Just recently, it was discovered that Google removed access to Google Maps for those who visited the mobile site via Internet Explorer. Google admitted that a redirect to the company’s main search page was placed because Internet Explorer “did not offer a good maps experience with no ability to pan or zoom and perform basic map functionality.”
Google released a statement and explained that the redirect was put in place due to Internet Explorer’s lack of support for certain features. In other words, Google Maps was optimized for WebKit browsers such as Chrome and Safari. Arguments were eventually made that Internet Explorer was able to render Google Maps just fine on desktops, yet the issue was occurring on Windows Phone for some reason.
Now, Google has apparently removed that redirect and allowed Windows Phone users to visit Google Maps once again. Google has yet to offer an official announcement, and who knows if the company will offer an official announcement, but based on reports and our own tests, it appears that Google has restored Google Maps access to those wishing to view the service via Internet Explorer on Windows Phone. However, the access is sporadic and some users are still being redirected to Google Search rather than Google Maps. If you are on Windows Phone 8 or lower and are still having this issue, hang tight, Google should be restoring access soon.
