Google just took a big step in remaining accessible even when you don't have an Internet connection, and it's doing so by appealing to the world's second-biggest population.
On Wednesday, the tech force announced its Google Maps is now available offline in India. That means even when your connection is spotty or you don't have Internet access at all, you'll still be able to use Google Maps to find directions and navigate your way around India, whether in the capital of New Delhi or anywhere else in the country.
As Google's India blog explains, all you need to do to use Google Maps offline is download the map of an area to your smartphone. From there, the next time you find yourself with an intermittent connection or without an Internet connection at all, Google Maps will continue to work — vowing it doesn't matter if you're vacationing in Goa or in an underground parking lot.
As long as the area is saved for offline access, users in India will be able to use Google Maps for turn-by-turn directions in addition to searching for destinations and even pinpointing further details about places of interest.
Once you move into an area with a stronger Wi-Fi signal, Google Maps will automatically make the jump from offline to online.
The company says it previewed its offline Maps access during Google I/O this past May before introducing the features in select places around the world last week. Now, it takes an additional big step, being available in India.
Google also promises to unveil more Maps features soon to improve the overall navigation experience.
