Komoot for Wear OS: New smartwatch app provides navigation without a smartphone

​Komoot is radically overhauling its smartwatch navigation: the new app for Wear OS brings detailed offline maps, standalone route recording and automatic route recalculation for Android to the wrist for the first time. A similar iOS app already exists.

​Analysis: Komoot brings smartwatches closer to cycle computers

With its new Wear OS app, Komoot is filling an important gap. Detailed offline maps, standalone navigation, trip recording and route recalculation make the smartwatch significantly less reliant on a smartphone. For short after-work rides, hikes or runs, the watch can therefore partially replace a dedicated cycle computer or an outdoor handheld device. On long cycle tours, traditional GPS cycle computers still have the edge thanks to their larger displays, longer battery life and better usability on the handlebars – but not quite as much as before. – Adrian Kaether, Test & Technology Editor

Komoot has released a completely revamped smartwatch app for Wear OS. The update makes compatible Android watches significantly less reliant on a smartphone: planned routes can be opened on the smartwatch and then navigated and recorded offline. Supported devices include the Samsung Galaxy Watch, Google Pixel Watch and OnePlus Watch, as well as other smartwatches running Wear OS. Update: A similar app for the Apple Watch already exists.

This represents a major leap forward in terms of functionality compared to the previous Komoot app. Until now, the watch essentially just showed the next turn, whilst navigation and map display were handled entirely by the smartphone. The new version now brings maps, turn-by-turn directions and key navigation features directly to the watch.

Komoot navigation with offline maps on your wrist

The most significant new feature is high-resolution, sport-specific offline maps. Users can zoom in and pan the map on their smartwatch display to get an overview of their surroundings. As well as the planned route, the app also shows route details and points of interest along the way.

This means the new Wear OS app is aimed not only at cyclists, but also at walkers and runners. Particularly on longer trips or in areas with poor mobile signal, the navigation – which is available entirely offline – can offer significant added value.

The route must still be planned in advance using Komoot or transferred to the watch. Once you’re on the move, however, you won’t need an internet connection or a smartphone with you to use the navigation.

Turn signals via the display and vibration

During the ride, Komoot guides you along the planned route with visual turn-by-turn directions and vibration alerts. This means cyclists don’t have to keep looking at the display. Before a turn, the watch vibrates to alert you to the upcoming change of direction.

According to Komoot, the navigation works even without mobile signal. This is particularly useful for gravel, mountain bike and bikepacking tours, which often take riders through remote areas.

Automatic route recalculation without a smartphone

One of the most innovative features of the new Komoot app is automatic route recalculation directly on your smartwatch. If you miss a turn or stray from your planned route, the app will calculate a new route back to your original route.

This means the app goes beyond simply displaying a map or mirroring instructions from a smartphone. The watch takes over key navigation tasks independently whilst on the move. A practical test will have to show just how quickly the route recalculation works and how reliably it performs on complex routes.

Record rides directly on your Wear OS watch

Activity tracking also starts straight from your wrist. Whilst cycling, hiking or running, the app displays customisable real-time data. This allows users to decide for themselves which metrics should be highlighted during the activity.

You can initially save several rides to your watch for offline use. As soon as you’re connected again, the ride data will be uploaded automatically. This should be particularly useful on multi-day rides or during activities where your smartphone isn’t constantly paired with the watch.

Simplified map designed to save battery life

A map that remains constantly active is one of the biggest drains on a smartwatch’s battery. Komoot tackles this problem with a simplified view: when the display dims in ‘always-on’ mode, the app switches to a simplified map, which is designed to use less energy.

The full map view reappears as soon as the display is activated. However, the extent to which this approach actually affects battery life depends on the watch being used, the display brightness, GPS usage and the length of the route.

These features are due to be added at a later date

Komoot has already announced further updates for the Wear OS app. These features include not yet included in the current launch line-up, but these are to be supplemented in the coming months:

• Live Sync: Any changes made to a route on a smartphone should appear immediately on the watch. The current recording will not be interrupted.
• Live tracking: Users should be able to share their current location in real time with family or friends.
• Suggestions for places of interest: The app is designed to show the distance to and directions to cafés, beer gardens, viewpoints and other places of interest.
• A preview of the climbs: Upcoming inclines should be detected automatically and displayed with details of their length and gradient.

The planned climb preview feature, in particular, could be of interest to road cyclists, gravel cyclists and mountain bikers. It would bring the Komoot app more in line with the climb features found on modern cycle computers.