Google Maps has finally introduced one of the most desired features we’ve been waiting for: the ability to automatically download maps for offline use. If you enable the option, Google is able to detect the areas which you frequent the most, and it will download the full map automatically.
This option makes it possible to make full use of the map (even search, routes, etc), even if you’re working under a bad or non-existent connection.
For the time being, the feature is only available with the new update for Android, but there a new functions being introduced every day. If you can’t wait for the latest, you can always download the APK version of the app for the most recent version.
But that’s not all that’s changed. Now you can make use of a persistent notification when using the navigation option, that now offers a much clearer interface giving you a better idea of where to go and what to look out for:
