Update 6/18: A Google spokesperson said, "This person will leave in 2021 and publicly stated that they are not decision makers – their posts do not reflect the reality of Google Maps' product decisions at the time or now. In fact, we have launched many features to help people understand the route or find scenic areas – as you explore places along the way we will continue to work on these types of features in the future.

The original story is:

According to X's recently deleted post, Google Maps provides scenic route options due to the risk of loss of income in poor areas

The thread in question comes from Kasey Klimes, who worked as a senior UX researcher for Google Maps between 2017 and 2021. He said that the current Google Maps algorithm is objective and the shift to a "nice" or "scenic" route would take into account a new subset of variables

The problem is that programming "scenic" variables adds a bias inherent in the system and is primarily unique for the prevalence of those variables. This means that they are more likely to guide users through high-income areas, e.g. through beautiful architecture or tree-lined streets. 

This bias would lead to the map "inadvertently distracting foot traffic from low-income streets, taking [and] taxes from struggling communities and funneling it to affluent communities instead.""

Klimes's thread (screengrabbed below) has been removed and his X account has been locked. This is probably due to intense attention from other users who disagree with his legitimacy, or because google has been given a development secret by a former staff member.

Google recently mapped generated AI with the aim of learning user preferences and helping to identify the right spot, no matter how complex the request may be. Added to

. It was improved again with a new feature to analyze the EV charging station reviews and use the information directly to better users.

Google, as Apple is working to make its map app much more attractive to hiking fans, but soon more new for pedestrians This means that iOS 18 allows users to create trail routes in turn-by-turn directions, save and download them for offline viewing. In addition, it supports popular trails in all 63 U.S. national parks. 

If you happen to be a fan of walking, perhaps the best smartwatches, take a look at our list of important tools for those who like to wander. With the addition of new features to the Apple Watch on WatchOS11, it's time to get better features than ever before.