Google Maps has brought a wealth of convenience to the masses. It gets people to places without them getting lost, and it can be accessed by whatever devices a user has as long as there's an Internet connection. While Google allows Android users to download a map of a specific region for offline use, navigating to place without Internet access wasn't possible. However, in the latest update for Google Maps for Android, the search engine giant now allows its users to get directions even when they are offline.
According to Google, roughly 60 percent of the world doesn't have an Internet connection, even in this age. Furthermore, even those with Internet access can still find their reception spotty. As such, getting information instantly would still not be possible for the majority of the populace. This is why Google has seen it fit to take its mapping service a step further to help people around the world find the place they want to go to, even when they don't have an Internet connection.
The latest update of Google Maps now allows its users to download an area or a region of the world to any user's Android devices and get directions along the way, even without Internet connectivity. Back then, Google Maps only allowed users to view maps they have downloaded into their Android smartphones. But now, getting directions, including turn-by-turn driving directions, searching for specific areas, and finding useful information about a place's contact information and hours of operation is now possible as well.
Google first previewed offline directions back in Google I/O last May, and the search engine giant will now gradually roll out the update for Google Maps to give users the ability to navigate to places even when they are offline. The update will first arrive to Android devices, but iOS users would still have to wait for theirs.
