this post was submitted on 08 Jul 2024

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Google Maps tests new pop-up ads that give you an unnecessary detour (www.androidauthority.com)

submitted 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

263 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Jesus, that is a gross way to inject advertising into turn-by-turn navigation.

Edit/update from 9to5google so this post does not spread what is apparently inaccurate information: https://9to5google.com/2024/07/08/google-maps-pop-up-quick-detour-ad/

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[–] [email protected] 22 points 4 months ago

Just a reminder about the open-source OpenStreetMap. You can improve it online by adding features like a Wikipedia for maps. You can even use the gamified app StreetComplete to add stuff and get points for walking around and mapping.

[–] [email protected] 20 points 4 months ago (1 children)

I remember a long time ago when I was considering using Waze, had heard really good things. Then I was driving with a friend who used it and it served an ad saying “click here to take a pit stop at McDonald!”

I never downloaded Waze so… good luck google.

[–] PrincessLeiasCat 9 points 4 months ago

It sucks because Waze is really great, and Googlenshittification had to get in on it and now it’s a shell of its former self. I still use it because many of the core features that made it great are still there, but I’m sure it’s just a matter of time at this point.

[–] [email protected] 20 points 4 months ago (4 children)

I have an iPhone and while I don’t like Apple Maps, I will absolutely switch to it in a heartbeat if this is added.

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[–] [email protected] 18 points 4 months ago (1 children)

One of their last few products that was actually quite good. I bet gmail is next.

[–] [email protected] 20 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago) (2 children)

What do you mean? Gmail been injecting ads disguised as email in your mailbox for ages.

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[–] gravitas_deficiency 17 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Welp time to stop using google maps I guess

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[–] [email protected] 16 points 4 months ago

Stallman was right

[–] sentient_loom 13 points 4 months ago (8 children)

I'm willing to pay for an ad-free version. Google maps are very useful. I don't need it to be free. But ads are poison.

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[–] iAmTheTot 13 points 4 months ago (3 children)

Not to defend Google, but it seems unclear right now if this is something that will happen while driving, or similar to something Waze already does.

[–] [email protected] 19 points 4 months ago (2 children)

In Virginia, at least, it's not a meaningful distinction.

There used to be an exception for GPS, but the state changed the law a few years ago so that any non-hands-free use of a phone in a non-parked is a ticketable offense. Swiping away an ad at a red light would technically be illegal.

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[–] [email protected] 11 points 4 months ago

Waze has popped up ads on me plenty of times while I'm driving. Yes it knows I'm driving, the map is still scrolling along my route. At one point it was bad enough that the ads were remaining after every stop light, and finally clearing about half way to the next light. I haven't seen it happen in awhile though, maybe they finally got it fixed.

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[–] [email protected] 13 points 4 months ago

I've had something like this happening to me a long time ago. While going from a city in Uruguay to a city in Argentina, Google Maps "suggested" a route that was 2 hours longer but took me through the ferry (a paid business). Even though I chose "keep my route" several times, from time to time, the suggestion popped up with a "time limit" to confirm. If I failed to notice it, the suggested route would be selected.

[–] wheeldawg 12 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Anyone who capitalizes every word should be shot. I will not take questions on this.

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[–] [email protected] 11 points 4 months ago (1 children)

Thanks I hate it. Also not even new, this shit was what killed in dash sat navs....

[–] [email protected] 15 points 4 months ago (3 children)

Nitpicking, but I'm not sure that it was ads that killed dash sat navs. At least in my experience, they never really developed to that point where car companies would put ads in.

It was more that they were expensive options to install, a pain to keep updated, and generally weren't all that good.

Even before the live traffic and automatic detour features, phones didn't cost money to keep the onboard maps up to date, and you already had one, so you didn't need to either buy an add-on, or get a special unit for it.

With android CarPlay and Apple Auto, you could just put your phone map on the screen, which was basically the same thing, but a cheaper equivalent, since the hardware was on your phone instead.

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[–] [email protected] 10 points 4 months ago

Time to switch to open street maps

[–] [email protected] 9 points 4 months ago (1 children)

So will we soon have to go places we Don't want to go... Just so we can get directions to where we want to go?

If incorrect directions will be the norm...maybe it's Time to find a new map app