Ask HN: GMaps Regression, or Have I Gone Nuts?

2 points by MollyRealized 3y ago ↗ HN

Honestly, I'm not sure if this is the place to even ask if I'm nuts, or if it'd be better on Stack Exchange WebApps, or ... wherever?

A very common functionality seems to have disappeared from Google Maps. It may be specific to McDonald's or certain entities.

[class of entity] near [address]

When I open Google Maps, it is focused on my home address. If I type in:

McDonald's near 122 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL

Instead of showing me Walgreens near that address, it zooms out quite a bit and shows me the 20 or so McDonald's near my home address -- but with no relationship to my entered address.

Is this something others can reproduce? If so, any way of getting the attention of the Google Maps team? I can't imagine this is intended behavior, as it ruins the ability to look for restaurants at a place you will visit.

5 comments

[ 3.0 ms ] story [ 27.4 ms ] thread

readonthegoapp 3y ago ↗

Turn on your wifi?

MollyRealized 3y ago ↗

This is on desktop.

adamhp 3y ago ↗

I just tried "Chick-fil-a near Dulles" (nearby airport) and it worked for me? Maybe the address is too specific? Try "McDonalds S Michigan Ave Chicago"?

Bizarrely, the same issue. But if it's just me, then I'll have to look at suspects. Thank you for the input!

Embarrassingly, the fault can be attributed to the "Don't Track Me Google" extension. Thank you for your assistance, everyone, particularly adamhp.