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[Cross-posted from the Google Lat Long blog]

Having an Internet connection has always been a key requirement for using Google Maps for Android... until now.

A few weeks ago we told you that offline Google Maps for Android was coming. Now, you can download the latest version of the app in Google Play, then select and save a region of a map from more than 150 countries (including India) for use offline. Whether travelling internationally, carrying a WiFi-only device, heading underground on the subway or restricting your mobile data usage, you can now save up to six large metro areas (e.g., Greater London, or New York City and surrounding area) and use Google Maps for Android to find your way.



Let’s say you find yourself traveling to London this summer. Before you head off on your trip, simply find the area that you’ll be visiting. Then select “Make available offline” from the menu and verify the area that you would like to save.

Below the map, you’ll see we estimate the file size for you, so you know how much space it will take on your device. Once you confirm your selection the map will immediately start downloading.

Save an area and go to My Places to see all your offline maps

If you have GPS enabled on the device, the blue dot will still work without a data connection so you know where you are, and if your device has a compass you can orient yourself without 3G or WiFi connectivity.

So whether you’re traveling internationally or underground, we hope offline maps will help you get around.

Today we’re also releasing a smoother and faster Compass Mode for Street View within Google Maps for Android. It’s the next best thing to being there, because your device becomes a window into a 360-degree, panoramic view of the outdoor or interior location through Business Photos. To experience the improved qualities of this feature you need a device with Google Maps for Android, Android 3.0 or higher and a gyroscope sensor plus version 1.8.1 of Street View on Google Maps.

To learn more about Google Maps for Android features, start here.

Posted by Jiabei Lei, Software Engineer Google Maps Mobile

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Since its launch in mid-February 2012, the (still-new) AdWords Community, has been a place for advertisers from different parts of the world to come together and exchange ideas, advice and stories with other AdWords advertisers. It's really inspiring to see people sharing their best practises, pointing each other to resources, and enthusiastically helping those who need it.

 
I’d like to share with you a few comments from our members on their experiences with the AdWords Community:

NehaGupta: “I am happy to be part of Google AdWords Community. I love to discuss about Google AdWords as much as I can as I believe discussions always bring something knowledgeable. Perfect platform for me. I am really excited spending more and more time here instead of Facebook. Everyday I’m learning new things and also trying to take part in conversation by replying answers asked in the forum.”

PPCBossman: “Hundreds of advertisers flow in and out of this Community on a daily/weekly basis and we all roll on as if it's just another day. ...There are great days where lots of problems get worked out, new advertisers are learning and members are achieving personal goals here within the Community. Just as any real life situations, we also have some down times too. ...I have had the most amazing experience here in the last few months, made some great friends, learned a ton and helped a few people along the way as well. But I keep coming back because I know that this Community, Visitors and Members alike, are here for me and guess what, they're here for YOU too! (for the full post click here)

David-nationalp: “I'm here because I'd like the ability to have some input into the direction that Google AdWords goes, understand what's going on in the PPC world, and be able to learn/share knowledge of Google AdWords.”

But the AdWords Community is more than just user discussions; you can find insightful articles (so called “AdWords Wikis”) written by expert users. You can learn more about the some of the community members, such as the Top Contributors, and what it takes to become one. And you can get some reassurance that the Google AdWords Community team is not just a bunch of robots. But instead of taking our word for it, why don't you go and find out for yourself! If you'd like, go ahead and leave us a comment by clicking on the "new message" button directly on the forum.

We are looking forward to see you in the Community!

Note: Currently, the AdWords Community is also available in the following languages: French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian and Italian.


Posted by Zuzana S. Moran on behalf of the AdWords Community Team

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Are you an online content creator? Do you run a column, a blog, a website - in short an online destination where you share your thoughts, ideas, experiences, learnings, reviews, tutorials etc? Have you ever thought about vlogging? If the answer to any of these questions is a Yes - then here's a chance for you to learn more about the exciting world of vlogging on YouTube!

We're excited to share that we will be hosting a series of events for bloggers at our offices across the four cities -

• Mumbai on (June 9) 
• Hyderabad (June 15) 
• Bangalore (June 16) 
• Gurgaon (June 20)

The sessions will focus on helping bloggers & original content creators to learn more about using video as an alternative means of expression that could complement your existing content. The sessions will also cover the hows, what's & why's of the YouTube Partner Program. We will also be joined by some of our successful Indian YouTube content partners who will share their success mantras.

The entry to the event is free and is open to any blogger or original content creator. Since the events will be hosted in our office premise, we will only be able to accommodate a limited number of guests - so we encourage you to sign up for the event today itself. The registration form can be found here.


Posted by Aditi Rajvanshi, YouTube Operations Team