Google Begins Offline Maps Rollout on Android
by Brandon Chester on November 10, 2015 11:20 AM EST- Posted in
- Smartphones
- Android
- Google Maps
Earlier this year at Google I/O it was announced that Google Maps for Android and iOS would be receiving an update that would add the ability to save maps for offline viewing. Interestingly enough, this feature has actually existed and been removed from Google Maps on more than one occasion, and so such a prominent announcement gave some hope that it would stick around for good this time. Today the update is finally rolling out to Maps users on Android.
The feature works in a fairly straightforward manner. When searching a location in maps there will now be a download button in the information page about that location. You can then scroll around to fit the parts of the map you need into the box shown on screen, and when you name and save it the maps for that area will be permanently stored on your device. The applications for this feature are fairly obvious, such as storing maps of areas where you won't have a cell signal, or of places you'll be travelling to in other countries where your phone won't work.
The new version of Google Maps with offline maps is rolling out now on Android, and an updated version for iOS will be coming in the near future.
Source: Official Google Blog
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FatalFlaw - Tuesday, November 10, 2015 - link
Does anyone know if it will automatically update the saved maps during times you have a network connection? I mean, smaller areas won't change too often, but it you're using the feature for areas you frequently travel in, it would be nice if you didn't have to "re-save" them to get them updated.wicketr - Tuesday, November 10, 2015 - link
No. They will expire.sprockkets - Tuesday, November 10, 2015 - link
No, it will update them while on WIFI when necessary.ToTTenTranz - Tuesday, November 10, 2015 - link
Typo in the first sentence?"Earlier this year at Google I/O it was announced that Google Maps for Android and iOS would be receiving an update that would add the ability to save maps for online viewing."
Shouldn't it be "save maps for offline viewing"?
Divide Overflow - Tuesday, November 10, 2015 - link
Nice catch!Penti - Tuesday, November 10, 2015 - link
Would be nice to download a full map for a whole country that you can use for turn-by-turn navigation rather than just a small area, maybe they actually make it work like that this time.zepi - Tuesday, November 10, 2015 - link
Try here maps.rtho782 - Tuesday, November 10, 2015 - link
I tried HERE maps, but it takes me 10 miles out of my way on my daily commute for reasons I'm not quite sure of. Now I don't trust it.Murloc - Wednesday, November 11, 2015 - link
why use a navigator for your daily commute?vespr - Tuesday, November 17, 2015 - link
Probably to test it out on a route that he is very familiar with. That's what I'd do.