By helping users identify popular businesses, were making it easier to browse the map and navigate the real world, adds Leske.

That might mean fortunately stumbling upon a nearby ATM when youre looking up the address of the new restaurant where youre dining tonight, or exploring the neighborhood you just moved into by figuring out where the grocery store is relative to your new apartment.Google says the icons will become visible on mobile phones in the coming weeks. Advertisers pay to have their logos appear on the map. The feature is only being offered in limited beta to companies in the U.S. that have multiple locations and a wellknown brand. Thats unfortunate for small businesses, but the feature could expand in the future.