A recent report hints at an all-new black-and-white mode for Google Maps that works on the Always-On Displays lock screen and helps saves battery.
Two separate discoveries indicate that Google is working on power-saving features for Android that might make it possible to run full-screen apps with reduced power consumption. Android Authority’s Stephen Schenck discovered code in a beta version of Google Maps showing a black-and-white version of the app that removes all distractions and UI elements to focus on the navigation experience. Separately, Mishaal Rahman detailed in a different Android Authority blog post a new «Min Mode» feature that would allow Android to run apps on the locked screen of a phone that supports Always-On Display (AOD) functionality. Taken together, the two features provide a terrific use case for a black-and-white version of Google Maps: Navigating a new destination while walking.
Google Maps isn’t just useful for driving from point A to point B as fast as possible, while taking live traffic information into account. It’s a great tool for exploring a new city while traveling, and that’s where the walking and public transit directions come in handy.
