Google has updated its popular mapping application for Android with support for latest Android Wear devices.
Google, the world's largest internet search company, is excited about Android Wear and wants its users to get the best experience. The web giant updated its Google Maps app for Android this week, bringing support for its open-source platform for wearable devices, Android Wear. The update comes as a huge surprise as Google is yet to expand its Android Wear portfolio, which consists of Samsung Gear Live and LG G Watch with Moto 360 coming this summer.
The update comes as an added bonus to the Google I/O attendees, who either got the LG G Watch or Samsung Gear Live at the keynote as a complimentary gift. The Google Maps app version 8.1.1 will now be able to sync data such as turn-by-turn navigation commands to paired Android Wear devices. Smartwatch owners can now search for a location, start navigating, see directions and exit, all without taking the smartphone out of the pocket.
Google originally announced the Android Wear platform for wearable devices in March and showed off the first compatible smartwatches at last week's Google I/O keynote. The new platform allows wearables to pair with Android smartphones running Jelly Bean 4.3 and above and supports both square and round faced watches. Samsung and LG were first partners to launch the Gear Live and G watch for $199 and $229, respectively. The premium Moto 360 is expected to hit the shelves during summer. ASUS, which is also a Google partner, is expected to launch its own smartwatch on Android Wear platform later this year.
With Google's Android Wear SDK available for developers, updating the app to support the new wearable platform is the next step in order.
The Google Maps for Android is available in Play Store and users can just update the app from the device.
