You can now cover your tracks in Google Maps thanks to incognito mode - Android

Get it on Google Play

You can now cover your tracks in Google Maps thanks to incognito mode - Android

After just over a month in testing, Google is finally pushing out incognito mode to Google Maps.

Google Maps incognito mode is currently being tested.

Update, November 1 2019 (2:00AM ET): Google quietly began testing an incognito mode in Google Maps back in September. Fortunately, the waiting is over as the search giant has announced that the feature is now rolling out for Android users.

The company made the announcement via its Google Maps support forum (spotted by Android Police), adding that incognito mode is rolling out in stages. So give it a few days if you don’t see it on your device just yet.

To activate the feature, you simply have to launch Google Maps, tap your profile picture, and “turn on incognito mode.”

Google adds that enabling incognito mode in the app doesn’t affect how your activity is used by other apps, other Google services, or internet providers.

Original article, September 19 2019 (2:05AM ET): Google Maps has received plenty of love in 2019, but the search company is reportedly hard at work on two more additions to the mapping service.

The company is testing an incognito mode in the preview version of Google Maps (version 10.26), according to Android Police. Google Chrome‘s incognito mode doesn’t record your browser history on the device or your Google account, and a similar principle is in effect here.

The Google Maps incognito mode won’t save your browsing history, update your location history/shared locations, or use your data to personalize the experience. Check out a screenshot below.

A screenshot of Google Maps incognito mode.Android Police

This might be handy if you’re doing shady things or looking for a birthday gift and don’t want someone to see where you’re going (if they have access to your Google account or device). It might also be useful if you’re going to a place you know you won’t like, and you don’t want Google to recommend similar places.

Editor's Pick

Google Maps incognito mode isn’t the only interesting feature coming to the platform though. XDA-Developers has also uncovered references to an eyes-free navigation option in the preview version of the app.

The so-called Eyes Free mode will apparently reduce the need to look at the screen when walking around, as it will deliver more frequent and detailed voice guidance.

XDA also noted references to incident reporting for various situations, such as broken-down vehicles, obstructions on the road, and lane closures.

What features would you like to see in Google Maps? Give us your answers in the comments section!

More posts about Google

Android 10 easter egg 2

When should you expect to receive Android 10? (Updated November 1)

google pixel 4 vs pixel 3 vs pixel 3a 11

Google Pixel 4 vs Pixel 3 vs Pixel 3a: Which Google phone is right for you?

Google Pixel 4 XL camera closeup 19

Google is right — and wrong — to focus on the camera

Google Pixel 3 vs Pixel 4 top bezel

Older Pixel devices won’t get the Pixel 4’s screen attention feature

Mobile VR headsets – what are your best options?

fitbit versa 2 review display watch face 3

Making sense of the Alphabet-Fitbit acquisition

A Google logo.

Alphabet sees Q3 2019 revenue boost due to YouTube, cloud, search

Google Pixel 4 colors in hand

Battery be damned, people are buying the Google Pixel 4 anyway

01/11/2019 06:00 AM