C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
I take advantage of Google Maps practically on daily basis. I take advantage of it for instructions, clearly, however I additionally use it the best way most individuals use Yelp — for restaurant solutions. I’ll additionally hearth up the Maps app if I want practice schedules, to seek out the closest restroom at an airport, or to find what an space’s locations of curiosity is likely to be. It’s, indubitably, certainly one of my most-used apps.
Nonetheless, that doesn’t imply it’s excellent. In reality, there’s an enormous downside with the app that drives me insane: the dearth of a capability to dam companies from search outcomes. This would appear like a basic characteristic, however Google simply gained’t ship it.
Earlier than I get into my grievance, let me present you what I’m speaking about.
See additionally: Right here’s the right way to cease Google Maps from draining your battery
Google Maps search outcomes: Not what I would like
Let’s say I’ve traveled to a spot I’ve by no means been to earlier than. All of a sudden, I get the longing for some tea (a typical incidence for me). I can ask Maps to tug up an inventory of tea spots close by, as seen within the screenshots beneath.
It is a nice characteristic I take advantage of on a regular basis. Nonetheless, word the third screenshot. See the way it has advisable Dunkin’ as a potential tea spot? I don’t need to go to Dunkin’. I by no means, ever need to go there. Dunkin’ has horrible tea and, more often than not, has little to no seating. Plus, it’s an enormous chain — I’d a lot fairly go to a small enterprise and assist the locals.
I’ve repeatedly instructed Google Maps I am not excited by Dunkin’ but it surely nonetheless suggests it to me.
Now, I’ve instructed Google Maps that I’m not excited by Dunkin’ (see fourth and fifth screenshots). You are able to do this by opening Maps, tapping your profile picture, after which going to Settings > Handle your preferences. Sadly, this doesn’t change a lot in your search outcomes. You’ll nonetheless see advertisements for Dunkin’ and also you’ll nonetheless see Dunkin’ places prompt to you. The one factor that modifications is you’ll see a decrease match share subsequent to the enterprise — within the case of Dunkin’ it’s a 5% match for me.
I would like this to be a 0% match and I don’t need to see it in my outcomes anymore. Why can’t I do that, Google?
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I can block Google Information outcomes, why can’t I block companies?
C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
Within the Google Information app, you may block total sources. Let’s say I don’t need to see any tales from a web site known as “The Finest Dunkin’ Weblog.” I can discover a story from that supply within the Information app, click on the overflow icon, and faucet “Conceal all tales.” Increase: I’ll by no means see an article from “The Finest Dunkin’ Weblog” once more.
This characteristic is there as a result of Google understands that you simply won’t belief some information sources — or simply don’t like them. Why can’t it perceive that we don’t belief/like some companies, both?
The lack to dam companies in Maps makes it a much less helpful app.
Clearly, I do know the reply to this query: cash. Google doesn’t make direct advert income from information websites, so there would by no means be a time that it will have to push you an advert for a information web page. Google Maps — and Google’s fundamental income, Search — depend on advertisements for revenue. If I block Dunkin’ from my Maps search outcomes, Google would then have to additionally block Dunkin’ advertisements, which might lower into its backside line. That is additionally why there isn’t any official method to block websites out of your searches inside Google Search (though there are workarounds).
How do you’re feeling about undesirable solutions in Google Maps?
118 votes
Though I perceive the reasoning, this entire state of affairs makes Maps much less helpful to me. I don’t need Dunkin’ in my search outcomes, and I don’t need Chick-fil-A there, both. I’m by no means going to a Residence Depot ever once more, and I’d like to by no means hear about Interest Foyer so long as I dwell. Maps can be a greater product if I might inform it to cease suggesting that I ought to go to these companies.
