In May of this year Google announced at its I/O conference the availability of a function for Maps that would allow users to perform searches and GPS navigation without connection to the data network.
The use of digital mapping programs is one of the most necessary features on a smartphone when traveling or finding an address in an unknown area, but without a data link the capacity of most phones is practically nil.
Although there are other applications that allow downloading maps outside online (like HERE from Nokia) Google Maps, the most used app in the world for this purpose, did not have this option.
Now the update is finally reaching users. Today Google Maps will have an improved version that allows "offline mode", enabling all Android devices the possibility of browsing even without a network connection.
Although since 2012 there was a way to save areas of a map, this was quite complicated and did not include most places in the world, but only allowed downloading in certain select areas in which Google tested the implementation of the function.
Now when we search for a destination in Maps we will have an button that says DOWNLOAD. After pressing it, Google will show us the area covered by the offline functionality, which we can adjust according to our needs.
In addition to the cartography, Google Maps will download the names of the businesses and main places of interest, as well as the labels, evaluation stars from other users and telephone numbers that we may need, but the photographs will not be downloaded due to free space on the devices.
In this first version of the offline option, Google will not include the traffic status, although The company says it will add more capabilities very soon.
iPhone devices are expected to get the update in the coming weeks, while Android smartphones should see the updated version in the store today.
Updated on: 11/11/2015 00:00:00
Source of Information: SoyTecno
