Google is retooling its app portfolio to add AI elements and eliminate more or less used services, with Gemini sneaking into Google Messages. For example, Google’s VPN is disappearing soon. So will Google Maps chat, which is a way to communicate directly with companies.

What initially started as a free map app has turned into a full-fledged super app: Google Maps is one of the keys in any Android. It’s perfect for knowing where we are, learning how to get somewhere, knowing public transportation schedules, discovering new restaurants to visit, and we can even communicate directly with companies. This functionality is facilitated by chat, which was integrated into Google Maps in 2019. It only lasted five years.

Messaging disappears from Google Maps

Google has a thing against instant messaging, there’s no way it can maintain a solid, long-term strategy in this communications space. Canceled services, platforms as big as Hangouts entering Google’s graveyard, some RCS messages that are not well known among the public… And now it ends with Map messages.

Maps app chats allowed Contact companies directly to resolve issues, doubts or even book a reservation. We have to say goodbye: As discovered on Search Engine Land and noted in Google’s help, Google Maps chat is going away permanently on July 31.

Google’s move particularly affects companies that use the messaging platform because they will now suffer a loss. Fast, reliable and free way to support your potential customers. The days of messages from the company profile are numbered, the chronology of his death is as follows:

• July 15, 2024. Customers will not be able to access business chat via Google Maps. Already opened conversations will not be deleted.
• July 31, 2024. Google Maps chat will be completely unavailable.
• 30 August 2024. Recordings of all chats will no longer be available to businesses.

If you have a company, take the opportunity to download all Google Takeout chats before they are discontinued on August 30th. And even if the chat disappears from the company profile, not the rest of the contact information: Both phone numbers and email addresses will continue to appear.

Cover image | Ivan Linares

More information | Google

Xataka on Android | Neither Waze nor Google Maps, I have any other maps app on my Android Auto. OsmAnd even brings speedometer