Google admits it pulled Windows Phone maps

Things are becoming a little clearer. Just a little.

A couple of days ago, Windows Phone users found they couldn't access Google Maps using Mobile Internet Explorer.

Many accused Google of deliberately blocking WP, which Google denied.

But it's now clarified the situation...ie owned up... that it did block WP and Maps access will be back soon.

Here's the full Google statement:

“We periodically test Google Maps compatibility with mobile browsers to make sure we deliver the best experience for those users.

In our last test, IE mobile still did not offer a good maps experience with no ability to pan or zoom and perform basic map functionality. As a result, we chose to continue to redirect IE mobile users to Google.com where they could at least make local searches. The Firefox mobile browser did offer a somewhat better user experience and that’s why there is no redirect for those users.

Recent improvements to IE mobile and Google Maps now deliver a better experience and we are currently working to remove the redirect. We will continue to test Google Maps compatibility with other mobile browsers to ensure the best possible experience for users.”