Google Maps for iOS Gains Apple Watch App

[MacRumors]

Google today updated its Google Maps app for iOS to version 4.11.0, adding support for the Apple Watch. As of today, there's a Google Maps app that delivers directions on Apple's wrist-worn device.

Along with a new Apple Watch app, today's update also includes a tool for comparing estimated travel times across driving, transit, walking and biking directions, and it adds a feature for calling businesses and getting directions from a list of places. As with most updates, there are also unspecified bug fixes.

What's New
- Easily compare ETAs across driving, transit, walking & biking
- Call business & get directions directly from a list of places
- Get directions to places now on your Apple Watch
- Bug fixes

This isn't Google's first app for the Apple Watch, but it will arguably be the most useful as there are many iOS users who still prefer to use Google Maps over Apple Maps.

Google Maps can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Article Link: Google Maps for iOS Gains Apple Watch App

 

[MrLoL]

It just shows a list of step by step directions, not really convenient...

 

[hagr182]

Nice! now all I need is to keep waiting for apple watch gen 2 to experience it!!

 

[joshwenke]

I think the Apple Maps app actually beat Google Maps this time... their turn-by-turn directions are awesome on the watch.

 

[imacericg]

Waze > Google Maps

 

[Branden Dae]

Not so useful Apple Watch app... I'll continue using Waze on the phone and charging my watch while I commute.

 

[v0lume4]

Waze > Google Maps

Not so useful Apple Watch app... I'll continue using Waze on the phone and charging my watch while I commute.

Ditto the Waze comments. Hands down the best routing app, period.

 

[greytmom]

I'm a Maps gal, myself.

 

[Branden Dae]

Ditto the Waze comments. Hands down the best routing app, period.

Too bad Google hasn't incorporated full Waze features into Maps (yet?).

 

[Sirious]

Does it take advantage of the Taptic Engine, telling you when you turn?

 

[r-m]

It just shows a list of step by step directions, not really convenient...

Yeah seems a bit pointless.
Get a quick glance of direction instructions on the Google maps watch app, then still switch to Apple maps watch app for turn by turn directions... Erm, nope.

 

[dannys1]

Turn by turn directions on the Watch by being tapped for left/right with haptic feedback are one of about 4-5 Watch features that make me never want to have to do things without one again. Just being about to drive without looking at a sat nav map or listening to a voice is a joy.

 

[wayne226]

New nearby transit widget also

 

[WestonHarvey1]

Funny that the second screenshot just demonstrates the pervasive lack of functionality of most watch apps. Not the best foot to put forward.

 

[big-ted]

I think the Apple Maps app actually beat Google Maps this time... their turn-by-turn directions are awesome on the watch.

Its just a shame that Apple Maps are next to useless outside of North America

 

[ryanmcv]

Doesn't seem to fix the issue I'm having with Google Maps on my 6s Plus. I haven't been able to get Google Maps to access/search my iPhone contacts. It works fine on my iPad and worked on my 6 Plus before I upgraded last week. Anyone else having this issue?

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/google-maps-contact-integration.1922231/
https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/maps/u0sWmBG4rUU;context-place=forum/maps

 

[bearboy]

Waze > Google Maps

Isn't Waze owned by Google?

 

[peteo]

Ditto the Waze comments. Hands down the best routing app, period.

Waze has transit directions?

 

[v0lume4]

Too bad Google hasn't incorporated full Waze features into Maps (yet?).

Umm, I had assumed they just purchased Waze for their data. But that's me. Accidents and traffic reports show up on Google Maps which sometimes say "from Waze" (or something close to that) when tapped on. I hope Google keeps the hands-off approach with Waze--I'd hate to see it change.

 

[v0lume4]

Waze has transit directions?

Unfortunately not.

 

[peteo]

Yeah seems a bit pointless.
Get a quick glance of direction instructions on the Google maps watch app, then still switch to Apple maps watch app for turn by turn directions... Erm, nope.

Yeah. Still could be useful to get transit directions from where ever I am since apple does not have them in my area yet

 

[cableguy84]

Why does every apple watch app have that horrible UI, just a black background with some text on it.

It looks so basic doesnt look polished at all

 

[danielsan26]

Next stop, carplay (please?)

 

[Totalkharnage]

Maybe use the app before you right the article.

As others have said, it's rubbish and basically useless. Well done Google <slow clap>

 

[Pagemakers]

App is yet another junk one. SLOW to load. Not activated by the iPhone.

Poor effort.

Uninstalled.