While most of us are almost always online whether at home, at the office, at a restaurant, and even while mobile, there are times when your data fails, your WiFi is erratic, or you simply just want to go off the grid (but not totally). However, a lot of the apps and features we use require that we’re online always. Well that’s about to change, at least for some products. Google announced during its ongoing I/O conference that they will be giving offline support for Chrome, Maps, and YouTube.
Chrome will soon give you the option to save a webpage to view offline later on. We’re not talking about just saving the text on the page, but complete web pages, although of course the links will probably not work if you don’t have Internet. YouTube will also be getting a feature that will allow you to save a video for offline viewing on your smartphone, at least for the next 48 hours. While offline viewing is currently being enjoyed by YouTube’s Music Key subscribers, it’s good to know they will be offering it for free for regular users, even if it is for just the next two days.
Meanwhile, Google Maps has had the save the map offline feature for a while now. But the new enhanced offline mode to be offered will give you not just the map but also data about the places around the area you’ve chosen, which will include opening and closing hours of establishments and even reviews. You’ll also get turn-by-turn directions even while offline, if you’ve downloaded and saved the map or destination.
YouTube’s offline feature will be available on all Android devices with KitKat 4.4 and higher. The offline Maps will come later this year for users worldwide. No word yet on when and where Chrome’s offline feature will be activated, although they did say that the target will be the emerging markets where Internet connectivity is still a problem.
VIA: SlashGear
