Strava adds intent-based route search and offline maps
The fitness platform is rolling out redesigned route cards and offline saved routes, with turn-by-turn audio directions coming to subscribers.
Strava announced new route planning and discovery features for running, hiking and riding, and has begun rolling them out to users, according to 9to5mac.com. The update centres on a redesigned Maps tab and changes to how routes are found, saved and started.
The Maps tab now supports searching for route names and points of interest, including natural-language queries that Strava matches to a user's intent. Strava has also expanded and curated its route inventory to give users more options.
Route cards have been redesigned to show photos and activity data from Strava users, and saved routes now appear on the home screen in offline mode. Workouts started offline upload once service returns.
Audio directions and web discovery planned
Subscribers will soon receive turn-by-turn audio directions, the company said. Strava also plans to add community-generated tags and descriptions for points of interest along routes, and to bring route discovery to the web.
The route announcement follows last week's news that Strava was expanding its strength training features with coach-designed guided workouts and live set and rep tracking.
Quick answers
What new route features is Strava rolling out?
Intent-based route search in the Maps tab, a larger curated route inventory, redesigned route cards and offline access to saved routes.
Are Strava's turn-by-turn audio directions free?
They will be available to subscribers, and Strava says they are coming soon.
Can I use saved Strava routes without a connection?
Yes. Saved routes are now available on the home screen in offline mode, and workouts started offline upload once service returns.