Google Maps has received enough praise for allowing users to view photos and read reviews even without sign-in. They can search for places, get directions, and view images of landmarks with ease. However, recent reports suggest that a new update now restricts access to the reviews and the media unless the user is signed in.
Users can no longer view photos and read reviews on Google Maps without a sign-in
Several users report that access to images and reviews on Google Maps now requires a sign-in. The issue first gained attention on Reddit, where users shared screenshots showing differences between the signed-in and signed-out accounts. As per the comments, anyone who is not logged into the Google account can only view a single image for a location. On the contrary, signed-in users can access a sidebar that contains multiple photos of the place.
Additionally, many users have reported that the app’s review section is hidden unless they sign in. Under normal circumstances, ratings and written feedback appear in the same panel as images. With the new update, the review section simply doesn’t show on the logged-out accounts. The change limits transparency and also affects the overall user experience.
Plan remains uncertain, as Google has not confirmed anything yet
As of right now, it’s hard to figure out if the change is part of a broader strategy. It could be an ongoing test. Requiring users to sign in before they can access reviews and images may improve accuracy and personalized recommendations. However, the change can be very frustrating for casual browsers.
As said earlier, Google has not released any official announcement regarding the update. For now, those who want to access photos of the places and read reviews must sign in using a Google account. Consequently, those who rely on Google Maps without logging in are left with fewer options and a more limited interface.
The post Google Maps Update Requires Users to Sign in to View Photos and Read Reviews appeared first on Android Headlines.
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