Google Maps is losing another feature later this year

Changes Coming to Google Maps: The End of Individual Following

In 2018, Google unveiled a “Follow”button for its Maps service, allowing users to stay updated on businesses by receiving notifications about events and promotions in their personalized “For You”tab. This feature aimed to enhance user engagement by fostering a connection between consumers and businesses.

Building on this concept, 2020 saw the introduction of a social aspect, enabling users to follow individuals whose public activities—including reviews, photos, and videos—would populate their feeds. However, in a recent announcement, Google stated that it will discontinue the individual follower feature by September of this year.

The Impact of This Change

According to Google, all associated data regarding your follower lists will be erased from their servers. While your profile’s visibility settings will remain intact, the removal of follower functionality means there’s no longer a need to manage requests for restricting profile access. For many users, this change could come as a relief, especially considering that the follower feature had become vulnerable to spam bot activity, as noted by some users in online discussions.

It’s worth mentioning that the option to follow businesses was already eliminated earlier in January. The gradual fade of the “Follow”feature had been evident, as Google had downplayed its prominence on business profiles.

Alternative Options for Community Engagement

For those users who appreciated the individual following capability, Google is steering them toward Local Guides Connect. This platform serves as a community hub where Local Guides can accumulate points by contributing reviews, photos, or amending map details. It facilitates more direct interaction than the previous follower system, allowing members to engage more meaningfully with one another. Additionally, users can create and distribute curated lists of places, further enhancing the community experience.

Recent Developments in Google Maps

In a related move, Google recently expanded its collaboration with Rivian, focusing on their electric trucks and SUVs. Rivian is transitioning from a navigation system powered by Mapbox to a new version utilizing the Google Maps Auto SDK. This upgrade will enable drivers to tap into Google’s real-time traffic data and enhanced search capabilities for points of interest, thus improving the overall navigation experience.

As Google continues to refine its Maps service, it’s essential for users to stay informed about these changes and explore the new avenues for engagement within the platform.

Source & Images