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User reports Google Maps proposed a sponsored detour to a trip (paquita.masto.host)

submitted 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

16 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Original toot in Spanish says: "OK, so I need some alternatives to Google Maps, because I just decided seconds ago to stop using it after I got proposed a trip with a completely unnecessary detour which adds two extra minutes just because it pass by a gas station that sponsors this trip."

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[–] [email protected] 12 points 10 months ago (1 children)

I have experienced something really similar. Not a detour, but, well…

In early 2019 (or maybe late 2018), whenever I used google maps and the route took me over on a certain stretch road, it would announce the location of an Auto Zone regardless of bearing on the route.
It was just a straight section of road with no confusing areas that needed any clarification. Yet the navigation voice would announce “In a quarter mile, continue past the Auto Zone” followed by “Continue past the Auto Zone on the right.” (Or left.)

It was so jarring and offensive that I also wanted to stop using Google Maps.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 10 months ago (1 children)

It does that because it thinks there's a bend in the road or some silly shit. Mine tells me to turn after the Taco Bell into a place because the turn in isn't a named road. I don't think it's trying to advertise to me. That's just where the turn is.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

I’m not convinced.

A map depicting an icon for Auto Zone on a straight section of road with no cross streets or curves. .

[–] [email protected] 2 points 10 months ago

There's a main road between my parents' house and the freeway that doesn't deviate AT ALL and it tells me blah miles to this spot and then just continue straight. It makes no fucking sense. I still don't think they're paying for an ad. I have no love for Google but this seems a little much imo. There's no point to it.