There was a report earlier today that a few Windows Phone users were banned by Google from using the web version of its Google Maps app. And from what we are hearing, the issue seems to be affecting a wide number Windows Phone devices. The report originated from one of the forums of fellow tech site The Verge, and Google caught wind of it immediately. Google was quick to respond, and issued a statement to saying, “The mobile web version of Google Maps is optimized for WebKit browsers such as Chrome and Safari. However, since Internet Explorer is not a WebKit browser, Windows Phone devices are not able to access Google Maps for the mobile web.”
It is important to note that Google Maps is not officially supported on Windows Phone OS. Perhaps launching a native Google Maps app on Microsoft’s mobile OS is not a top priority for Google. Well, of course, Microsoft has Bing, so that could one reason. Another possible reason could be that the relationship between both companies have gone sour, with Microsoft accusing Google of “intentionally” not working on a native YouTube app for Windows Phone OS, and for not letting Microsoft build one either. Microsoft has also expressed its dismay with the FTC’s decision to end its antitrust investigation on Google.
Filed in . Read more about Google, Google Maps, Microsoft and Windows Phone.