Offline Google Maps for Android coming in a few weeks

According to Google, offline Google Maps for Android will be coming in a few weeks. I would expect someone in the sideload forum to be working on converting the APK to a BAR once it's available in the Google Play store. This is great news!

Google Lat Long: The never-ending quest for the perfect map

This is a nice jab back at apple for dropping Google maps for their own maps.

I'm hoping that it doesn't require Android 4.xx, however, it's unlikely since the various 2.xx flavors make up something like 90% of the Android ecosystem. Regardless, assuming it is in fact 2.xx-compatible, I'll be the first to convert and test it. :)

Note: The current Google Maps up to version 6.2 works great under OS 2.xx. However, newer releases (anything from 6.3 onward) crash when you try to access the Settings page (for example, to enable the existing offline caching in the Labs section).

Here's hoping this flaw doesn't carry over to the new offline version. :(

RCK