Incognito mode in Google Chrome gave a choice to the user to browse the internet without logging the history or user’s activity. However, it is not completely incognito but at least data is not directly linked to the logged in user.
In last summer, Google added a new feature to YouTube to run this in incognito mode and not going ahead of this, Google is coming up with incognito mode in Google maps and search.
Today, in Google I/O 2019, CEO Sundar Pichai announced that Incognito mode will be coming up with the Maps accessible via a new Google Account menu.
Coming soon to @googlemaps, when you turn on Incognito mode in Maps, your activity—like the places you search or get directions to—won’t be saved to your Google Account. Just tap from your profile picture to easily turn it on or off. #io19 pic.twitter.com/z7GRkkmDbn
— Google (@Google) May 7, 2019
Recently, Google announced that user can enable a setting that will auto delete the history of the Google maps.
All this recent development will ensure privacy for the user and this will be a major development in terms of respecting the privacy of the user.
There is no exact date announced for this feature but this will be in “Coming soon” until it rolls out.
To enable this you can tap from your profile picture to easily turn it on or off. When you turn on Incognito mode in Maps, your activity—like the places you search or get directions to—won’t be saved to your Google Account.
What is Google I/O
Google I/O (or simply I/O) is an annual developer conference held by Google in Mountain View, California.
I/O was inaugurated in 2008 and is organized by the executive team. “I/O” stands for input/output, as well as the slogan “Innovation in the Open”.
Every year in Google I/O, some major products and features are announced. These products make a huge impact on the developer community as well as society.
What is Incognito Mode
Incognito mode is a way of private browsing with Google products. This was was first brought to the user by Safari browser in 2005 as private browsing. According to Wikipedia —
“The feature has since been adopted in other browsers, and led to popularization of the term in 2008 by mainstream news outlets and computing websites when discussing beta versions of Internet Explorer 8. However, privacy modes operate as shields because browsers typically do not remove all data from the cache after the session. Plug-ins, like Silverlight, are able to set cookies that will not be removed after the session.
The common web browser plugin Adobe Flash Player began supporting privacy mode in Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, and Safari with the release of version 10.1 in June 2010. Some browsers (like Internet Explorer 8) allow users to select the privacy mode for single tabs, whereas others create a more isolated environment protected by password and cryptography.”
How this new Incognito Mode impact users
Obviously, incognito mode is not fully private but it will impact a large number of users once it will be rolling out. Users who do believe that Google tracks everything may come under confidence that — “Yes, I can feel my privacy”.
As per my view, by rolling out this feature Google is doing great in terms of user privacy. Obviously, data will be captured in order to serve the user in the best way. But, it doesn’t directly link to your account.
Tags: Google, Google I/O, I/O 2019, Google Maps, Incognito Mode, SPOKEN By YOU
