Finally, offline search and navigation is coming to Google Maps

We’ve been craving a better offline Google Maps experience for years, and we’ve finally got it.

During its I/O Keynote (in which we saw Glimpses of Android M and Android Pay), Google revealed that Maps will support offline turn-by-turn directions, letting you get to your destination even if you’re in an area with spotty connectivity.

Not only that, but offline data will also include nearby places of interests such as restaurants, along with reviews and opening hours.

There’s no mention of whether or not you can increase the size of the downloaded area (downloading the entire UK for example, is still not possible currently), but we guess we’ll find out when the updated Maps lands “later this year”.

Esat Dedezade Contributor

About

Esat has been a gadget fan ever since his tiny four-year-old brain was captivated by a sound-activated dancing sunflower. From there it was a natural progression to a Sega Mega Drive, a brief obsession with hedgehogs, and a love for all things tech. After 7 years as a writer and deputy editor for Stuff, Esat ventured out into the corporate world, spending three years as Editor of Microsoft's European News Centre. Now a freelance writer, his appetite for shiny gadgets has no bounds. Oh, and like all good human beings, he's very fond of cats.