on the Pixel Watch 2. It will probably take a few more days until the function is available to all users of a Wear OS smartwatch.

Is it worth buying the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 or Ultra? We'll tell you what's changed in the new generation in the hands-on video:

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