Google announced a series of software innovations that affected the entire Android ecosystem, including some new features for the Android Auto and Wear OS spin-offs .
Among the new features relating to Wear OS , the operating system that runs on smartwatches , one concerned public transport directions within Google Maps : a few weeks later, this functionality now seems to be widely available.
Google Maps: public transport directions also for Wear OS
A few weeks after the official announcement, Google Maps in its version for Wear OS is enriched with a feature that has already been present for some time in the smartphone counterpart of the highly appreciated map and navigation app: directions on public transport.
Users can now rely solely on their smartwatch when on the move and consult turn-by-turn directions as well as departure times for public transportation (such as buses, trains and ferries).
When the functionality is available, once you search for a place to reach or select a recent destination, the new option for navigating by public transport will appear. Once this option has been selected, the possible routes or a “recommended” route will be shown: once a route has been selected from those proposed, navigation will start.
You can also view a list with the entire route, step by step, to your destination, and there is a dedicated button to view the map in real time. Returning to the dial while navigating on public transport, however, an icon (in the shape of a train) will be shown at the bottom to immediately return to the Google Maps app.
The feature comes after an update to the app
Public transit navigation functionality is rolling out gradually within Google Maps for Wear OS starting with version 11.119.0702.W of the app.
