Google Maps has potentially rolled out a change that could vastly change the user experience, depending on whether you’re logged in to a Google account.
Google-focused tech website 9to5Google spotted a change where non-logged-in users apparently now get a “limited view” version of Maps, which is missing lots of key features, including displays of nearby businesses, more detailed info on nearby attractions, and user reviews. In “limited view” mode, for instance, when clicking on a restaurant — which doesn’t display on the side of the page — users wouldn’t get key info like user reviews, busiest hours, or dine-in/take-out status, 9to5Google noted.
As is often the case with such changes, users posted about noticing the change on Reddit.
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There are some indications that perhaps the change could be a glitch of some sort, rather than a wholesale shift. Tech site Tom’s Guide noted an error message received by some users indicated the issue could be network problems, a Chrome extension, or other problems. The error message does state that the issues could be fixed by logging in. The writer for Tom’s Guide noted, however, that they saw a stripped-back version of Maps while logged out with no error message.
Mashable has reached out to Google and will update this story with any clarification or further details.
