Categories: Digital LifeNews

Google Maps offline navigation finally available in Malaysia

Earlier, we reported that Google was finally offering offline navigation for the Google Maps app on Android devices. This was to eliminate what Google called “screenshot jujitsu” and help the app better compete with other navigation applications like Here Maps as well as standalone navigation systems. Although the roll-out had officially begun, offline support for many parts of the world, including Malaysia, was still missing.

Finally, after much anticipation, the application supports offline navigation within our home soil.

With this feature, users can expect an improved navigation experience using the Maps app especially in areas where connectivity is bad, or when you want to save those precious few bytes of your quota. Google employs two different uses for their new offline navigation feature. The first is to bolster online navigation with the app, when connectivity is spotty at best, allowing Maps to freely switch between offline and online mode ensuring that you don’t lose crucial navigation information just because you entered an area with bad coverage.

The second method is where users can opt to switch off connectivity completely and rely on the app to navigate with the pre-downloaded offline areas. To download an area, simply key in the location (or tap and hold a point on the map) and swipe up on the card that appears at the bottom. Then, select ‘download’ on the resulting screen, specify your desired region and tap the download button once more.

Downloaded maps are stored on your device, so remember to free up some space before you decide to give this feature a spin. As an estimate, the amount of space required to download the greater area of Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur is about 300MB, whereas if you want offline navigation for Peninsular Malaysia, you will need to free up at least 1.5GB of space.

Offline maps can be kept on your device for a total of 30 days. By default, stored locations will be updated via WiFi but that can be changed in the offline areas settings to allow for updates to be downloaded over a mobile network or to not be updated at all.

This is definitely a bold move by Google, stepping into the world of offline navigation, but whether this move will pay off remains to be seen. Do give this feature a try the next time you need to navigate in unfamiliar territory, then let us know what you think of it in the comment section below. Does it stack up to already established offline navigation applications like Here Maps?

Many thanks to NightFelix for the tip.

Recent Posts

GX 2.0: GXBank continues to offer unlimited cashback with some tweaks

GXBank turns one and they have revealed its latest features and initiatives for its next…

22 mins ago

MG ZS EV now available for RM99,999: The cheapest electric SUV in Malaysia

You can now get an MG ZS EV for as low as RM99,999, making it…

1 hour ago

Prime Minister’s Department: Over 1,500 cyberattacks launched at ministries’ infrastructure systems

There have been over 1,500 cases of cyberattacks launched against Malaysian ministries' infrastructure systems in…

6 hours ago

Malaysia’s largest DC charging hub is opening soon at Iskandar Puteri, Johor

DC Handal is expected to unveil what appears to be Malaysia's largest EV charging hub…

22 hours ago

Realme GT 7 Pro coming to Malaysia as first smartphone with Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, launching 18th November

Realme has debuted its latest flagship smartphone, the Realme GT 7 Pro in China, featuring…

22 hours ago

Malaysia to kill off NGVs in 2025 due to safety concerns

Malaysia will ban natural gas vehicles (NGVs) on 30 June 2025. Subsequently, no new natural…

23 hours ago

This website uses cookies.