Key Points:
- Google Maps updates Wear OS Tile, replacing the “Search” button with a direct “Map” shortcut for quicker access to the map view.
- The new update allows users to tap on places for basic listings and view upcoming departure times for transit stops directly from the map.
- Additional features include the map view serving as a basic compass and a subtle update to the Google Contacts Wear OS Tile.
As Google Maps has continued progressing to refine the user experience, it has recently released an updated version for the platform of Wear OS, targeting to establish better navigation performance. This revision, whose sequence number points to the 11.124.0702.W version tag, is now a new “Map” app title rather than the previous old “Search” icon on the Wear OS Tile. The change is designed to simplify the user experience by enabling a one-click cartogram view, thus reducing the number of stages.
Before the new Google Maps Tile was installed, it was used as a road to the app which displayed places to navigate to and it listed dozens of “Nearby” options. Nevertheless, akin to the modified one, the users can easily re-direct to the map view by tapping the newly-added “Map” feature. This is perfect for people to be able to directly explore and obtain basic information with a mere touch, and for those who use public transit or busy terminals, checking the coming departures would be done directly from the map interface.
Secondly, map view boosts to show them the way, doubling as a compass. It is this feature that is a major distinctive element that separates Wear OS from the Pixel Watch, which does not have it. Further, the tidbit shows that the app interface has changed slightly where the Google Contacts Icon for Wear OS is as well, signaling that more possibilities for customization might come soon.
While the increased abilities of Wear OS are certain to be improved with the updates of the platform, with this in mind it can be concluded that Google will focus on making user interaction and accessibility in wearable devices better.
