A new feature rolling out for Google Maps will allow iOS and Android users to message local businesses with their queries without having to leave the GPS-based navigation app.

The feature is an extension of Google's real-time business-to-customer messaging service that the company introduced in select countries last year.

Businesses that signed up to the service include a Message button on their Business Profiles on Google Search allowing people to get in touch, and those same messages are set to appear in the side menu of Google Maps. This from the Google blog:

google maps messages

Sending messages to businesses gives you the opportunity to ask questions without having to make a phone call so that you can order a cake for your mom's birthday while on the bus or find out if a shoe store has your size without having to wait on hold.

Now you'll see your messages with the businesses you connect with via Business Profiles within the Google Maps app, where you're already looking for things to do and places to go or shop.

As part of the rollout, Google is also releasing a revamped Google My Business mobile app for iOS and Android that lets businesses browse their followers, reviews and messages, as well as create content for their business profile on Google.

The dual changes follow a recent update to Google Maps that introduced a new "Follow" button to let users track businesses and learn about promotions, events and, other news. The features are Google's attempt to rival Facebook Pages, which have been the more popular go-to for companies seeking to broadcast their outward-facing business activities online.

Google Maps can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Top Rated Comments

Johntotah94 Avatar
64 months ago
('https://www.macrumors.com/2018/11/15/google-maps-gains-business-messaging/')


A new feature rolling out for Google Maps will allow iOS and Android users to message local businesses with their queries without having to leave the GPS-based navigation app.

The feature is an extension of Google's real-time business-to-customer messaging service that the company introduced in select countries last year.

Businesses that signed up to the service include a Message button on their Business Profiles on Google Search allowing people to get in touch, and those same messages are set to appear in the side menu of Google Maps. This from the Google blog ('https://www.blog.google/products/maps/see-your-messages-local-businesses-google-maps/'):


As part of the rollout, Google is also releasing a revamped Google My Business mobile app for iOS and Android that lets businesses browse their followers, reviews and messages, as well as create content for their business profile on Google.

The dual changes follow a recent update to Google Maps that introduced a new "Follow" button to let users track businesses and learn about promotions, events and, other news. The features are Google's attempt to rival Facebook Pages, which have been the more popular go-to for companies seeking to broadcast their outward-facing business activities online.

Google Maps ('http://appshopper.com/navigation/google-maps') can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link ('https://itunes.apple.com/app/google-maps-navigation-transit/id585027354?mt=8')]

Article Link: Google Maps Gains Messaging Feature for Users to Chat With Local Businesses ('https://www.macrumors.com/2018/11/15/google-maps-gains-business-messaging/')
Apple Maps has done this for a while. I’ve messaged Home Depot and they are fast to respond. Very cool if you haven’t tried it.

Called Business Chat and stores in iMessage.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Ghost31 Avatar
64 months ago
I honestly don’t know why you would even use Apple Maps at this point. I like Siri integration and be able to use it with my watch, but as far as the features that actually count goes, Google maps is where it’s at
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
now i see it Avatar
64 months ago
Since is a crapshoot whether any company will even reply to email queries, (where they can take their sweet time & maybe respond a week later) I find it hard to believe this feature will ever be used. Most likely ignored - like their emails.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
69Mustang Avatar
64 months ago
Since is a crapshoot whether any company will even reply to email queries, (where they can take their sweet time & maybe respond a week later) I find it hard to believe this feature will ever be used. Most likely ignored - like their emails.
That doesn't make sense at all. If a company takes the time to sign up for the service in hopes of attracting more customers, one would think they would take advantage of the possibility to attract more customers. It's accessed through Google Maps. Typically used for navigation. Possibly to the company receiving the inquiry. Most companies are trying to "get that bread".

Considering your entire argument is based on email behavior, not messaging... yeah, no it doesn't make sense.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

Multi Display CarPlay 1

All-New Apple CarPlay Launching Later This Year With These 5 New Features

Friday September 29, 2023 11:29 am PDT by
At WWDC 2022 last year, Apple previewed the next generation of CarPlay, promising deeper integration with vehicle functions like A/C and FM radio, support for multiple displays across the dashboard, personalization options, and more. Apple said the first vehicles with support for the next-generation CarPlay experience would be announced in late 2023, but it has still not shared any additional...
BMW Logo iPhone 15 Pro

Warning: BMW Wireless Charging May Break iPhone 15's Apple Pay Chip

Sunday October 1, 2023 6:14 am PDT by
If you have an iPhone 15 and drive a BMW, it might be best to avoid charging the device with the vehicle's wireless charging pad for now. Over the past week, some BMW owners have complained that their iPhone 15's NFC chip no longer works after charging the device with their vehicle's wireless charging pad, according to comments shared on the MacRumors Forums and X, formerly known as Twitter. ...
iPhone 15 Pro lineup

Apple to Address iPhone 15 Pro Overheating Issue With iOS 17 Update

Saturday September 30, 2023 9:28 am PDT by
Apple plans to release an iOS 17 update to address a bug that may contribute to the reported iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max overheating issue, according to a statement the company shared today with MacRumors and Forbes reporter David Phelan. Apple also says some recent updates to third-party apps have overloaded the system and contributed to the overheating issue. The report notes that...
iphone se 4 modified flag edges

iPhone SE 4 Details: Action Button, USB-C Port, Face ID, and More

Wednesday September 27, 2023 1:34 pm PDT by
Significant changes are expected to arrive with Apple's fourth-generation iPhone SE, in terms of both design and hardware, MacRumors has learned. The iPhone SE 4, known internally under the codename Ghost, is expected to receive a new design derived almost entirely from the base model iPhone 14. According to our sources, the iPhone SE 4 will use a modified version of the iPhone 14 chassis...
iPhone 16 Side Feature

iPhone 16 and 16 Pro: Preliminary Weights and Dimensions

Friday September 29, 2023 12:34 pm PDT by
MacRumors has obtained preliminary information on the weights and dimensions planned for the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The information corroborates previous reports suggesting that the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max will feature larger displays. iPhone 16 and 16 Plus Current information suggests that the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus will maintain the same...
uk bank account apple wallet 2

Apple Wallet's New Bank Account Feature Likely to Expand to U.S.

Friday September 29, 2023 8:11 pm PDT by
Starting with the iOS 17.1 beta released this week, iPhone users in the U.K. can add debit and credit cards from select banks in the country to the Wallet app and view their available balances and latest transactions for those accounts. Apple calls this feature Connected Cards, and it's currently available in the U.K. only, but there is now evidence to suggest it will expand to the U.S. in...
iPhone 15 Pro Cameras

Apple Says iPhone 15 Pro's Titanium Frame Does Not Contribute to Overheating Issue

Saturday September 30, 2023 11:10 am PDT by
Apple today said it plans to release an iOS 17 software update with a bug fix for the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max overheating issue, and the company has since shared additional details about the matter with MacRumors. Importantly, Apple said the issue is not related to the titanium frame. Contrary to a report this week, Apple said the iPhone 15 Pro's design does not contribute to...