You Will Never Get Lost with Google Maps
Since 2005, Google Maps has proven to be an indispensable app that meets everyone’s needs especially travellers. We have all used Google Maps at least once at some point to get directions for a specific destination because it’s very accurate, easy to use and gives you a panoramic street view of your destination. You can’t get lost with Google Maps even if you purposely want to! The only drawback throughout the past years is that it only operates via an internet connection (Wi-Fi or Mobile Packet Data) and even this is no longer an issue to worry about.
It seems that Google has been working very hard to perfect its treasured digital compass and stay ahead of the competition. Last Thursday, Google made a hair-raising announcement about making Google Maps search and navigation features completely functional offline. Moreover, auto-complete searches will be also made available on the offline mode. According to a Google spokesperson, the feature will be available to Google Maps users by the end of this year.
“This was influenced by a number of scenarios where access to maps would be useful,” said the spokesperson in an email conversation with The Huffington Post. “Some examples might include when someone is in a coverage dead-spot in their town or city — for instance a parking garage. Or if someone is traveling to another country and they don’t have a local data plan.”
This superb update will indeed change the future of travel. Even if you aren’t connected to the internet, you will still be able to get turn-by-turn directions, street views and search for your desired destinations. Offline Google Maps will immensely help travellers, particularly those who are located in regions lacking network or individuals who don’t wish to pay for expensive international roaming charges or buy local SIM cards.
“Our goal is to make traveling and exploring new places easier for people,” said the spokesperson. Access to Maps while offline will allow people to make last-minute decisions or search for places of interest on the spot without having to pre-plan the day.”
