Google is currently testing the "Incognito mode" for Google Maps on Android which feature will hide the users data whenever they choose to access the maps without tracking them.

While this could be replicated on desktop by simply using the Incognito Mode in Chrome to open Google Maps, without having your data tied to your Maps experience, but not many people are actually aware of this possibility. Hence Google is opening up Maps app to leverage the benefits of native Incognito Mode within the application.

The feature is coming on the heels of some scandal involving how Google invade user’s privacy through location tracking, and by misleading users that their location data isn't collected because of the disabling of location permissions.

This new capability could be helpful in cases when a user don't want to be tracked on accessing Maps, and since using various apps and services utilize such data, it should be made clear when the data are not been tracked. And since the feature can be turned on, just like Chrome Incognito Mode, makes it easier to prevent your navigation data to be associated with Google account.

The Incognito Mode will also work everywhere that Google Maps is available, like Android Auto - which is Maps utility on cars that helps in navigation, and once the mode is activated in a car, it’ll show black status bar which reads the “Incognito Mode" is on.

For Android phones, simply selecting the option from your Google account icon, which will display a black status bar to inform you that the app is running in incognito mode. Additionally, the locator marker will turn to dark color to mark the change. Though, you’re still able to switch back to regular Maps whenever you choose.

To try out the feature right now, you should upgrade to the Preview Maps version 10.26, which requires that you’re registered on the select Preview Maps test group. And for the rest of us, we’ll just have to wait until Google finally rolls out the feature to all Maps users.

Google to roll out the ability to use Maps anonymously without tracking



Google is currently testing the "Incognito mode" for Google Maps on Android which feature will hide the users data whenever they choose to access the maps without tracking them.

While this could be replicated on desktop by simply using the Incognito Mode in Chrome to open Google Maps, without having your data tied to your Maps experience, but not many people are actually aware of this possibility. Hence Google is opening up Maps app to leverage the benefits of native Incognito Mode within the application.

The feature is coming on the heels of some scandal involving how Google invade user’s privacy through location tracking, and by misleading users that their location data isn't collected because of the disabling of location permissions.

This new capability could be helpful in cases when a user don't want to be tracked on accessing Maps, and since using various apps and services utilize such data, it should be made clear when the data are not been tracked. And since the feature can be turned on, just like Chrome Incognito Mode, makes it easier to prevent your navigation data to be associated with Google account.

The Incognito Mode will also work everywhere that Google Maps is available, like Android Auto - which is Maps utility on cars that helps in navigation, and once the mode is activated in a car, it’ll show black status bar which reads the “Incognito Mode" is on.

For Android phones, simply selecting the option from your Google account icon, which will display a black status bar to inform you that the app is running in incognito mode. Additionally, the locator marker will turn to dark color to mark the change. Though, you’re still able to switch back to regular Maps whenever you choose.

To try out the feature right now, you should upgrade to the Preview Maps version 10.26, which requires that you’re registered on the select Preview Maps test group. And for the rest of us, we’ll just have to wait until Google finally rolls out the feature to all Maps users.

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