Google Maps for Windows Phone: Was Google Blocking Windows Phone Users from Google Maps?

“We periodically test Google Maps compatibility with mobile browsers to make sure we deliver the best experience for those users.

In our last test, IE mobile still did not offer a good maps experience with no ability to pan or zoom and perform basic map functionality. As a result, we chose to continue to redirect IE mobile users to Google.com where they could at least make local searches. The Firefox mobile browser did offer a somewhat better user experience and that’s why there is no redirect for those users.

Recent improvements to IE mobile and Google Maps now deliver a better experience and we are currently working to remove the redirect. We will continue to test Google Maps compatibility with other mobile browsers to ensure the best possible experience for users.”

Although it will be hard to convince some people, it should be noted that this was a product decision made by Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) and has nothing to do with targeting Windows Phone users because of competition within the mobile space.

Are you a Windows phone user? If so, did you run into this problem?

Check back here for more updates on Google Maps for Windows Phone.

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