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Google Decides to Monetize Maps

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Re: Google Decides to Monetize Maps

#11

Post by thinkingemote »

clydethefrog wrote: post #9
pojntfx wrote: post #3

May OpenStreetMap prevail!

I wish there was an app using OSM that had at least some usability and design. I tried some but had to quit out frustration.

Sometimes you have to sacrifice usability for something more important. AMP is a good example. Users love it. It's more usable, but HN thinks it's evil.

Re: Google Decides to Monetize Maps

#12

Post by Konnstann »

kgwxd wrote: post #6

A few months ago, I noticed navigaton saying thing like "take the next right, after Key Bank". Clearly an ad, as there is nothing ambiguous about the turn. Haven't seen it mentioned by anyone else, am I the only one?

It has been happening to me for about a year now, with specifically Jack-in-the-Box. Seems like a win-win situation, street names are harder to detect while moving at higher speeds than a huge sign for a fast food place, and businesses get advertised. That's how I give directions to people as well, using landmarks.

Re: Google Decides to Monetize Maps

#14

Post by wortelefant »

Evil webdesign patterns on this site: After I opted out of all but "required" cookies, the popup kept me waiting for several minutes with "processing preferences", inviting users to cancel the opt-out. Shenanigans like this one has become my main use case for read-it-later-apps like wallabag/pocket these days.

Re: Google Decides to Monetize Maps

#15

Post by m463 »

kgwxd wrote: post #6

A few months ago, I noticed navigaton saying thing like "take the next right, after Key Bank". Clearly an ad, as there is nothing ambiguous about the turn. Haven't seen it mentioned by anyone else, am I the only one?

I have seen this behavior with my garmin (offline) gps.

I don't know if this is a marketing tie-in or a sincere attempt to use landmarks as a legitimate navigation technique.

Re: Google Decides to Monetize Maps

#16

Post by cdubzzz »

clydethefrog wrote: post #9
pojntfx wrote: post #3

May OpenStreetMap prevail!

I wish there was an app using OSM that had at least some usability and design. I tried some but had to quit out frustration.

Not OSM, but I have been using HERE[0] with success for a while (if only to diversify off of Google products). Curious to know if anyone has done more research/has an opinion on their platform.

[0] https://wego.here.com/

Re: Google Decides to Monetize Maps

#17

Post by cageface »

Google is really leaving the door open here for Apple to step in and offer a services bundle with a monthly fee that doesn’t involve stuffing advertising into every nook and cranny of the user experience.

I generally prefer Google’s services to Apple’s but there might be a tipping point soon where I’m willing to sacrifice some features in exchange for a generally less creepy product.

Re: Google Decides to Monetize Maps

#18

Post by taneq »

clydethefrog wrote: post #9
pojntfx wrote: post #3

May OpenStreetMap prevail!

I wish there was an app using OSM that had at least some usability and design. I tried some but had to quit out frustration.

How long ago was that? OSMAnd+ has come along in leaps and bounds in the past couple of years.

Re: Google Decides to Monetize Maps

#19

Post by jfoster »

cageface wrote: post #17

Google is really leaving the door open here for Apple to step in and offer a services bundle with a monthly fee that doesn’t involve stuffing advertising into every nook and cranny of the user experience. I generally prefer Google’s services to Apple’s but there might be a tipping point soon where I’m willing to sacrifice some features in exchange for a generally less creepy product.

People have been speculating that for yonks, though. If it's such a huge opportunity for Apple and so many people want it, where is it?
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