Google Maps will soon direct users to ads

Google Maps is adding a new feature not many users expected—advertisements.

The ads, called “promoted pins,” will be tailored to a smartphone user’s interests and pop up along their route. For example, if the user had recently searched for coffee, they might see a nearby coffee shop on their route along with an enticing coupon.

The new ads will only appear for a small group of users initially. But if Google finds them too intrusive and distracting for drivers, the company will pull them.