Google Maps tests new pop-up ads that give you an unnecessary detour (Update)
www.androidauthority.com
Google Maps is testing a new ad format that gives users the option to add a stop for a sponsored location during navigation.
      • flamingo_pinyata@sopuli.xyzEnglish
        16·
        6 months ago

        Unfortunately not, and the time estimates are quite inaccurate. Sigh, it’s the price for not having to deal with Googles shit

        • Salix@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
          7·
          6 months ago

          They get the traffic data from some third party, not by following their users like gmaps.

          https://www.magicearth.com/faq-en/

          Do you share data with third parties?

          We send position data to our traffic provider to generate real-time traffic information. The data is anonymized on the phone, using a changing key (so it’s not linked to you), and it is deleted after 5 minutes.

          They have a good privacy policy though. I haven’t really had many issues with their app.

        • BadlyDrawnRhino @aussie.zoneEnglish
          5·
          6 months ago

          Thanks for this, I’m going to try this out on my way home. My main use for Gmaps is to determine the quickest way to and from work during peak hour, so keen to see how Magic Earth’s traffic data compares.

          • KISSmyOS@feddit.orgEnglish
            11·
            6 months ago

            the quickest way to and from work during peak hour

            Everyone is using Google for that, so on average, traffic on all alternative routes will level out quickly and it doesn’t matter which one you choose.

        • akilou@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
          2·
          6 months ago

          But at that point what are you even gaining? If you’re looking for privacy you’re just trading Google tracking you for “third party service provider” tracking you

          • infeeeee@lemm.eeEnglish
            4·
            6 months ago

            No. It means they get the data from somewhere else, maybe from some carsharing app, or from some government db from car counting thingies mounted on traffic lights, etc. There are other sources to get traffic data ftom, but usually following users is more convenient and reliable

            They wont tell us where they get it from, they only say it’s not generated via this app. They are followimg someone, but not me.

      • The Quuuuuill@slrpnk.netEnglish
        11·
        6 months ago

        Personally I been using organic maps because Osmand isn’t giving me better directions and it needs more permissions and it doesn’t have working voice directions

      • flamingo_pinyata@sopuli.xyzEnglish
        6·
        6 months ago

        Osmand would be the best one if it wasn’t so slow. Compared to organic maps the rendering lag is not only noticeable but very annoying

      • explore_broaden@midwest.socialEnglish
        3·
        6 months ago

        I don’t like how OsmAnd limits the number of maps you can download for free, Organic Maps’s donation model is much better in my opinion.

      • gedaliyah@lemmy.worldEnglish
        3·
        6 months ago

        Organic Maps is fine. It’s what I use, although I am not located in a great area for OSM. Are there any specific benefits to OSMand?

      • xploit@lemmy.worldEnglish
        1·
        6 months ago

        Did Osmand change that bullshit where if you changed your device you can fuck right off with your previously bought maps and pay for them again because they didn’t tie them to store account

    • xep@fedia.io
      6·
      6 months ago

      Is there any way I can help contribute public transport information to OSM? It’s the one thing that Google maps does that I can’t replace.