Go offline with Google Maps for Android

[Cross-posted from the Google Lat Long blog]




Having an Internet connection has always been a key requirement for using Google Maps for Android... until now.



A few weeks ago we told you that offline Google Maps for Android was coming. Now, you can download the latest version of the app in Google Play, then select and save a region of a map from more than 150 countries (including India) for use offline. Whether travelling internationally, carrying a WiFi-only device, heading underground on the subway or restricting your mobile data usage, you can now save up to six large metro areas (e.g., Greater London, or New York City and surrounding area) and use Google Maps for Android to find your way.








Let’s say you find yourself traveling to London this summer. Before you head off on your trip, simply find the area that you’ll be visiting. Then select “Make available offline” from the menu and verify the area that you would like to save.



Below the map, you’ll see we estimate the file size for you, so you know how much space it will take on your device. Once you confirm your selection the map will immediately start downloading.

Save an area and go to My Places to see all your offline maps

If you have GPS enabled on the device, the blue dot will still work without a data connection so you know where you are, and if your device has a compass you can orient yourself without 3G or WiFi connectivity.



So whether you’re traveling internationally or underground, we hope offline maps will help you get around.



Today we’re also releasing a smoother and faster Compass Mode for Street View within Google Maps for Android. It’s the next best thing to being there, because your device becomes a window into a 360-degree, panoramic view of the outdoor or interior location through Business Photos. To experience the improved qualities of this feature you need a device with Google Maps for Android, Android 3.0 or higher and a gyroscope sensor plus version 1.8.1 of Street View on Google Maps.

To learn more about Google Maps for Android features, start here.



Posted by Jiabei Lei, Software Engineer Google Maps Mobile

Business Photos Comes to India

In 2010 we started a project in select cities worldwide to take photographs of business interiors. In this pilot, we’ve been taking 360-degree photographs of businesses, with their permission, to highlight the qualities that make their locations stand out. In addition to the photos that business owners can upload directly through Google Places, these photos help potential customers get a better view of the decor, merchandise, food, and more on each business’ Place Page and on Google.com.



We are now excited to bring this pilot program to India, starting with Hyderabad and rolling out to several other cities. The photographs are shot by Google appointed photographers who work directly with the business owner to arrange a time to do the photo shoot. The images will show prospective customers the interiors, decor, merchandise — and all of this will be done at no cost to the business owner. The panoramic photos will appear alongside other still photos on a business’ Place Page and can help potential customers get a better sense of what an establishment has to offer and if they’d like to visit it in person.



If you’d like your business to be considered for a visit from Google’s photographers, you can learn more and express your interest by filling out this form. Right now we’re focusing on businesses like restaurants, cafes, spas, salons, gyms, showrooms, and retail stores, but all are welcome to apply. While we’ll only be able to take panoramic pictures of a portion of those who apply depending on the demand, any business owner around the world can easily upload their own still photographs and videos to their Place Page by logging in to Google Places.



Posted by Rahul Kulkarni, Senior Product Manager



India pilot details and FAQs - Business Photos