Map Feature & Navigation Instructions eg Google maps

It would be great if it would be possible to get navigation instructions on the smartwatch. Maybe as a notification from the Google Maps App.

156 Comments
mbaptista
Jogger

@LizFitbit I've searched everywhere for 'background navigation instructions' on the notification settings of my Fitbit Android app and haven't found it. Can you please explain where is it located?

 

I really think that pushing navigation notification to the watch is a very needed feature. Very useful when biking, walking or even driving in unfamiliar location. Please make it happen ASAP.

SunsetRunner
Not applicable

One reason to buy Fitbit is considering it's acquired by Google and have integration with Google product like Google maps, Google voice Google pay. These two app integration would highly appreciated to Fitbit. I just got the product and thinking if I should switch to apple watch. 

SunsetRunner
Not applicable

An integration with Google apps will make Fitbit comparable with Apple watch. At this stage,

Apple Watch series 5 is a winner. For a heavy Android user Integration with Google apps would make the whole Fitbit watch experience seamless. 

 

One reason I bought Fitbit was considering it's acquired by Google and have integration with Google product like Google maps, Google voice Google pay. This apps integration would highly appreciated to Fitbit.

YojanaFitbit
Moderator Alum
Moderator Alum

Hi @SunsetRunner! We wanted to let you know that the ideas you recently Map Feature & Navigation Instructions eg Google maps  on the Feature Suggestions Board. You can see them here where you can add your vote to those existing suggestions:
Add Google Assistant on Versa 2

Google Pay

Please try to make sure you only post one idea per suggestion, so we can keep the board organized, easily searchable and see which idea other members are voting for.

 

Thanks for participating in Feature Suggestions!

AvinashChawla
Jogger

It would be great to have navigation using Google Maps on the Versa 2. Now that Google has bought Fitbit, this seems to be a possibility!

EdsonFitbit
Fitbit Moderator
Fitbit Moderator

Hi @AvinashChawla, thanks for taking the time to share your feedback about adding Google maps navigation. This feature suggestion already exists so I’ve moved your post here to keep this board organized.

Malc_B
First Steps

Has there been any progress on this? If other apps such as OsmAnd can send a notification to my watch (even if it is a bit poor) surely Google Maps can be used to send a simple arrow and direction to the watchface to let me know when to turn and which way.

kasbrownridge
Jogger

Yes please. Or even with strava. I load my route on that first and it would be great if i would get cues on when to turn   

Herisson_Ford
First Steps

Hello Fibit community,

 

 

I was reading with interest this topic, since I’m seriously considering to buy a Fitbit Versa 2, and this turn by turn feature is something I really need.

I have and use on a daily basis a Xiaomi Mi Band 4, which can, with the help of a third party app, push Google Maps to notifications to the band. It works flawlessly, and it’s very helpful when you walk.

So I was thinking, since this app is designed for the Mi Band 4 but the principle is just to push the notification to the band (by allowing the app notifications), could it be used also with the Versa 2 ?

It’s called Navigator for Mi Band 3, 4, Bip and Cor, can be found here :

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.re.mibandmaps&hl=en_US

Has any one of you tried this ?

If it works, I think this one might be even better :

Navigator for Amazfit GTS, GTR, Pace and other

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.re.amazfitmaps&hl=en_US

 

Exactly the same principle, but meant to use on Amazfit watches, which have a bigger screen and some even a square one (Amazfit GTS), so close to the Fibit Versa 2 form factor.

 

Let me know you feedback, it’s interesting to me to understand if whether or not this works before I purchase the watch.

 

 

Thanks!

DrRobin
Tempo Runner

Hi,

It is very unlikely that the same app will work, you need an app writing for Fitbit and it is that which does not exist.

 

SunsetRunner
Not applicable

Google has developed a Google Maps app for the Apple Watch which includes navigation.  Is it that the Versa isn't capable of doing what the Pebble could do three years ago with the NavMe application?  Why is Google prioritizing providing Maps support to Apple Watch, but can't seem to be bothered with doing the same for a company which it is buying?  Is this a case of the right hand not knowing what the left hand is doing?  Seriously?  What kind of message are you sending to your prospective and current customers?

