Google maps update

Big news from google maps - they added offline driving directions, store hours, search ability and contact information from the maps. This is pretty impressive and may few apps unnecessary (depending on the size of the area one can download).

I haven't got the google maps update yet but hopefully I will soon!

Shave data in chrome browser

I just noticed that Chrome for Mobile has a setting to reduce mobile bandwidth. It looks to be off by default. It looks like some type of proxy through google servers but I haven't read the details or tried it out. I figure'd I would mention it all the same.

Instructions:
“Settings” > “Bandwidth management” > “Reduce data usage.” Then simply turn the toggle to “On.” (source)

Maps with out a data plan on android

I found out about another app that allows offline maps: HERE by Nokia

Looks like it is pretty smart about caching but you can also download whole countries. These seem to be pretty big - Canada was 2gb. I guess the size is because it does offline directions which is great. I was even able to do directions without downloading Canada - it was able to use it's cache (I think).

One annoying thing is that it needed me to sign up, but it was pretty fast.

So it's a good option in comparison to MAPS.ME - the key thing is that Here is completely free. And google maps still doesn't have offline directions/routing (MAPS.ME has it for the paid version)