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Google adds offline Maps button to Android app in response to complaints

Google adds offline Maps button to Android app in response to complaints

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Google Maps offline stock
Google Maps offline stock

Having come under fire for (mostly) removing the option to save offline maps in its new Android app, Google has pushed a new update that makes it easier for users to save local areas to their device. In a post on Google+, the company notes that its "engineering team has been working around the clock" to add a "Make this map area available offline" card inside the app, mimicking the functionality of the 'OK maps" command.

While it doesn't mark the return of true offline maps — you could previously cache multiple locations and explore larger areas — Google has worked quickly to push new updates that address the concerns of some users. Following the announcement that it will close its Latitude location service on August 9th, Google also says it has added a "Where's Latitude?" link at the bottom of the side menu to notify users of its plans once it has been retired. The new offline toggles will be available from today as backend updates, meaning you won't need to visit the Play Store.