Advertisements can certainly be annoying, but they’re not always a bad thing. Problems arise most often when ads are intrusive or irrelevant, and when they do more to pester us than inform us. In the case of Google Maps, ads can actually be quite helpful in many scenarios, and Google just announced a few changes for the ads it serves in its Google Maps mobile app that might actually enhance users’ experiences.
Google on Tuesday night posted a new note on its Google+ page for ads that explains a few key changes made recently to ads in the Google Maps mobile app.
“Recently, we began showing search results for places like restaurants and hotels in a list view below the search box for easier browsing,” the company said. “Today, we’re extending this experience to ads on Google Maps and Google Maps for Mobile to make it faster and easier for users to view and connect with the businesses that are most relevant to them.”
Ads will now display more information to users, and they can give the option to call an establishment with one tap from within an ad. The Street View image can also now be displayed to immediately give users a look at the business being advertised. Ratings, hours of operation and other useful information can also be displayed.
