If you have been using Google Maps without signing into a Google account, your experience could be about to change for the worse. Google has been spotted testing a new “limited view” in Google Maps which restricts access to certain information.
When not signed into a Google account, some people have started to see the new limited mode which strips away things such as photos from other users, accommodation listings, and places of interest on the section of map that is currently being viewed.
While Google has not issued any sort of statement or made an announcement about the change, it has not gone unnoticed. As first reported by 9to5 Google, the difference between the signed-in version and non-signed-in version of Google Maps is really quite dramatic.
Those affected by the change report seeing a pop-up message that informs them that they are “Seeing a limited view of Google Maps”. The message goes on to say:
Why you are seeing this
Some reasons include:
· Google Maps may be experiencing issues.
· Unusual traffic may have been detected from your computer or network.
· Browser extensions may be interfering with your Google Maps experience.
But the kicker comes right at the end:
Signing into Google Maps might help you avoid seeing this limited experience again.
Not being signed into Google Maps also means missing out on user reviews, which can be one of the most important features of the service for some people.
9to5Google experimented and had the following to say:
The difference in functionality between the signed-in and signed-out versions of Google Maps are stark, to stay the least.
Looking at a State Park in NC, the signed-in version of Maps shows nearby hotels, rentals, and user photos, as well as some facts about the area. The signed-out version shows almost none of this, and even removes a bunch of nearby businesses and attractions from the map itself.
Moving over to a restaurant, there are even more differences. The signed-out Google Maps listing still shows key details such as address, hours, a phone number, and more, but it’s missing a lot of the information found on the signed-in version. That includes:
- Dine-in/Takeout/Delivery status
- User reviews
- Popular times
- User photos & videos
- Menus
- Related locations
Again, it’s a huge difference in the experience, with the lack of reviews perhaps being the most impactful loss. Google Maps has, over the years, built up a huge repository of user reviews of local businesses and locations, and that information is incredibly valuable.
There is an argument that signing into a Google account to gain access to this wealth of free information is a small price to pay, but the counter argument is that the need to sign in means that the cost of accessing data is giving up your privacy.
Image credit: Juan Alejandro Bernal / Dreamstime.com
