More Google Map users on the mobile than the PC

Google Maps and Local may have undergone a recent management reorganization but this doesn't mean that the division is being swept up in the chaos. The new vice president of Google Maps says the company atmosphere is optimistic and it's business as usual in the company. CNN reports that in a recent TechCrunch Disrupt in New York Mayer showed the progress of her division and the discussion focused on users' preference shifting from desktops to mobiles.

This is hardly news. Users of Google Maps use the service 40% of the time through their smartphones. This makes sense since you would only need maps outdoors and not in front of your computer. Other figures Mayer presented are the number of users of Google Maps, more than 200 million mobile device installations and the greater number of users who use Google Maps on the weekends, presumably because people are getting lost on family trips out of town. This June the ratio of desktop to mobile usage will flip. More users will use Google Maps through their smartphones rather than their desktops.

Mayer adds that she wants the services her division offers to go above and beyond helping people find where they are on a map. Google Maps should have an added layer of contextual discovery. There will be better local recommendations for people looking for the perfect place to eat or watch a play. Factoids about establishments will be included in future versions of Google maps which should include liked items.

To have that kind of service users should check-in with Latitude, Google's social check-in service. Latitude will enrich the existing user data and more users can avail of more customized and personalized services.