Google Maps are once again available for Windows Phone. The app/service is available from Internet Explorer and here’s what the search giant had to say to The Verge:
We periodically test Google Maps compatibility with mobile browsers to make sure we deliver the best experience for those users.
In our last test, IE mobile still did not offer a good maps experience with no ability to pan or zoom and perform basic map functionality. As a result, we chose to continue to redirect IE mobile users to Google.com where they could at least make local searches. The Firefox mobile browser did offer a somewhat better user experience and that’s why there is no redirect for those users.
Recent improvements to IE mobile and Google Maps now deliver a better experience and we are currently working to remove the redirect. We will continue to test Google Maps compatibility with other mobile browsers to ensure the best possible experience for users.
Previously Google redirected Windows Phone users to google.com which was an awkward move, to say the least. This is still far from the “real deal” a native app offers but definitely the stop in right direction…