An update to the iOS version of Google Maps means iPhone and iPad users will now have additional options when it comes to sharing their location to Facebook and its Messenger.
Google Maps version 4.8.0 also promises improvements to transit directions in cities, giving users more route choice and real-time arrival information where available, a new image gallery that offers a grid view for a “quick visual understanding of a place”, plus some bug fixes.
An update for the Android version has also been unveiled, as reported by Android Police, allowing the removal of unnecessary elements from the interface, such as the search bar. Google Maps version 9.11 also lets you edit captions on your geotagged images from Google Photos, and you can now share your My Maps maps too.
Earlier this year, Google’s vice president of engineering, Jen Fitzpatrick, announced that Google Maps is moving offline. Speaking about the company’s mission to support the “next billion users” in developing countries through mobile and smartphones, Fitzpatrick discussed a number of changes being made to optimise browsing in areas with intermittent or poor connectivity, including minimising the size of loading content and offline maps.
To use a map offline, the user will need to save it to their mobile device. This will allow all of the familiar Google Maps functionality, including location search, location information (opening hours, reviews) and real-time, turn-by-turn voice directions to their chosen destination.
