Google Contacts gains Maps integration to automatically provide additional business info

So the overhauled Google Contacts web app has been in “preview” version for quite a while now (over a year) and we haven’t really seen any big changes to the service since then. It seemed like the under-used web app had been pushed to the back burner, but today we finally saw a major feature rolling out to Google Contacts. Now Contacts will automatically generate additional business information by pulling from Google Maps.

The service hinges on business phone numbers that have been verified on Maps. When you add a contact that matches a known business phone number, then Contacts will provide you with additional information that would normally be available through maps including the business name, address, and hours of operation. It will even pull images and website hyperlinks if they are available.

It’s worth noting that the developers have ensured that you have the final say in what information sticks to your Contacts listing. Maps information and the details that you personally add to the contact are kept in fully separate categories to make sure that no notes or tidbits you scribble down are overwritten by the automatic Maps integration.

If you don’t see this functionality on your web version of the Google Contacts app, fear not! It’s still in the process of rolling out, and you should expect to be able to access Maps integration within the next two to three days. In the meantime, let us know what you think about it in the comments below!