Google is the undisputed ruler in the online mapping space, but they don’t stay that way by stagnating. When Google can line up their maps and their Android Wear platform, the result is a complete mini-Android Wear app that you can use to navigate around and is much more useful overall.
The Android Wear mini app is a part of the Google Maps 9.9 update (Who else wants to know what Google has planned for V10?), which installs the mini-app to your Android Wear device automatically. If you’re using the new Android Wear update you can access the mini-app from the new launcher, or by using the “Open Maps” command.
Once the maps application is open, you can pinch-to-zoom or use the +/- on-screen buttons, or scroll around inside the mini-app, as well as use the pin icon on the right to navigate to nearby entries.
You can also initiate navigation from the watch by speaking your destination: ‘Ok Google, Navigate to the MCG’.
When you’re not using the app, it defaults to a black/white ‘low power’ version, though this is more due to Android Wear 5.1.1 than the maps app.
The update is rolling out to phones and tablets through Google Play right now, so check the Play Store to make sure you have the latest version.
