At last! Google Maps just introduced offline navigation and search (but it's only on Android at the moment)

1 months ago

Google just made lives easier for those who struggle to use Maps in a spotty Wi-Fi or data connection.

From today, Android phone and tablet users will be able to use Google Maps offline – with support now available for offline map navigation.

Since 2012, it has been possible to save certain areas offline, but this is the first time Google Maps is able to be indexed for search and navigation without being connected to the internet.

Google Maps GIF – Find & Share on GIPHY

It is designed to work seamlessly with the online version of Maps, so when the Wi-Fi or data connection drops, the app will continue to work relaying up-to-date information.

Google says that the user won’t see the difference between online and offline in the front as the app will continue to work seamlessly in the background.

“Whereas before you could simply view an area of the map offline, now you can get turn-by-turn driving directions, search for specific destinations, and find useful information about places, like hours of operation, contact information or ratings,” the tech giant wrote on its blog.

However, space constraints mean venues such as restaurants stored on Maps will have names and phone numbers but no user-generated photos or reviews. However, Google says it will be adding more capabilities in future versions of the app.

So how does it work?

“You can download an area by searching for a city, county or country, for instance, and tapping ‘Download’ on the resulting place sheet, or by going to ‘Offline Areas’ in the Google Maps menu and tapping on the ‘+’ button,” says Google’s product manager Amanda Bishop.

Google Maps GIF – Find & Share on GIPHY

“Once downloaded, Google Maps will move into offline mode automatically when it recognises you’re in a location with spotty service or no connectivity at all.

“When a connection is found, it will switch back online so you can easily access the full version of Maps, including live traffic conditions for your current route.”

Google adds that by default it will download areas to our devices when logged on to Wi-Fi to stop us being hit by large data fees.

While the offline mode is only available on Android at the moment, Google says it will also arrive on iOS devices soon.