Google has launched a new feature within its Google Maps application, specifically designed to reduce battery consumption during navigation. This update, initially available for Pixel 10 devices, addresses a long-standing concern for users who heavily rely on navigation apps.
Navigation apps, including Google Maps, are notorious for draining battery life. This is due to their constant reliance on GPS, internet connectivity, and the need to keep the screen illuminated throughout the journey. Consequently, many users find themselves needing to charge their phones immediately after or even during using these apps while driving.
The newly introduced power-saving mode is integrated directly into the Google Maps application. Currently, it is exclusive to the Pixel 10 series, but there are expectations that this feature will be extended to other devices in the future.
To activate the power-saving mode on Pixel 10 phones, users must open the Google Maps app, tap on their account profile picture located at the top of the screen, and select ‘Settings.’ From there, they navigate to the ‘Navigation’ section and enable the power-saving option within the driving options. Once navigation begins, tapping the power button will display a low-power interface. This interface presents a simplified map on the lock screen, displaying only essential details such as the next turn, using monochrome colors and a reduced refresh rate to minimize energy consumption.
However, the feature is currently limited to portrait mode only, with a notification appearing when attempting to use landscape mode. It is also restricted to driving mode and cannot be used while walking or cycling. Furthermore, at present, it is exclusively available on the Pixel 10 series, with no official information regarding its expansion to other devices.
This new feature proves particularly useful for long journeys requiring continuous directional guidance. While competing applications like Waze and Apple Maps do not currently offer a built-in battery-saving mode, users can still rely on their phone’s general power-saving mode or utilize offline maps to reduce internet usage and, consequently, battery drain.
