I/O 2012: Google Maps now available in offline mode

Google's I/O conference saw the release of some key products like Android 4.1 aka Jelly Bean, the Nexus 7 Tablet, and the Nexus Q home entertainment setup. The other Google product that got a significant upgrade was Google Maps, which will now be available to users in offline mode.According to a Google blogpost  users can download the latest version of the app in Google Play, then select and save a region of a map from more than 150 countries for use offline. There is also the option of saving up to six large metro areas on your Android smartphone.So how will the offline feature work? According to ArsTechninca To utilise this, simply bring up the area of choice and select "Make available offline" from the menu to verify what you'd like to save. Maps then estimates the file size a user would be taking on and asks for confirmation before saving it.[caption id="attachment_360409" align="alignleft" width="380" caption="Google maps now in offline mode. Reuters"][/caption]You will still need GPS enabled on your phone if you want to use maps for finding your way through a city. Now, the blue dot on Google's maps will till work without a data connection.Google also released a faster Compass mode for Street View within Google Maps.According to Google, this will turn your device into a 360-degree, panoramic view of the outdoor or interior location through Business Photos. To experience the improved qualities of this feature however, users will need a device with Android 3.0 or higher and a gyroscope sensor plus version 1.8.1 of Street View on Google Maps.