This upcoming Google Maps characteristic might prevent in a pinch

If there’s one navigation app I all the time flip to first after I need assistance getting someplace, it is Google Maps. I exploit it for commuting to remain up to date on visitors and highway closures, and likewise when exploring a brand new metropolis, like throughout my current journeys to Edinburgh and Brooklyn. Whereas I feel Google Maps does an important job with navigation, one factor I’ve observed, and I am certain many others have too, is that it isn’t so form 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 keeping with a current 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 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 facility button whereas driving. Solely key data reminiscent of subsequent turns shall 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 might look like 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 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 consumer 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 steering will perform 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 assist strolling, driving, and biking, nevertheless it has not been confirmed but whether or not it’ll additionally assist public transit routes, reminiscent of 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 telephone is in portrait mode, not panorama orientation.

One other tidbit that Android Authority found is that power-saving mode shall 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, will probably 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 essential to notice that this characteristic continues to be below growth, so its look and the way it works might change earlier than it’s launched. It is also unclear whether or not this characteristic shall be obtainable on iOS or solely on Android.