Google Maps for Android lets users save maps to memory card

Google Maps for Android has received an update that makes it possible to save offline maps on a memory card. Previously it was only possible to save the maps on the internal memory. The update also adds a WiFi-only mode.

In Wi-Fi-only mode, Google Maps only connects to the servers when a Wi-Fi connection is active. Navigating is then possible on the parts of the map stored on the smartphone, or when connected to a Wi-Fi network. When using mobile networks, the app will not attempt to update maps.

When saving maps for offline use, the Maps app will now ask whether users want to save the map on the internal memory, or whether they want to use the space of the SD memory card, if it is present.

Furthermore, Google has integrated more taxi services into the app. In addition to Uber rides, Maps now shows the fare with GO-JEK in three cities in Indonesia and ten more cities will be added later. Google is also collaborating with Grab in Asia and the services of Gett, Hailo and MyTaxi have been added in a number of cities in Ireland, Poland, Italy, Austria, Russia and Israel. The taxi services are visible from both the Android and iOS app when requesting a route.