Google Maps also available offline

Google has decided to make Google Maps available offline. Users can find their way without internet connection.
In an announcement on their blog Google says that 60% of people in the world do not have direct internet access. people in those areas cannot use Google maps. Thanks to the download feature this possibility is now offered.
Users will shortly be able to to download a copy of Google Maps onto their smartphones. This will give them access to a digitally searchable part of the world, including all meta data such as points of interest (POIs).
Android users will be the first to which this will be avialable, iOS will follow later. This according to Amanda Bishop, Product Manager Google Maps on the blog.