Using the recently-updated Google Maps app on your Android or iOS device? If so, don't be surprised if you start occasionally seeing ads returned as part of your search results.
Google announced today on its official AdWords blog that it's launching "relevant ads" in the Google Maps for Android and iOS apps that will appear at the bottom of the display when the user performs a search. The ad will include the name of the business that's being advertised, the word "Ad" along with the text of the ad itself and a link that will provide directions. Swiping up or tapping on the ad will display more information about the business. That includes a website URL, photos, address, reviews and a set of "Call," "Save" and "Share" buttons.
As The Next Web notes, ads are still a pretty big part of Google's business, and so it's not entirely shocking to see that the company has launched a new way to incorporate ads into the refreshed Maps apps for Android and iOS (which is totally free). The good news is that at least the ads are appear to fit nicely into the app itself while still being easily identifiable. Plus, if a user encounters an advertised result and isn't happy with it, he or she can swipe to the next result to see if it's a better fit. Google's full announcement of today's news is available at the AdWords link below.
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