Maps is one of Google’s core platforms, one that’s frequently polished to make the experience seamless for users. In our latest dose, we’re learning that Google Maps for Android may soon gain a new power saving mode. This apparently works independently of your phone’s power saver mode, and you can enable it by pressing the power button.

Google Maps could be developing a new power saving mode

Android Authority has discovered evidence of the new ‘power saving’ mode within the 25.44.03.824313610 beta release of Google Maps for Android. It includes the strings that suggest the new feature and the overview of how it works. Once available, you should be able to activate Maps’ power saving directly in the app manually. As said, you can trigger it by pressing the phone’s physical power button.

The report shares an illustration for the power saving mode that highlights the enabling part of it. Maps will display a message at the bottom of the screen when you activate power saving.

A new minimalistic approach

The UI changes make it very obvious that power saving mode is on, as it goes monochrome and drops almost all of the UI elements. The images shared by the report suggest that the power saving mode’s minimalistic UI may be taking things too far. It even removes the name of the street you’re turning onto. You’ll just see the arrow direction, the ETA, the distance left, and how much time you still have to go.

Power saving mode in Maps could support walking, two-wheeler directions, and driving. However, it’s not clear if it’ll support public transit, where it would have to display your bus or train number. There are chances it might not support because of the low-text approach. The report notes that the new power saving mode could still feature audio output (voice navigation).

There appears to be another limitation, where you can’t use Maps in landscape mode when power saving is on. Considering the feature is still not available publicly, things might change before debuting. While the feature can be handy to save some battery during long drives, are you willing to let go of all the flagship features of Google Maps?

The post Google Maps Could Soon Get a Power-Saving Mode for Android Users appeared first on Android Headlines.

Maps is one of Google‘s most convenient and useful services. Street View, one of its most popular features, is extremely popular. With a few quick clicks, we can virtually drop into any neighborhood, scouting a vacation rental or checking out a new restaurant. But that same convenience comes at a cost to privacy: anyone in the world can virtually stand on the curb outside your home. Fortunately, there is a way to ask Google Maps to blur, or “ghost,” your home. This is ideal for homeowners uncomfortable with this level of exposure.

This action is not about deleting your home’s existence from the map. However, it will minimize the information available to strangers.

Here are the two primary ways to request a permanent blur. You can do it from your computer or the mobile app. However, one of the two methods is simpler and more convenient.

Method 1: From a desktop web browser (recommended)

Google Maps is available on every mobile device. That said, the process for requesting a blur is significantly easier and more precise from a web browser on a desktop computer.

1. Find Your Home: Open Google Maps in your web browser and search for your home address.
2. Enter Street View: Click the photo of your home to enter the Street View mode.
3. Report the Issue: Look toward the bottom-right corner of the screen and click the small link labeled Report a Problem.
4. Frame the Area: Use your mouse to adjust the red and black box so it clearly frames your house, driveway, or any other private object you want hidden.
5. Select the Reason: Under the options, select Your home.
6. Submit Details: Provide any necessary clarifying details, enter your email address for follow-up, verify the captcha, and click Submit.

This action will take you to a dedicated form where you must define exactly what needs blurring. Use your mouse and the zoom controls to adjust the image view. You need to ensure the red and black box clearly contains your house, driveway, or any other private object you want hidden. You then should select the reason for the blur—specifically, Your Home.

Method 2: From the Google Maps mobile app

While slightly more challenging for precise framing, the mobile app (iOS or Android) allows you to submit the request on the go.

1. Find Your Home: Open the Google Maps app and search for your home address.
2. Enter Street View: Tap the photo thumbnail to enter the Street View mode.
3. Report the Issue: Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) or a similar icon, usually located in the corner, and select Report a Problem.
4. Complete the Form: This step will likely open a web view of the reporting form. Complete the form by selecting your home as the item to blur and adjust the framed image as needed.
5. Submit: Provide your email address and submit the request.

A permanent decision

Google requires that only the property owner or tenant submit a blur request. This is because the decision is final and irreversible. Once Google approves the request and processes the blur, that digital distortion is permanent and will apply to all future Street View updates. Therefore, you must be absolutely certain about your choice before moving forward.

After providing a few clarifying details and a valid email address (necessary for status updates), submit the form. Google will review the report and respond via email, though the processing time can vary from a few days to a few weeks. By taking these steps, you successfully regain more control over your home’s digital footprint.

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