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Google Maps for iOS catches up to Android, gains offline navigation, up-to-date gas prices, and more
Yesterday we saw Google include 3D Touch and iPad multitasking in the update for the iOS version of its Google app. Now the company has updated the iOS version of Google Maps for iPhone and iPad to include some handy features that we saw make an appearance in the Android version over a month ago.
Get the best gas price
If you are traveling around the U.S. and Canada, Google Maps for iOS will now show you up-to-date gas prices. A feature that Android users got in October, iOS users can now get to enjoy the same benefit of finding the most affordable gas prices and save a few cents in the process. Simply search for “gas” or “gas stations” and the ones in your vicinity will come up along with the cost of gas.
Avoid the busiest times at retailers
The Google app for iOS received an update to include functionality for users to see when shops are busiest and that same feature is coming to Google Maps for iOS. Now when you search for a business you will continue to see a business’s retail hours, along with the hours when it has a spike in customers. According to Google, this feature will be available for a million retailers and outlets around the world.
Enhanced offline map support
The final update to Google Maps is one that surprisingly does not even make the app’s changelog. Google told VentureBeat that it has begun rolling out offline maps to iOS users of Google Maps, a feature that rolled out on Android last month.
As an iOS user, you will now be able to select a portion of a map and save it locally on your iPhone or iPad. While you are traveling around you will no longer be dependent on a data connection to ensure you do not get lost. You can use the offline version to search destinations, get turn-by-turn navigation as well as business hours and contact details all while you are offline. Unfortunately, if you are looking for subway and train routes or want walking or biking directions you will have to make sure you are online as these are not available offline at this stage.
You can download the latest version of Google Maps for iOS now. The latest version requires you to be running iOS 7.0, or later, on your device and is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad.
Image credit: Simon Harrod, Flickr
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