However, the data stored offline gets seamlessly updated with real-time information as soon as you get connected to the internet again.
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Google announced this new feature at Google I/O back in May, and updates of the Google Maps app on Android are starting to roll out now. This is to make sure that they can continue using the service even in the absence of an internet connection. While Here Maps can download an entire province or state onto a phone, Google Maps asks the user to manually search and find an area much smaller than a typical state. Once downloaded, Google Maps will automatically recognize when you have a awful connection and then switch to offline mode.
The app update has already started rolling out to Android users via APK v9.17.0, while iOS users will have to wait a little longer. This offline maps feature was previewed at Google I/O in May.
Google Maps already have the option to save a few specific marked areas since 2012.
Users are also able to access turn-by-turn driving directions because of the update.
While Google allows Android users to download a map of a specific region for offline use, navigating to place without Internet access wasn’t possible. Done. Just download your destination while you’re connected to Wi-Fi (for instance, before you leave for your trip, or at the hotel), and then you’ll be able to access it even when there’s no data in sight.
Previously mentioned during its I/O conference in May, Google did not offer a release time until now. To help users avoid large data fees, maps for local areas are designed by default to download onto a user’s device only when a WiFi network is available, Bishop added.
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Google, which is now owned by holding company Alphabet, is also the target of a five-year anti-trust investigation by the European Union into its search services and whether it favours its own services in search results over those of its rivals.
