Google Maps is addressing its battery problem with a built-in power saving mode that focuses on keeping navigation alive when a phone is running low. The feature aims to show only essentials like next turns, distance, and ETA while cutting visual clutter. Maps will switch to a monochrome display, removing colors and extra UI elements to reduce power draw.
Early code spotted suggests that it is a complete rethinking of how Maps behaves when a phone is running low. The feature was spotted in the latest Google Maps for Android where code strings reference a “Power saving mode” that shows only “key information such as next turns.”
Instead of relying on a phone’s general battery saver, Maps’ built-in mode is designed to preserve what matters: navigation. Once enabled, the screen reportedly switches to a monochrome view, ditching its colorful visuals and other interface elements.
The app still displays essentials like the next turn to be taken, distance, and estimated time of arrival, but trims away everything else to cut down on power use. This new mode could be triggered by pressing the power button during navigation, which would make activating it quick and intuitive.
Early strings suggest this mode works across driving, walking, and two-wheeler navigation, though public transit routes might not be supported yet. It also appears that the feature runs independently from Android’s system-wide battery saver, meaning you can use it anytime, even when your regular saver mode is off.
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