While Google Maps works great if you have a working internet connection, using it offline is a different story. Offline mode for Google Maps will only offer up the basic map view which sometimes isn’t enough but that will have to do unless you have a different app or a dedicated GPS navigation system.
However Google is hoping to change that and during Google I/O, the company announced that soon Google Maps will be getting an offline search and navigation mode. What this means is that even if you don’t have an internet connection, or at least not a stable one, you can preloaded the maps and routes ahead of time.
From there you will be able to use the app and still get turn-by-turn voice navigation instructions while driving. Unfortunately for now it looks like Google will be rolling out that feature to developing countries where internet is either expensive or spotty in terms of connectivity, but presumably Google will roll it out to the rest of the world eventually.
This is similar to YouTube Offline in which Google allows users in developing countries, such as India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam to download and keep YouTube videos on their devices for up to 48 hours. In the meantime offline search and navigation for Google Maps is expected to roll out later this year although no specific dates were mentioned.
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