The latest Google Maps beta version suggests that Google may soon be phasing out the Followed Places feature, which was introduced in 2018 to allow users to receive updates from places and businesses listed on the app. The deactivation of this feature is expected to take place in January 2025, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Google Maps is a highly popular app among Android users for its usefulness in navigation and recommendations. However, the app has accumulated a plethora of features over time, leading to a possible cleanup of less utilized functions. The potential removal of the ability to follow places on Google Maps is part of this feature reevaluation.
An APK Teardown of Google Maps v11.134.0103 beta revealed code indicating that the Followed Places feature will be disabled starting from January 2025. Users will no longer be able to see the places they follow on the app, but they can download their local followed places data from the Maps section of Takeout.
The Followed Places feature was introduced in 2018 as a way for users to stay updated on news from places and businesses, such as events and offers. However, as the app’s interface evolved, the Follow button lost visibility and is no longer widely available. The feature is not extensively documented in Google support materials, and there is limited information on how to follow or unfollow businesses on Google Maps.
Google has yet to provide an official statement regarding the deactivation of the Followed Places feature, but further updates may be forthcoming. Users are encouraged to reach out to Android Authority with any additional information or insights they may have on this topic by contacting news@androidauthority.com.
In summary, Google Maps could soon be phasing out the Followed Places feature, which allowed users to stay informed about places and businesses on the app. The deactivation of this feature is expected in January 2025, as indicated by the latest beta version of Google Maps. Users are advised to download their local followed places data before the feature becomes obsolete.
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https://www.androidauthority.com/google-maps-deprecate-followed-places-apk-teardown-3452612/
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