{
  "id": 2573866,
  "title": "I've used Google Maps for years, and I can't believe I missed this useful feature",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/ive-used-google-maps-for-years-and-i-cant-believe-i-missed-this",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-22T12:30:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "XDA Developers",
    "slug": "xda-developers",
    "url": "https://www.xda-developers.com/ive-used-google-maps-for-years-i-cant-believe-i-missed-this-useful-feature/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "Google Maps users often experience signal loss and navigation freezing in areas with poor connectivity, such as rural areas or dense urban canyons. According to XDA Developers, this issue occurs because Google Maps relies on online servers to function properly.\n\nHowever, it appears that there is a useful feature in Google Maps that allows it to work offline to some extent. Although details are limited, users can utilize this feature in areas with poor connectivity.\n\nThe provided reports also mention a separate topic, a photo taken with a Google Pixel 8 Pro smartphone using its Long Exposure photography mode. TechRadar notes that this mode, available on Pixel phones for a few years, can produce impressive results even when used handheld.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Tom's Guide",
        "title": "Stuck in a dead zone? 3 free Google Maps alternatives that work with zero signal",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/22/stuck-in-a-dead-zone-3-free-google-maps-alternatives-that-work-with",
        "published": "2026-08-22T13:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}