A long-requested feature could soon arrive on Google Maps, if Google decides to bring it out of testing. The company just rolled out Incognito Mode to Maps' preview group, which hints at an impending stable release sometime soon.
The feature was one of the privacy-focused features Google showed off at its I/O conference earlier this year, alongside Incognito Mode for Google Search. Like Incognito Mode on Chrome, the feature allows a user's location or direction searches remain anonymous and not get associated with their Google account.
Google Maps Incognito Mode
The feature's arrival in Maps' testing group was first reported by Android Police. The mode won't save the user's browsing history, update their location history or shared locations, or use their data to personalize the Google Maps experience.
Now, why would a person need Incognito Mode on Google Maps? Well, this neat little feature may come in handy for those trying to fly under the radar. Say a user is looking for gift shops for their loved one and don't want them to see it, or a user is going to a place they know they won't like and would like Google not to recommend more places similar to it.
According to participants of the test group, Incognito Mode can be switched on by tapping the user's profile photo on the right corner of the search bar and hitting "Turn on Incognito Mode" from the options that surface. The app then confirms that the mode is on by putting a black bar atop the screen that says, "Incognito Mode is on."
Other Features
Incognito Mode isn't the only neat feature coming to Google Maps. XDA Developers has uncovered some pretty interesting tidbits that point to an eyes-free navigation option in the preview version of the app. This mode will apparently negate the need to look at the screen while walking around by delivering more frequent and detailed voice-assisted directions.
Apart from Incognito Mode and Eyes Free mode, XDA Developers also noticed references to incident reporting for various instances, such as broken-down vehicles, road obstructions, and lane closures. No telling when these features might arrive on the app, if they do make it past the testing phase. As always, make sure to check back with Tech Times as we learn more.
Google Maps is available for free on iOS and Android.
Thoughts on Incognito Mode for Google Maps? What other features would you like to see in the app? As always, if you have anything to share, feel free to sound them off in the comments section below!
