This upcoming Google Maps function may prevent in a pinch

If there’s one navigation app I all the time flip to first once I need assistance getting someplace, it is Google Maps. I exploit it for commuting to remain up to date on site visitors and highway closures, and likewise when exploring a brand new metropolis, like throughout my current journeys to Edinburgh and Brooklyn. Whereas I believe Google Maps does an amazing 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, it appears that 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 current report from Android Authority, Google is engaged on a brand new “energy saving” mode for Google Maps, which is able to cut 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 ability button whereas driving. Solely key info similar to subsequent turns will likely 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 function might seem to be a game-changer, it naturally entails a trade-off because it considerably modifications 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 consumer interface parts, together with road names. The one UI parts that stay are the estimated time till you attain your vacation spot, together with the arrow and features indicating which path to go. The report additionally states that audio steering will perform 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 should additionally assist public transit routes, similar to buses or trains. Moreover, primarily based on the model of the function 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 likely be activated on Google Maps when the app is open and the system’s energy button is pressed. So, no less than for those who’re driving or biking, will probably be very straightforward to activate.

Total, 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 could possibly be a lifesaver. It is necessary to notice that this function 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 function will likely be obtainable on iOS or solely on Android.