It's not uncommon to have a spotty internet connection in India and this can be really frustrating when you're trying to find your way to a new place or looking for your next turn while driving. From today, Google makes it easier with the launch of new offline functions on Google Maps.
One can now download an area of the world to the phone, and the next time there's no connectivity, Google Maps will continue to work.
Now turn-by turn-driving directions, search for specific destinations and useful information about places can be obtained without an internet connection.
Say you're flying to Delhi airport and will need to find your way to a few new places when you arrive. Before you leave, you can download the area by searching for Delhi, and then tapping "Download".
Alternatively, you can go to "Offline Areas" on 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. 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.
