Summary
- Google Maps tests power saving mode for navigation with a minimalist grayscale screen.
- Activation of the mode occurs when pressing the power button during navigation, displaying only essential information.
- Limitations include lack of public transport support and restriction to portrait mode.
Google Maps may gain an energy saving mode that simplifies various visual elements during navigation. The functionality, still in the testing phase, would be activated by pressing the device’s power button while the user is driving.
The company’s idea would be to offer a solution for situations in which the battery is almost exhausted, preventing the user from being left without guidance in the middle of a journey.
The feature has not yet been officially announced, but elements of it have been found in the beta version of the Android app.
How would power saving mode work?
Activation of the mode would be done by pressing the smartphone’s power button while browsing. The system would only display essential information, such as upcoming turns and street names, without the various graphic elements that normally appear.
The screen would be grayscale, removing colors and other power-consuming visual details, similar to the ultra-power saving modes of some smartphone systems.
The intention appears to be for the mode to be activated automatically or manually when the battery is low, but the details are still under discussion.
What are the limitations of the mode?
According to the Android Insightsthe feature would not work in landscape mode, requiring the device to remain in portrait orientation. Additionally, public transport directions might not be supported, as minimalist mode would not display line numbers.
Another limitation would be the absence of the name of the next street at times. Google is also considering hiding the map view completely and only presenting voice directions.
Source: https://tecnoblog.net/noticias/google-maps-deve-ganhar-modo-de-economia-de-energia/
