Google launches offline Maps with directions

Offline version to allow users to get turn-by-turn directions to find a location on the move while passing regions with spotty internet

Finding directions on Google Maps with bad internet connectivity is possible in India, after the search giant introduced an enhanced version of the smartphone app.

The offline version would allow users to get turn by turn directions -critical to find a location on the move while passing through regions with spotty internet.

Google previewed the functionality for offline Maps at I/O, its developer conference, back in May. The company began rolling out the feature globally a few weeks ago and since yesterday started offering the service to users in India.

"You can now download the map of an area to your phone, and the next time you find there's no connectivity-whether you're on a holiday in Goa or looking up for your next destination from an underground parking -Google Maps will continue to work," said Google in a blog post.

Maps isn't the first Google product to gain offline functionality. In December 2014, the company begun providing users the ability to watch videos on its YouTube app even when they were not online. Further, once downloaded, users would be able to watch a video multiple times on their devices.