'Wi-Fi is strange for navigation on Google Maps, it's a dark pattern that tricks unfamiliar users,' he said.



To position yourself with Google Maps, you need the GPS function of the terminal or a Wi-Fi connection. The GPS function allows positioning even when the terminal is offline, but connecting to Wi-Fi enables more detailed positioning. On the other hand, some users have privacy concerns about bringing the app online and do not allow the app to connect to Wi-Fi, so it is possible to refuse the Wi-Fi connection even with Google Maps. However, the social news site Hacker News points out that it is a problem that the specifications are misleading that Google Maps can not be used unless it is connected to Wi-Fi.

Google Maps now requires WiFi scanning to use navigation | Hacker News

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=30167865

Hacker News user bbarnett has been using Google Maps for car and bike navigation for a long time, but when using Google Maps, he only tracks location information using GPS and uses Wi-Fi. It wasn't.

If you want to focus on your location on Google Maps, tap the arrow icon to track it. At this time, a message prompting you to turn on the use of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth is displayed saying 'Please turn on the location information of the device to continue', but 'Of course the GPS location information itself is the original Google wants Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile phone tracking data, 'says bbarnett.



Of course, you can use Google Maps as long as you can use GPS, even if you do not allow permission to use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. But it's the cunning dark pattern that gives the impression that you can't use Google Maps without Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which is insulting and absurd, bbarnett said.

According to bbarnett, a further update to Google Maps will prevent navigation on Google Maps without fully allowing location tracking. Therefore, he stopped using Google Maps, which he had been using for many years, and switched to the offline map application 'Organic Maps'.



In response to bbarnett's post, 'It is illegal in the EU to deny service if the user does not agree to share non-essential data, and it also violates the Google Play developer agreement. Wi-Fi scanning is Google Maps. It's not required to use the app. If Google complies with the law, if users don't agree to share data, it will properly reduce services, such as disabling services such as traffic forecasting. ' Opinions have been received.

However, on the other hand, there is also a voice saying, 'GPS accuracy is very low in a city with many skyscrapers and electric wires, so it can be said that Wi-Fi connection is practically essential.' Especially when using Google Maps for car navigation, it is pointed out that it is meaningless unless Wi-Fi is used because GPS does not work because it requires a certain level of accuracy.

in Mobile,   Web Service,   Web Application, Posted by log1i_yk