SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - You may start seeing more ads when getting directions from Google’s popular mapping service.
The additional ads will show up inside the directions map as Google routes you to your destination. The ads, called “promoted pins,” will highlight restaurants and other merchants located along your way.
Google has displayed text ads alongside its online maps for several years. But the change announced Tuesday marks the first time the Internet company has inserted the equivalent of a digital billboard into the map providing you with directions.
Only a small group of people will initially see promoted pins. Google plans to test how they’re received and whether the marketing pitches distract drivers.
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