Google Maps for Android gains Wi-Fi only mode and SD card storage for offline maps

Google Maps is gaining a couple of useful new features on Android in hopes that navigators will continue using the service when circumstances would otherwise prohibit it.

An all-new “Wi-Fi Only” mode, which has been in beta testing with some users for a number of weeks already, lets you set the Google Maps app to operate with full functionality only when it’s connected to a Wi-Fi network. This means that only the areas you’ve previously saved to offline mode will work until you switch the feature off.

This may seem like a minor update on the surface, but it could actually prove useful for those who have a limited data plan or who travel through areas with spotty mobile internet service. For example, rather than watching the Google Maps app try to load with little or no success, you can count on this app to function automatically if you’ve downloaded certain areas ahead of time. This basically saves users from getting frustrated, while simultaneously giving them the peace of mind of knowing that they’re not consuming valuable mobile data. An added bonus here is that your phone’s functions and other apps will continue to work as normal, given that you don’t have to switch mobile internet off on the entire device.

To activate the new feature, head to “Settings” and select “Wi-Fi Only.” You’ll then see a little warning message informing you that in Wi-Fi Only mode you may still consume a little data — though “significantly less” than normal.

Above: Wi-Fi Only

Another new feature that should prove popular is SD card storage for offline maps. That’s right, you will now be able to save offline areas within Google Maps to an external storage card, which means that if your phone is full of photos, videos, and apps, you now have an additional way to save maps for future use.

Though Google prefers that its users be online whenever possible the company is also aware that internet access isn’t as ubiquitous as it could be — even in wealthy Western markets. Ultimately, Google wants people to use its apps in every situation, and given that there are pretty good alternatives to Google Maps out there (e.g. Here), Google has to cater to people in multiple scenarios. The internet giant has been beefing up its offline offering, improving the offline mode within Google Maps and rolling out smart offline features for YouTube in some markets, so this latest move is merely a continuation of recent efforts.

One more Google Maps update worth noting — users around the world will soon have more options for comparing prices for ride-sharing and etaxi services. Those in Indonesia will be able to access Go-JEK pricing, while Grab is being added to 24 cities across Asia, including Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. And Gett, Hailo, and MyTaxi are arriving in more cities across Europe and Israel.