Situatie
Most modern smartwatches and fitness trackers now feature built-in GPS. The same is marketed aggressively by brands and OEMs.
Smartwatches with a built-in GPS receiver can use Global Positioning System to locate and track their location. It is similar to GPS on your smartphone, but data and location results may vary based on the watch’s satellite system.
The GPS helps enhance safety and fitness features on the watch. Depending upon the watch, it can alert authorities about your location in case of an emergency and help track your route duration and distance while running, cycling, or doing other outdoor activities.
Solutie
Does it Work Offline Without Internet?
Yes, the GPS can work offline without the internet or connectivity with your phone. The smartwatch GPS receiver takes signals directly from the satellite to check your location, which helps map your routes, location, and altitude.
However, note that the GPS can only tell where you are on the earth by itself. Navigating using location will require information on roads, shops, directions, and more, which is only possible online or has offline data for Maps.
Connected vs Built-in GPS on Smartwatches
Smartwatches have two types of GPS support- connected GPS and built-in GPS. Connected GPS means that the watch does not have its own GPS hardware and instead relies on your smartphone’s location to track data.
If you own a GPS smartwatch, you can use it while doing any activity such as running, walking, cycling, climbing, etc., for accurate tracking and mapping of the route, distance traveled, and speed.
It may also measure elevation during hiking or trekking. Some smartwatches use an altimeter to measure the pressure changes at different heights to provide real-time elevation changes and accurately track the position. You also get an option to create a 3D map representation of your route.
Moving further, you can use the onboard GPS for navigating around provided the watch’s software supports it. For instance, Wear OS smartwatches come with Google Maps. Whereas the Apple Watch has built-in Maps to get directions.
If you’re an outdoor guy who loves working out every day and wants to track steps and distance traveled while running, cycling, or walking, you must look for watches with built-in GPS. The same holds for folks who love hiking or going on treks.
Or, if you’re someone who always carries their phone while jogging or working out, then even watches with connected GPS would do the job. On the other hand, if smartwatches are all about checking notifications or controlling music for you, you should probably save your money and get a non-GPS smartwatch. These days, most smartwatches and fitness trackers in the premium and upper mid-range segment offer built-in GPS.
The accuracy of GPS on smartwatches can vary based on your make and model. OEMs use different GPS sensors and receivers that govern the location’s accuracy.
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