14 DAY TRIAL // Google updated its Maps application for Android devices several days ago and promised that more goodies would be announced this week.
True to its promise, the search giant confirmed Google Maps would be updated with offline mode, which should allow Android users to download big chunks of 2D data and store it offline without any limitations.
In addition, travelers will be able to save more than one area for later offline view. According to developers, the offline mode for Google Maps will be coming in the next few weeks.
So far, Google has mentioned that Android users will be able to grab maps offline from more than 100 countries, but more countries may be added in the future.
Another interesting addition is something called “the next dimension,” which is the ability of the application to display a 3D model of a map. Basically, Google will begin adding 3D models to whole metropolitan areas to Google Earth on Android devices.
Google explains that the new 3D modeling feature is possible “thanks to a combination of our new imagery rendering techniques and computer vision that let us automatically create 3D cityscapes, complete with buildings, terrain and even landscaping, from 45-degree aerial imagery.”
Although Google has announced this new feature is already available in the latest version of Google Maps, the developers plan to update the application every time a new area has 3D coverage.
The search giant hopes to have 3D coverage for metropolitan areas with a combined population of 300 million people by the end of the year.
Google Maps 6.8.1 is now available as a free download via Google Play store and it should be fully compatible with all devices running Android 2.1 and later. Keep in mind that some features may not be available for earlier versions of Android.
