Google Maps Notification based Nav-Prompt App

Hi,

I recently came from a Pebble2 to the Garmin World with a Vivoactive3.

On the Pebble, there was a neat little app which basically just used the notifications from an active Google Maps Navigation to display the navigation prompts on the watch.
There were typical turn-symbols assigned to each prompt and those where changed when a new notification came through.

The app just displayed 3 types of data: the NavPrompt Symbol, the distance until the next turn and the arrival time.

I have seen some Apps that use Google Maps Navigation but those require a companion app and you need to type the address in these apps and send it to the watch as I understand.

The above described version would only need the active Navigation on the phone. You can then keep the phone locked in the pocket and get all the necessary information prompted to the app on the watch.

Is thins possible in theory or are there any limitations on the Connect IQ side?

Thanks.

Alexis_Lecanu over 7 years ago

I had seen but I could not get the google map notifications.
So it interests me to know that Pebble is doing it.
The limitation is not listed Connect iq but more information sharing between google map and the rest.

NomekSan over 7 years ago

This is what the watchface looks like in different situations on the pebble: https://goo.gl/images/QwskTM

I don't know how the notifications look like under the surface but I would guess that it contains of a string with the direction, distance, the command "turn left on XY-street" and the arrival time.
Since the distance to the next turn and arrival time are constantly updated, google sends notifications constantly. This may be why Garmin decided to block the Maps notifications for know as I've read. People where getting constant notifications when Maps was running.

r.485 over 7 years ago

Hi,
Is this possible in theory or are there any limitations on the Connect IQ side?

Of course this is a very nice idea, but currently Connect IQ apps cannot read the content of notifications, only the count. A workaround would be a companion app that reads the notification content and sends it to the watch.

I have seen some Apps that use Google Maps Navigation but those require a companion app and you need to type the address in these apps and send it to the watch as I understand. The above described version would only need the active Navigation on the phone. You can then keep the phone locked in the pocket and get all the necessary information prompted to the app on the watch..

We have apps that match your description, but I have to highlight some advantages:
(1) The app does NOT require the companion app. You can enter the address on the watch itself or use a saved location. It's just a lot easier to use the companion app.
(2) After you've set a route, you don't even need your phone - unless you want to recalculate the route (which can also be done on the watch itself) or if you want to see the map tiles. This will save your phone's battery, since you don't need its GPS or data.

https://apps.garmin.com/en-US/apps/7...f-0473dca169c1

NomekSan over 7 years ago

Hi r.485,

I just wrote some lengthy answer and the forum crashed on me :confused:

I know your apps a little bit and they work fine without companion app. The available functionality is just so much more than what I need for my purpose :)

Regarding the Pebble app I forgot to mention that this did need an companion app, I guess that similar restrictions where in place there.
This app however just worked for settings and as a data exchange.

I just liked the simplicity of it: Start navigation on the phone, put it away, the app started automatically on the watch and I had all the needed infos there.

I will however give your apps some more testing for sure.

Alexis_Lecanu over 7 years ago

I've been thinking and talking with other Android developers and I'm currently doing something dev, but my method will not work on iOS right now.
If you are interested to test and make me feedback from my version in development sent me your email in private message.

Alexis_Lecanu over 7 years ago

https://apps.garmin.com/en-US/apps/ac9022d5-274b-4515-a1e5-1c2164c05202

NomekSan over 7 years ago

Hey,

that is amazing :)

Can you add compatibility with the Vivoactive 3, I will gladly report any bugs I find.
This looks exactly like the thing I was looking for.

Alexis_Lecanu over 7 years ago

No problem, I am currently being tested but via the simulator on other devices. I add the Vivoactive 3 quickly then.

NomekSan over 7 years ago

Just seen that you made it now available on the VA3 and many other devices.

Thanks a lot, that was quick! I'm putting it to the test right away.

Alexis_Lecanu over 7 years ago

Top, send me an email([email protected]) if you have any problems