Google Maps should have a way to block businesses

I use Google Maps almost every single working day. I use it for instructions, of course, but I also use it the way most people today use Yelp — for restaurant ideas. I’ll also fireplace up the Maps application if I will need prepare schedules, to discover the nearest restroom at an airport, or to learn what an area’s destinations of fascination may be. It is, without the need of a doubt, one particular of my most-employed applications.

On the other hand, that doesn’t mean it is excellent. In truth, there is a large trouble with the application that drives me crazy: the lack of an skill to block enterprises from look for benefits. This would look like a essential element, but Google just will not deliver it.

Ahead of I get into my complaint, let me demonstrate you what I’m speaking about.

See also: Here’s how to cease Google Maps from draining your battery

Google Maps research results: Not what I want

Let’s say I’ve traveled to a place I have never been to prior to. Instantly, I get the craving for some tea (a typical prevalence for me). I can inquire Maps to pull up a record of tea places close by, as noticed in the screenshots under.

This is a good element I use all the time. Even so, take note the 3rd screenshot. See how it has proposed Dunkin’ as a possible tea location? I really do not want to go to Dunkin’. I hardly ever, at any time want to go there. Dunkin’ has horrible tea and, most of the time, has little to no seating. Additionally, it is a enormous chain — I’d a great deal relatively go to a compact company and assistance the locals.

Now, I’ve informed Google Maps that I’m not fascinated in Dunkin’ (see fourth and fifth screenshots). You can do this by opening Maps, tapping your profile image, and then heading to Configurations > Deal with your tastes. Sad to say, this does not transform significantly for your lookup outcomes. You will still see advertisements for Dunkin’ and you’ll continue to see Dunkin’ locations instructed to you. The only thing that variations is you’ll see a reduce match share next to the business — in the circumstance of Dunkin’ it is a 5% match for me.

I want this to be a % match and I do not want to see it in my outcomes any longer. Why can not I do this, Google?

Relevant: The best GPS and maps apps for Android

I can block Google Information outcomes, why can not I block companies?

In the Google News application, you can block whole sources. Let us say I really do not want to see any tales from a internet site termed “The Greatest Dunkin’ Blog.” I can uncover a story from that supply in the News app, click the overflow icon, and tap “Hide all tales.” Growth: I’ll never see an report from “The Most effective Dunkin’ Blog” once again.

This attribute is there mainly because Google understands that you could possibly not rely on some news resources — or just really do not like them. Why can’t it recognize that we really don’t have faith in/like some enterprises, either?

Naturally, I know the remedy to this dilemma: cash. Google doesn’t make immediate advert earnings from news web-sites, so there would by no means be a time that it would will need to push you an ad for a news web site. Google Maps — and Google’s key source of revenue, Lookup — depend on advertisements for financial gain. If I block Dunkin’ from my Maps look for benefits, Google would then require to also block Dunkin’ ads, which would slash into its base line. This is also why there is no official way to block web-sites from your queries in Google Research (despite the fact that there are workarounds).

While I fully grasp the reasoning, this whole condition helps make Maps less useful to me. I really don’t want Dunkin’ in my look for outcomes, and I really do not want Chick-fil-A there, both. I’m by no means going to a Dwelling Depot at any time again, and I’d really like to never listen to about Hobby Foyer as extensive as I dwell. Maps would be a greater product or service if I could explain to it to prevent suggesting that I should take a look at these corporations.