If you thought there was something different about the Google Maps app after the OS 3.1 update, you were right. Google snuck advertisements into the app so you will now be given sponsored links with your search results.
The advertisements are differentiated from the normal search results by icons that appear next to the red pushpin. It will also say ‘Sponsored Link’ under the description and if you tap it, an italicized copy ad will appear above the business contact information.
Aside from the App store, this is the first pre-installed iPhone application that comes with advertisements. I don’t mind the new ads. The little icons are less conspicuous than the annoying banner ads on Pandora, and Google Maps is one of the most useful free apps on the iPhone.
When you search for business, the fact that it shows up in the results is already an ad — this pretty much adds another layer of advertising.
I don’t like it, and hope they plan on making a subscription based version of Maps without such ‘features’…