New Navigation Features for Coros Pace 4

The Coros Pace 4, which has already garnered praise for its performance during extensive marathon training, has just become even more versatile. Following a recent free software update, the device now supports offline maps, enabling users to follow routes with turn-by-turn navigation. This addition solidifies the Pace 4's position as one of the most accessible sports watches currently on the market to offer such advanced navigational tools.


The Storage Trade-off

While this update is a significant boost for functionality, there is a notable hardware limitation: storage. The Pace 4 is equipped with 4GB of internal memory, which is considerably less than the 16GB+ typically found on devices with mapping support. Once system files are accounted for, users are left with roughly 1.6GB of available space.


However, this constraint may not be a dealbreaker for most users. As noted by industry observers, there is sufficient room to store maps for your immediate vicinity or specific travel destinations. For instance, data covering major regions like London or the New York-Philadelphia corridor occupies only a fraction of the available storage. While users cannot download the entire globe at once, the ability to swap map tiles via the Coros app makes the limited space manageable.


How to Access and Use Offline Maps

To implement this feature, follow these steps:

  • Update your watch firmware through the official Coros app.
  • In the app, select specific geographical grid squares to download.
  • Connect your watch to Wi-Fi to sync the chosen map data.

Once the maps are synced, you can toggle between your live performance metrics and the navigation screen during outdoor workouts using the watch's action button. Routes can be designed directly within the 'Explore' tab of the companion app.


Impact on the Market

The inclusion of offline maps in an entry-level device is a bold move. Historically, such features have been reserved for the premium, high-end tiers of competitors like Garmin. By democratizing these professional-grade navigation tools, Coros continues its trend of extending the lifecycle and value of its hardware through continuous software support. Despite the small screen size, the device's vibrant AMOLED display ensures that map details remain clear and readable while on the move.