[U: Rolled Out] Google Maps on Wear OS introduced a phone-free turn by turn navigation and Google will improve the transfer of media playback

Jan 12/2023: Last week Google announced that Google Maps on Wear OS gets independent navigation and now the feature is officially available for all Wear OS users. The latest feature available on both Bluetooth/Wi-Fi and LTE-only devices

  • Navigation will be launched on: Automatic or Watch only

Jan 05/2023: Google Maps on Wear OS watches with LTE has introduced a phone-free turn by turn navigation.

If you have an LTE-enabled watch or the watch is connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi, you can now enjoy having Maps available on your wrist. This is especially helpful when youโ€™re out for a run or ride and have left your phone behind but want to take a detour or need help finding your way home.

If you have enabled mirroring and start navigation on your phone and then leave your phone behind, the watch will take over the navigation from your phone. This only works on watches paired with Android or iOS devices.

๐Ÿ”— Wear OS Forum

๐Ÿ”— More info on support page

Google will improve the transfer of media playback between devices.

In the future, you will be able to transfer content playback to other devices simply by tapping special notifications. For example, to start listening to a podcast in your car, continue on your phone with your headphones, and finish on your TV at home.

As you move, you’ll see these media notifications on your phone or other devices with a prompt to transfer the audio to a nearby device.

Google is working with Spotify and YouTube Music to use these notifications to help users enjoy the content they are streaming, on the most optimal device available to them.

A year ago there were evidences of a similar feature, called Media Tap To Transfer.

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