Jun 9, 2011 19:41 GMT  ·  By

One enhancement that Google is expected to soon add to its Google Maps service and application for mobile devices running under Android would be offline navigation, which should be released as soon as this summer, rumor has it.

Apparently, the Internet giant is set to make it even easier for users to reach their destination trough adding the said feature in Google Maps.

As soon as the fifth version of the application was released for handsets running under Google's Android operating system, data caching was included into the mix, but it seems that things are about to be brought to a new level.

Some sources from the Netherlands suggest that Google might soon enable users enjoy the benefits of Google Maps even at times when they are not connected, although nothing was officially confirmed on this for the time being.

The Internet giant already made a wide range of enhancements to the mobile application, including the addition of 3D views, and even live transit updates for its users, but it seems that there is still a lot more to be done.

Google's mapping solution is offered for free for all Android users, and it seems that it should remain the same even after the offline feature is included.

A recent article on All About Phones (via Engadget) explains that Google is making this move in an attempt to remain competitive when Nokia starts delivering its Ovi Maps to Windows Phone 7 users.

However, Google's counter attack would affect companies that offer standalone GSP devices, such as Garmin and TomTom.

Today's mobile phones come with larger and larger touchscreens, and having Google Maps installed on those running under Android without the need of constant connectivity might prove a highly appealing feature for all users.

As stated above, nothing was confirmed on this for the time being, but we'll keep an eye out for more info on the matter.