An all-new “Wi-Fi Only” mode, which has been in beta testing with some users for a number of weeks already, lets you switch the Google Maps app to operate with full functionality only when it’s connected to a Wi-Fi network.
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Google Maps for Android is getting a few new tricks, the company confirmed in a blog post, including two features that users wanted for years. This feature has been in the pipeline for at least a month now. Mountain View has also introduced support for storing maps on external MicroSD cards. Our new event for NY is focused on quality, not quantity. For example, rather than loading the Google Maps app and watching it try to load with little or no success, the app will automatically function if you’ve downloaded certain areas so they’ll work without an internet connection.
Likewise, if you’re roaming overseas and you’ve only got a small data allowance, using Wi-Fi mode could spare you a nasty case of bill-shock. Grab is an Uber-like service that is available on Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. These new features should make Google Maps more functional for users on Android and iOS devices. Other ride services available in select cities in Ireland, Poland, Italy, Austria, Russia, and Israel include Gett, Hailo, and MyTaxi.
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One of the new features is created to make it easier for you to get along with Google Maps even if you are in an area where service is spotty.
