This upcoming Google Maps characteristic might prevent in a pinch

If there’s one navigation app I at all times flip to first once 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 highway closures, and in addition when exploring a brand new metropolis, like throughout my latest journeys to Edinburgh and Brooklyn. Whereas I believe Google Maps does an excellent job with navigation, one factor I’ve observed, and I am certain many others have too, is that it isn’t so variety 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 cut back the app’s battery consumption and probably 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 save lots of battery, press the ability button whereas driving. Solely key data corresponding to subsequent turns can be proven,” one of many code strings states.

The brand new power-saving mode comes at a price

Enabling it makes Google Maps monochrome

Credit score: Android Authority / Pocket-lint

Though this new power-saving characteristic could appear to be a game-changer, it naturally entails a trade-off because it considerably adjustments the looks of Google Maps and reduces the quantity of data displayed in your display 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 path to go. The report additionally states that audio steerage will operate when Maps is in power-saving mode, so you may nonetheless hear it announce instructions, like when to show.

Reportedly, Google Maps’ power-saving mode will assist strolling, driving, and biking, nevertheless it has not been confirmed but whether or not it would additionally assist public transit routes, corresponding to buses or trains. Moreover, primarily based 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 can be activated on Google Maps when the app is open and the system’s energy button is pressed. So, at the very least for those who’re driving or biking, it will likely be very simple to activate.

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