14 DAY TRIAL // We’ve known for a while that Google is working on an Incognito mode for Google Maps, and now it appears that the development of this new feature has reached a more advanced stage.
The company has recently shipped Maps Incognito support to users who are part of the Google Maps Preview program, giving them the chance to try out the feature ahead of the public release in the coming months.
By the looks of things, Google Maps’ Incognito mode works exactly as you’d expect it to work.
As per AP, enabling the Incognito mode prevents search queries and location from being tracked and saved in your Google account, adding a new layer of privacy for those who for whatever reason want to avoid this happening.
Android Auto support
When the Incognito mode is active in Google Maps, the application will no longer save your addresses, destinations, and other text you type within its interface. It will no longer send notifications and update your location history or shared location. Furthermore, Google Maps would no longer use personal data to personalize the app, such as saving some destinations for later access.
Once enabled, the Incognito mode turns the status bar dark just like it happens in Google Chrome, with a notification at the top indicating that you’re navigating without being tracked.
The good news is that the Incognito mode will also arrive on Android Auto, which means you’ll be able to use inside your car as well. Google Maps is, in fact, the top navigation app in Android Auto, just ahead of Google-owned Waze, so such improvements are likely to come in handy to lots of users.
No ETA is available right now as to when the Incognito mode could go live for everyone in Google Maps, but I expect this to happen by the end of the year.