Wtf is this shit? I was going to the store today and kept seeing square pins for Starbucks and gas stations while in navigation mode. This is super distracting especially in dark mode. I hope people at Google realize this will eat into Android market share. Google Maps is the only serious GPS on the platform. If I can't use my phone as a distraction-free gps, it's enough to make me switch to an iPhone. It's impressive how Apple Maps is not only getting better, but Google Maps is actively getting worse. #google #ads
It should recommend coupons too!!
This is not new. I have been seeing them for couple of years. They even drop names of the shop in voice instructions, like "Take a right turn from the Starbucks ahead"
Is this sarcasm or real (genuinely asking)? I never noticed the pins before and I leave the voice off. The voice I can kinda understand because store signs/landmarks can be easier to spot than road signs.
Real thing
You don’t want to try a firm mattress on your way back?
Yay! We are finally monetizing.
Wtf is this shit? I was going to chat with my friend in Facebook today and kept seeing ads for thousands of crappy things while just scrolling the newsfeed. This is super distracting. C’mon, Everyone wants to milk form ads
There are no ads in any Meta messaging product to my knowledge, only news feed. You don't ever need to look at the news feed to chat. There's also a difference between advertising in an entertainment product versus on a utility you're using to accomplish a complex task.
There are no ads here as well. It is just a pin on a map. You don’t even need to look there. It’s another side of the screen Google maps is not supposed to be utility. It’s also an entertainment product. Look at earth and explore the spaces nearby. If you need a utility, there is a navigation system in your car. Or buy tomtom as someone suggested
Free service doesn’t exist… Google Maps is just another place where they sell ads. Bright background makes them more visible. Check Tom Tom.
Right. I don't mind the ads in maps search. I don't mind the square pins when I am just aimlessly looking at the map. This attacks the core functionality of the product- navigation. I'll just buy a used iPhone SE and leave it in my car. Back to 2007 with this standalone GPS nonsense...
I was thinking about TomTom app and not a standalone tool. It is available in Play store.
Dude you work at Meta and complaining about ads?
Smart