Offline Maps is back in Google Maps for Android

It was yesterday when Google updated its Maps app for Android and iOS. The update is simpler, cleaner and faster than last version. The interface was also updated to match as announced in I/O 2013. But it lacks an important feature "Offline Maps". For those who don't know (although it is not difficult to know as name itself suggests), this feature lets users download selected area of map and make it available offline. It is much helpful when you don't have internet connection. You still can download offline maps by typing or saying OK Maps, but there's no dedicated button.

This made a great of issue and disappointed thousands of users. So today Google announced that Offline Maps button is back to the app in form of a Google Now style card. A new field is also added "Where's latitude?" to remind you that service is going down on August 9. What do you like: Offline Maps or OK Maps? Share with us in comments.

Google is working to fix the "Maps problem" on Windows Phone

Google said today that it is working to restore access to Google Maps on Windows Phone-based gadgets. According to Google it was like a blackout problem.

The issue was: 

On Friday, a number of reports surfaced that Windows Phone users were unable to access Google Maps in the browser. Instead of reaching the Maps page, users are automatically redirected to the main Google homepage. This happened for both Windows Phone as well as Windows 8 users.

Why it happened: 

WebKit-based browsers like Google’s own Chrome and Apple’s Safari make up the vast majority of mobile browser traffic, so it’s reasonable for Google not to be spending an inordinate amount of time testing on Microsoft’s platform.

Google provided an official statement about the situation: 

We periodically test Google Maps compatibility with mobile browsers to make sure we deliver the best experience for those users.

In our last test, IE mobile still did not offer a good maps experience with no ability to pan or zoom and perform basic map functionality. As a result, we chose to continue to redirect IE mobile users to Google.com where they could at least make local searches. The Firefox mobile browser did offer a somewhat better user experience and that’s why there is no redirect for those users.

Recent improvements to IE mobile and Google Maps now deliver a better experience and we are currently working to remove the redirect. We will continue to test Google Maps compatibility with other mobile browsers to ensure the best possible experience for users.

 After all this issue every windows user is waiting to get the problem fixed. Same here we do.

Image Courtesy: Mashable

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Google maps for iOS is finally in the town

It's Google Maps, again for iPhone. Once removed from the iOS, it has made its entry back. This time with more power and let's say, more sexy. 

The app appeared in the App Store late Wednesday evening, providing joy and comfort to disgruntled Apple Maps users everywhere.Rumors of the app's impending release appeared earlier this evening by way of AllThingsD.

The new Google Maps uses vector imaging similar to Apple's Maps, rather than bit mapped tiles on iOS 5 and earlier, resulting in faster load times with information scaling that incrementally displays new data as you zoom in. 

This time it has new interface, voice guided navigation, Google places is more useful.

[Text Courtesy: Mashable, Tech Authority, TechSpot]

View screenshots: The Verge Gallery

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