ViewRanger puts navigation on your wrist

[MikeB]

We are all used to getting directions to our destination via the trusty SatNav. A few years ago this moved to the navigation application on your phone. Now it has evolved one stage further for the outdoor enthusiast with directions being available on your smart watch.

ViewRanger has just announced the introduction of navigation on Android Wear devices from LG, Samsung and Motorola. Now you can not only get textual information on the smart watch you can also get a graphical indication of the direction of travel linked into the compass so it will always point to your next waypoint.

Continue reading for the official press release from ViewRanger:

ViewRanger, the app for adventure, is putting active navigation on your wrist as one of the first apps to be Android Wear™ enabled and ready-to-run on smart watches from LG, Samsung, and Motorola.

A simple glance at ViewRanger running on your Android wearable provides information on where you are and where you are going without needing to fish your smartphone out of a backpack or pocket.

ViewRanger is a mapping and navigation app that is used worldwide and it has been Android Wear enabled to allow a range of vital data to be viewed by glancing at the watch. This includes directions for navigation such as your current coordinates, altitude, heading, plus distance to the next waypoint, point of interest, or to the end of the route, as well as reviewing information about your trip such as the duration, distance travelled, height gained and lost.

Android Wear powers a smart watch and provides notifications from different apps.  ViewRanger’s support for Android Wear goes beyond these basic static notifications. It also integrates graphical elements such as a large navigation arrow that uses the compass sensor within the smart watch, to update whenever you change direction.

Craig Wareham, co-founder of ViewRanger says: “Android Wear does not aim to replicate the smartphone experience, instead it offers a new way to access time sensitive information.

“We think that people will soon get used to checking their wrist for a range of information keeping their smartphone in a pocket or backpack for when a larger screen is required.“

ViewRanger is used by active people worldwide to plan, navigate, record and share their outdoor adventures.  The app is also used and trusted by search and rescue teams including mountain rescue, lowland search, coastguard and search dog teams.

“There is a lot of convenience in having instant, hands-free access to ViewRanger data,” continues Craig. “For many sports and outdoor activities especially mountain biking, climbing, and kayaking you want and need to keep your eyes and hands free for both safety and enjoyment.  This is where Android Wear will transform the app experience.”

A good example of when Android Wear will come into its own is the rescue environment. ViewRanger is widely used by search and rescue (SAR) teams, as it allows instant access to detailed topographical maps and active navigation on a smartphone, without the need for a dedicated GPS device. 

“SAR teams move through tough terrain, usually in the dark or foul weather conditions, often carrying equipment,” Craig continues. 

“With Android Wear they can have key navigation alerts coming to a watch with more detailed mapping available on a smartphone in their pocket. It’s much quicker and leaves the hands free for dealing with rescue equipment or a casualty.” 

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Mike Barrett

[factory-fit]

Looks ideal for flying a microlight, 'phone in your pocket and only the wrist to check. Phones are a little delicate for open cockpit use so can be safe and dry.

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