This upcoming Google Maps characteristic may prevent in a pinch

If there’s one navigation app I at all times flip to first after I need assistance getting someplace, it is Google Maps. I take advantage of it for commuting to remain up to date on site visitors and street closures, and in addition when exploring a brand new metropolis, like throughout my latest journeys to Edinburgh and Brooklyn. Whereas I feel Google Maps does an awesome job with navigation, one factor I’ve seen, and I am certain many others have too, is that it isn’t so sort to battery life, particularly for those who’re utilizing it for lengthy journeys.

Fortunately, evidently Google is conscious that Google Maps can have a behavior of draining your battery, and is engaged on an answer. In line with a latest report from Android Authority, Google is engaged on a brand new “energy saving” mode for Google Maps, which can scale back the app’s battery consumption and doubtlessly prevent in a pinch.

This new power-saving mode was found by Android Authority in model 25.44.03.824313610 of the Google Maps for Android beta, and the publication additionally uncovered some code strings related to it that describe the way it works.

“To avoid wasting battery, press the facility button whereas driving. Solely key data equivalent to subsequent turns will probably be proven,” one of many code strings states.

The brand new power-saving mode comes at a value

Enabling it makes Google Maps monochrome

Credit score: Android Authority / Pocket-lint

Though this new power-saving characteristic could seem to be a game-changer, it naturally includes a trade-off because it considerably modifications the looks of Google Maps and reduces the quantity of knowledge displayed in your display screen throughout navigation.

As proven within the photographs above from Android Authority, it makes Google Maps seem very minimalistic and monochrome, whereas eradicating virtually all of the person interface components, together with avenue names. The one UI components that stay are the estimated time till you attain your vacation spot, together with the arrow and contours indicating which course to go. The report additionally states that audio steerage will operate when Maps is in power-saving mode, so you will nonetheless hear it announce instructions, like when to show.

Reportedly, Google Maps’ power-saving mode will help strolling, driving, and biking, nevertheless it has not been confirmed but whether or not it is going to additionally help public transit routes, equivalent to buses or trains. Moreover, based mostly on the model of the characteristic within the Google Maps for Android beta, it seems that power-saving mode will solely work when your cellphone is in portrait mode, not panorama orientation.

One other tidbit that Android Authority found is that power-saving mode will probably be activated on Google Maps when the app is open and the machine’s energy button is pressed. So, at the very least for those who’re driving or biking, will probably be very simple to activate.

General, this new power-saving mode for Google Maps appears very promising to me, and for those who’re in a good spot with a low battery, it may very well be a lifesaver. It is vital to notice that this characteristic remains to be beneath improvement, so its look and the way it works may change earlier than it’s launched. It is also unclear whether or not this characteristic will probably be accessible on iOS or solely on Android.