DuckDuckGo to use Apple Maps for local searches on the web

[Brett_Tabke]

[slashgear.com...]

[DuckDuckGo] has brought users a combination of mapping and private searches via Apple’s MapKit JS framework. The update enables DuckDuckGo users to search for locations and enjoy better map results, including enhanced satellite images, new visual features, better support for address searches, and more. Unlike now, DuckDuckGo’s mapping results utilized OpenStreetMap and were fairly limited.

The DuckDuckGo search engine has been around for years, its focus being privacy — the service doesn’t collect personal information about its users or share anything like that with third parties. The search engine has enjoyed solid growth over the last few years as consumers become increasingly educated about privacy-related matters and seek alternatives to the better known options.

[tangor]

The search engine has enjoyed solid growth over the last few years as consumers become increasingly educated about privacy-related matters and seek alternatives to the better known options.

Which makes one wonder why DDG would want to take a walk on the wild side! Apple is right near the top of data privacy slurping companies. (irony)

[brotherhood of LAN]

slurping companies.

Seems when it comes to maps, it's OpenStreetMap or bust, AFAIK

[tangor]

This is true!

[robzilla]

I never use DDG myself, but I do really like the look and feel of the interface. Very clean and snappy.

As for the maps feature, it's a bit annoying that I can't zoom in on the map using my mouse wheel.

And the search suggestions are clean only so long as you're typing English. In other languages, yikes. #nsfw

[LifeinAsia]

it's OpenStreetMap or bust

Wow, I just did 3 address searches on OSM- all were quite a bit off.

The first was about 10 houses away (my home address). The second was about 1/2 mile away (work address). And the 3rd one was about 1,000 miles off until I entered the exact address (with Google maps, the street address and ZIP Code are almost always all you need to get the exact location), and even then it was close to 1/2 mile off.