tech2 News Staff

Google is finally rolling out a Wi-Fi only mode for its much-loved Maps app. Apart from the new toggle, has also added new notifications for mass transit delays as well. Android Police reports that the new feature is rolling out gradually and that users will need Maps v9.32 installed to take advantage of the same.

The toggle for the Wi-Fi only mode can be found in Settings screen. If you can see it right away, you are probably one of the lucky ones to be able to use the new feature.

Previously known as 'offline areas', the new toggle does what it states, which is to disconnect the Maps app from your cellular or data network. Google however, states in a small pop up that the Maps app may still use a small amount of data during operation.

Upon switching the toggle on, a blue bar appears at the top of the screen to inform users that the app is in Wi-Fi only mode.

Additionally, Google also added new notifications for mass transit delays which appeals to users who frequently travel by bus or trains. The same will inform users of disruption alerts in selected services via notifications, provided the same is available in your region.

Google recently bumped up the image quality for its Maps app. While this is a gradual process, the difference on the mosaics are huge and noticeable. The difference, according to Google, comes from cloud-free imagery—one that showcases clearer views of the earth with greater detail and truer colours. The Landsat 8 also captures images twice as fast as Landsat 7, making the mosaic more up-to-date than past iterations.