Как улучшить Google Maps для работы с плохим интернет-соединением?

Как улучшить Google Maps для работы с плохим интернет-соединением

Problem

Regions: India, Africa, SE Asia (2B+ people with slow/intermittent internet)

Current pain: Google Maps crashes, freezes, doesn't work offline

Solution: Google Maps Lite Mode

1. Offline Maps (Already exists, improve it)

• Download region (city, not whole country)
• Size: 50-200 MB (vs 5GB for full map)
• Update: Monthly, auto-sync on WiFi
• Sync: Only changed areas, delta updates

2. Data-lite Mode

• Load images: Only at zoom level 15+
• Routes: Calculate locally, not on server
• Search: Cached results from last 30 days
• Refresh: Manual "Update" button

3. Network Awareness

• Auto-switch to lite mode when: <500 kbps speed
• Notify user: "Using offline map, limited features"
• Allow manual toggle: "Use lite mode"

4. Smart Caching

• Predictive: Load maps for probable destinations
• Recent: Cache routes user visited
• Popular: Pre-cache city centers

Metrics

• Usage in 2G/3G: % of India users who can use Maps
• Offline success rate: % of routing that works offline
• Data usage: Bytes per session (target: <10MB)
• Satisfaction: NPS in low-connectivity regions

Expected Impact

• Add 500M+ new users (from emerging markets)
• Increase engagement (people use more when it works offline)
• Competitive advantage (Baidu Maps also has offline, but Google is better)

Bottom line

Google Maps offline = unlock emerging markets = $billions in ads (when they eventually get better internet)