When your phone is not available, you can use Google Maps on your Gear S2. This feature is limited to offline use however, so do not go too far without it.
This feature is not available every time, so make sure to check if it is included when you order the watch!
When using this app on the Gear S2, you will be given a small map that can be displayed in two ways: as a list of locations or as a map. You can either use the list or switch between top and bottom display modes using your Gear S2’s buttons or a touchscreen.
The map will give you some interesting facts about each location you visit including how tall or short they are, what language they speak, what culture they have and what sport they use.
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Connect your Gear S2 to your phone
Once your S2 is connected to your phone, you can get directions, check the weather, and leave comments on places. All of these features work without a problem.
However, there are two things that do not work: taking a picture and editing any maps. Neither picture nor edit feature works on a map.
This is probably because Gear S2 pictures are not yet loaded onto the phone as easily as phone pictures work on smartwatches.
However, once this update is made, then Google Maps for Gear S2 will finally let you take beautiful pictures and make awesome presentations! Until then, try these few features out and see if they work for you.
Open the Google Maps app
Once your Gear S2 is connected to a phone via Bluetooth, you can open the app directly from your smartphone.
This is great for finding places nearby, or using the GPS to find a specific location. You can also use the maps mode, where you can tap on a location and have it projected onto a map!
Sadly, there are no keyboard support features in this app, however, you can still input addresses and such. This is nice for entering notes while driving or on foot, as no device necessary is necessary is needed while driving or outdoors.
It looks similar to the iPhone and Android apps, only with a different look and feel.
Select “Make available on device”
Now, choose whether or not you want to have access to the map on your device. If you do, then you can use it to get assistance when needed.
If not, then the map will not be available due to Google Maps being an app on your device and not having access to the internet.
This is a permanent method for having access to the map on your Gear S2 spate, as the app requires internet connectivity to function.
However, if you have a lot of phone calls or visitors coming over soon, be aware that you will need to have a way for them to find your home address. This article may seem basic, but having clear instructions is necessary when doing something like this.
Reviewer: When using this feature, make sure that you are still holding down the power button while also selecting the map.
Select “Smartwatch”
Once enabled, Google Maps will appear as a menu option on your Gear S2
. You can either tap it to bring it up or press and hold the smartwatch display until it appears.
This is really handy as it allows you to navigate using your Gear S2 without having to download the app, which is super helpful.
From here, you can tap anywhere on the watchface to get your location, or press and hold the display until you get your location.
Tap and hold the map until options appear
Choose one of the following to add the location to your device: Starbucks, a park, a library, or a shopping center. Once added, you can tap and hold the map to add it as a place you know whereabouts.
This feature works on every map type: POIs, streets, and maps. You can edit locations or submit them directly through Google. Tap and hold the map until options appear then select Add new location.
Once submitted, Google checks whether it’s a good fit for your phone and adds it. You can then tap and hold the map to add a new location as previously mentioned.
If you want to change where you locate an object in your map such as an area or building you need to switch out your current phone’s GPS for the Gear S2ondeo’s gps.
Select “Save map to device”
Now that you have your map, you can use it to find your way around! Similar to how Google Maps works on a smartphone, the Gear S2onde shows you various buildings and roads near you.
You can easily verify your location using a nearby flagpole or public transit system. Once you do this, you can access local businesses and services via the map.
Some features such as driving instructions are not available yet, but that will be added shortly. Currently, this feature is only helping you find places in the area, not go places!
Using the map is very simple: Just point your Gear at the location you want to visit and GPS tells your device where it is.
Zoom in and out as needed
When using Google Maps on Gear S2 sidelines, you can zoom in and out as needed. Similar to iPhones and iPads, you can press and hold on an address or place to zoom in.
When the map is zoomed in enough, a red circle appears around the location. You can then slide up or down to scale the location up or down in size.
Ifyou want to add more details such as a flag or outline, click on that extra piece of information and add it!
You can also tap on the add detail button once more if you want to add new details.
Find your location on the map
Once you do, you can go somewhere nearby by tapping the screen and entering your location. You can also return home if you went somewhere fun along the way.
Another great use for the map is walking. Being able to pull up a map and find your way in a non-ideal environment is helpful.
If you are unsure of how to enter your location, look on the back of your device for a little round button that turns into a circle when pressed. That button is your entry point.
Once you enter your location, keep an eye out for an indicator on the map that shows you are located at that spot. If there is an obstacle in your path, chances are there will be a red outline on the map indicating it is not safe to be there.