To address the issue of poor internet connectivity in India, Google has launched new offline functions in Google Maps. This function will enable you to find your way even in the event of net connectivity problem.
Google Maps will now continue to work in offline mode when you download an area of the world to your phone. Earlier, you could view an area of the map offline, now you can get turn-by-turn driving directions, search for specific destinations, and find useful information about places — like hours of operation, contact information and ratings — all without an internet connection.
Fo instance, if you are flying to Delhi airport, you can now find your way to a few new places when you arrive without the botheration of net connectivity. Before you leave, you can download the area by searching for Delhi, 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 Delhi, even when you’re somewhere with spotty service or no connectivity at all. When a connection is found, it will switch back online so you can easily access the full version of Maps, including live traffic conditions for your current route. Google Maps will, by default, download areas to your device only when you are on a Wi-Fi connection.
“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.
These new capabilities were previewed during Google I/O in May, and Google has starting rolling out these features globally last week. The first set of these improvements with the latest version of Google Maps is now available on Android in India. It will be coming soon on iOS platform.