 
 
Witty_username
Base Runner

Hi all,

 

This feature has been under consideration for quite some time. Do you think the upcoming Google Assistant and / or the new OS 5.0 will finally allow a map / navigation app integration to happen?

SunsetRunner
Not applicable

@LizFitbit @EdsonFitbit @ "There is currently a way to get navigation instructions with vibration alerts on the Ionic and Versa. Under 'notification settings' in the Fitbit App, enable 'background navigation instructions' and make sure Fitbit notifications are enabled too. When you launch Google maps from your phone (be sure that your phone screen is turned to off/sleeping for this to happen), you should start getting text push notifications on your watch.

 

I've looked on the android app and on the web and this option doesn't exist - or I couldn't find it... if you read in the above comments you'll see others can't find it either... and the response here about that has been crickets.  Most people don't need a map replicated to their phone, they need the directions and arrows like were provided by NavMe app that was available on the Pebble.  For goodness sake, if the Pebble could do it years ago with older technology it seems more than a bit odd that this functionality isn't available with the Versa.  You have former Pebble employees that are working for Fitbit and are no doubt on the Versa team - this shouldn't be some kind of mystery wrapped in a riddle inside an enigma.

 
chnacat
Jogger

@SunsetRunner  said, "I've looked on the android app and on the web and this option doesn't exist - or I couldn't find it... if you read in the above comments you'll see others can't find it either... and the response here about that has been crickets."

 

this.

 

this was a dealbreaker for me and i don't have a fitbit anymore, i got myself a samsung watch, which has this capability and honestly is great.  i'm not sure that it's counting my steps as accurately as the fitbit did, but the total disregard for their user base by fitbit speaks volumes and they don't get my money anymore.

tntate786
Jogger

This should really be implemented. Hopefully it will come with other things when Google assistant is added to the versa 3

Semvn
Base Runner

I want this for Komoot and general GPX tracks.

Just some arrows for turn-by-turn navigation, paired to a cell phone, would do the trick on my Charge 4.

encoreguy
Recovery Runner

This doesn’t just need to be for Versa. With good design even the Luxe can have google maps navigation. Would love to see this!

encoreguy
Recovery Runner

This would be super awesome. I'm imagining something similar to the Apple Watch/Apple Maps integration. This should work even for smaller trackers like the Luxe (which I have).

squeezitgirdle
First Steps

Hey guys, I came here trying to figure out how to get navigation instructions while I'm on my motorcycle. 

 

I see some steps on how to turn navigation notifications on but I see nowhere in my app on my phone, or on my fitbit sense I just bought. 

 

I ride a motorcycle and used to use my old fossil watch from around 6 years ago for navigation instructions. Sadly the Bluetooth on that device sucks and it's constantly disconnecting so I got rid of it. 

I'm surprised this wasn't already a feature for this watch. 

Semvn
Base Runner

You can use Komoot and have notifications like "turn right on ... street".

I does not work great, an special app would be much better as well as icons, but Fitbit isn't very keen on adding functionality, even if everybody wants it (e.g. support for other music services then Spotify premium).

This being said, GPS lasts for under 3 hours on my device, so you can't really go far. For this reason, I have switched to another brand of sports watches.

CaptainBoxer
First Steps

This feature will be very helpful. Looking forward to get this feature in fitbit verse 2

sharans
First Steps

Bought Versa 3 a week ago and super excited to use it . However one thing is disappointing and that is no navigation in it. Would love to see this update soon.

jtc_dk
Recovery Runner

Try Navigation Wear https://play.google.com/store/search?q=navigation%20wear&c=apps  in connection with Google Maps on a Android device.

NathHasQuestion
First Steps

I understand that Fitbit typically doesn't try to replicate 'Smart Watch' functions and instead focuses on fitness/health. But this is certainly a feature that has strong fitness uses (navigating while biking, running, etc), there is no excuse to not have this.

 

Especially now that the Google acquisition of Fitbit is finalised!

SunsetRunner
Not applicable

I think it is quite telling that Google Maps is fully supported by Google on the Apple Watch, and has been for several years, yet Fitbit still has no support.  Need I say more?

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