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Fuck AI, but also... A subscription for maps?
Edit: to clarify, my then-precaffeinated brain thought this meant for a single map at a time (like a PDF), not something that gets continuously updated
this post was submitted on 12 May 2025
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Not really a new thing. Before GPS was in everyone's pocket, you had to get specialized devices. The companies that made those generally gave you 1 free World Map download (or in some cases only your region for free), but future updates or expansions to it would cost a non-trivial amount.
I'm honestly surprised that one of the big players hasn't tried to offer some sort of premium map subscription now that I think about it, though.
ETA: also, physical maps and atlases could be purchased on subscriptions through mail-in stuffs before the internet
one of the big players hasn't tried to offer some sort of premium map subscription
Would we have to lose these great features?
Ads are the least of Google maps problems. They are terrible at detailing lesser known roads. Google maps are good at car navigation and commercial POIs, but for things like hiking they are awful. It kind of baffles me, because they could have the most detailed maps if they would use location data. If 100 devices passed certain spot, there most likely is a road.
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Mapquest was revolutionary for offering free driving directions where previously that cost money and was usually only worth paying for on major road trips. Google took that and supercharged it by offering free directions on your phone, joining a growing list of products where they took something that used to cost money and offering it for “free” in exchange for all your information.
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I remember reading about the same thing with authors being given as sources for papers they never wrote.
Back in 2001 when Jerry Springer hosted The Daily Show on TNT we never had issues with information being inaccurate.
you post with that title because it's sarcastic.. for now.
i'd say 'god help us', but i'm sure he left the chat a long, long time ago
Good thing she isn't a lawyer.