Google Maps, now with sponsors

I was doing a few searches on Google Maps today, and noticed that they’ve added sponsored locations on the maps. For example, I did a search on a cafe called The Toaster Oven Sandwich Shop in SF, and was presented its location, along with two locations for Williams-Sonoma stores complete with a custom icon on the map.

I’m sure there will be complaints from the contextual ad haters. But, local adve...