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iPhone’s Google Maps app now shows ads

Filed under: Software, iPhone, iPod touch

Have you noticed the new “Sponsored Link” search results showing up when you search in Google Maps on your iPhone? These new search results are ads. They’re easy to pick out, because they use a customized icon instead of the typical push pin icon. While it’s not surprising that Google is going to want to find every way possible to monetize its mapping service, it’s still a little disconcerting to see these results popping up.

Given this obvious new revenue stream, it makes us wonder whether Apple wants to get in on the lucrative mapping action. Their recent purchase of the mapping service company Placebase certainly suggests the possibility.

Do you mind seeing ads intermingled with your map search results on a mobile device? Why or why not?

TUAWiPhone’s Google Maps app now shows ads originally appeared on The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW) on Sat, 10 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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