In a previous post, we reported that Google was blocking Windows Phone users from accessing the maps.google.com domain. Google responded to these posts and stated that it only supports Webkit browsers and that Windows Phones do not have a browser that works on this platform, which is why their users were blocked from the service.
The Next Web was able to speak to Google, who said they would make changes to allow Windows Phone users to access it. Once again, they defended the move, saying it was a performance issue and not a move to weaken the Windows Phone platform. Google said:
[quote]
We periodically test Google Maps compatibility with various mobile browsers to ensure that they deliver the best possible experience for end users.
In our last test, mobiles using Internet Explorer still couldn't provide a good experience on our maps as they couldn't pan or zoom and couldn't perform basic map functions. Therefore, we chose to continue redirecting mobile users with IE to Google.com, where they could at least do local searches. The Firefox mobile browser offers a somewhat better end-user experience and therefore there is no redirection of users to Google search.
Recent improvements to Internet Explorer for mobile and Google Maps appear to offer a better experience, and we are currently working to remove the redirect. We will continue to test Google Maps compatibility with other mobile browsers to ensure the best possible user experience.[/quote]
