Google Maps on Windows Phone 8, Internet Explorer Not Compatible; Google Denies Blocking WP Users

Google has denied reports that they are blocking Windows Phone users from accessing Google Maps.

The statement by Google comes after people posted on The Verge forums about Google Maps on their Windows Phone 8 device.

Forum user SnippetSpace wrote, "When going to google maps on my wp8 device I get redirected to the homepage. I think google blocks it for WP users either because of compatibility issues or just to mess with MS. Anyway seeing to current relationships between the 2 companies I don't expect it to come. A pity because I needed it recently because bing/nokia maps are not as good. Another way users are being set aside. :("

Google provided a statement, "The mobile Web version of Google Maps is optimized for WebKit browsers such as Chrome and Safari. However, since Internet Explorer is not a WebKit browser, Windows Phone devices are not able to access Google Maps for the mobile Web."

According to the Los Angeles Times, the idea of Google to cut off Microsoft users is not farfetched since Microsoft criticized the Federal Trade Commission for its antitrust investigation on Google.

Google Maps has recently returned, updated, for iOS 6 users after the latest Apple mobile operating system discontinued it. Apple decided to go their own way with Apple Maps but it was harshly criticized, leading to dismissals and an apology from Apple CEO Tim Cook. Google Maps has since been downloaded 10 million times in the first two days it launched on iTunes.