Smartwatches powered by Google's Wear OS software are becoming more useful for getting around on public transportation: in an Android-related update to coincide with MWC 2024, Google announced that its Google Maps smartwatch app will now have the option to display detailed directions for public transportation The company announced that its smartwatch app Google Maps will now have the option of displaying detailed directions for public transportation

This feature will allow users with devices such as the Google Pixel Watch 2 and Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 to keep their phones in their pockets while riding trains, buses, and ferries They can search for their destination, select public transportation as their mode of travel, and follow step-by-step instructions from their wrist

This update applies specifically to public transportation, as Google Maps on Wear OS watches can already provide turn-by-turn directions on foot or by car When spending a few days in an unfamiliar city or simply checking out new attractions in your area, it will be useful to have easy access to public transportation information

When searching for a destination in the Maps application, recommended public transportation is displayed in the travel options An overview of the train and bus routes included in that route and the estimated time of arrival will be displayed By comparing the travel times of the different travel options, you may find that using public transportation is the fastest way to reach your destination

If you have a Wear OS smartwatch with LTE (an option on both the Pixel Watch and Galaxy Watch devices), you can theoretically search for these directions even when your phone is not at hand with Google Wallet, you can already tap the smartwatch to send them to a utility bill payment terminal So even if the smartwatch is the only device they have, they would still be equipped for travel

Speaking of Google Wallet, the smartwatch version of the app will also be upgraded as part of the latest Android feature drop It will allow users to access tickets, membership IDs, loyalty cards, and more from their wrist This includes boarding passes, event tickets, gym passes, etc

Together, these Wear OS updates make the best Android smartwatch even better By better, I mean more independent functionality The more purposes a smartwatch can serve on its own, the more worthwhile it is to invest in a wearable device for everyday use