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Google Backs Down On Maps Redirect

Posted by samzenpus on from the on-second-thought dept.

Dupple writes "A few days ago Google blocked access to its maps on Windows Phone 8, claiming that it 'worked best' on WebKit-based browsers — effectively excluding WP8 users. This, despite Google Maps working fine on desktop versions of IE that use the same rendering engine and users being able to spoof the user agent string on their WP8 devices to gain access. Now it appears that Google has backed down and is now allowing WP8 users access."

1 of 240 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Perfect Example by mrbluejello · · Score: 0, Flamebait

    That's not the issue. The issue is that Google Maps works perfectly fine on desktop IE, and mobile IE uses the same rendering engine / works the same. You would be correct if Google had blocked desktop IE too, BUT THEY DIDN'T. This was Google exercising their power to try to damage the Windows Phone experience.

    I think that they are just jealous that Microsoft came up with an original mobile experience and all they could do is copy what Apple had going on. If Google didn't see Microsoft as a threat, they wouldn't be doing these antics, so I see this as validation of the Windows Phone platform.