Google hopes to make getting around in India a little easier, with the launch of new offline functions in Google Maps. Users can now download an area of the world to their phone, and the next time the find there’s no connectivity, Google Maps will continue to work. Whereas before you could view an area of the map offline, now you can get turn-by-turn driving directions, search for specific destinations, and find information about places such as like hours of operation, contact information and ratings.
Now, before you leave for a particular destination, you can download the area by searching for it and then tapping “Download”. Alternatively, you can go to “Offline Areas” in the Google Maps menu and tapping on the “+” button. Once you’ve downloaded your map, Google Maps will still work when you’re making your way around the city, even when you’re somewhere with spotty service or no connectivity at all.
Offline Maps has arrived! Find your way, even when the internet can’t find you https://t.co/N8fJwcTMSs pic.twitter.com/tBHnqZeAS0
— Google India (@googleindia) November 19, 2015
When a connection is found, it will switch back online so you can access the full version of Maps, including live traffic conditions for your current route. However, Google Maps will, by default, download areas to your device only when you are on a Wi-Fi connection.
These new capabilities were first previewed during Google I/O in May, and started rolling out globally last week. Now, the company is gradually rolling out the first set of these improvements with the latest version of Google Maps on Android (coming soon to iOS) in India.
“Having a spotty internet connection shouldn’t mean you miss your next turn. With the launch of these new offline features, like turn by turn navigation and the ability to search for places, we hope it will be easier for people in India to find their way using Google maps.” explains Suren Ruhela, Director, Google Maps.
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