Let's face it, navigating your way around with Google Maps can help drain your phone's battery. A deep dive through the latest beta version of Google Maps for Android (version 25.44.03.824313610 if you're keeping track) reveals a new "power saving mode" for the app. When enabled, Google Maps will show only "key information" deemed to be important. To activate the mode, a Google Maps user presses on (what else?) the power button while driving.
The so-called "key information" that Google Maps for Android users will see in "power saving mode" will be limited to data such as the next turn and the length of your journey. Additionally, the screen will lose all color and the app will be in black and white. A couple of very useful pieces of information that will disappear in this mode are the name of the street you're on and the name of the street you're supposed to turn onto next. Without these names showing, you could accidentally find yourself making the wrong turn.
I know that I count on knowing the names of the streets that I have to turn on although I do prefer to hear directions based on an upcoming traffic light or stop sign. "Turn left at the next light," or "turn right at the stop sign following the next one" are more useful to me than knowing the name of a street. At this point we don't know whether Google Maps will continue to offer that information in "power saving mode," but at least you won't have to worry about your phone going dead in the middle of a drive.
Screenshots show Google Maps for Android power saving mode. | Image credit-Android Authority
We should also point out that the new mode will be independent of your phone's own battery saving features. Hopefully, using both together will help leave your device with enough juice remaining for the Android version of Google Maps to get you back home without an issue.
Will you use the power saving mode of Google Maps if it is released?
Absolutely. I don't want to worry about my battery.
63.64%
No. It might confuse me more than it might help.
9.09%
It's too early to tell.
27.27%
Based on screenshots of the Google Maps for Android using the "power saving mode," what you will see on the display will be the arrow at the top of the display showing you which direction you should be driving. The arrow will be backed up with written words confirming the direction such as "head north," or "head south." You'll also be able to see how much time and mileage remains on your journey, and your estimated time of arrival. Again, this will all be in black and white. It isn't totally clear whether the app will continue to give verbal navigation directions.
There is no clue as to when-or even if-Google will launch the bare bones battery saving version of Google Maps for Android, but for those who use the app on long trips, you probably can't wait for it to arrive.
Alan, an ardent smartphone enthusiast and a veteran writer at PhoneArena since 2009, has witnessed and chronicled the transformative years of mobile technology. Owning iconic phones from the original iPhone to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, he has seen smartphones evolve into a global phenomenon. Beyond smartphones, Alan has covered the emergence of tablets, smartwatches, and smart speakers.
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