Multiple users have reported that they are unable to access Google Maps from their Windows Phone smartphones and reports suggest that Google blocked the access to its Google Maps service from Windows Phone smartphones. However, recent reports indicate that Google confirmed that it did not block Google Maps from Windows Phone smartphones.

The news of blocked Google Maps on Windows Phone smartphone spread like wildfire with many users on various forums reporting the issue. However, it turned out that the claim was incorrect as Google Maps was never really designed to support the Internet Explorer browser on the Windows Phone platform.

"The mobile web version of Google Maps is optimized for WebKit browsers such as Chrome and Safari. However, since Internet Explorer is not a WebKit browser, Windows Phone devices are not able to access Google Maps for the mobile web," said a Google Spokesman to Gizmodo.

However, Gizmodo also reports that per a statement from a Microsoft spokesperson "Internet Explorer in Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8 use the same rendering engine."

The question that arises is why will Google choose to cut off Windows Phone smartphone users' access to its Google Maps app? Microsoft recently asked the Federal Trade Commission to end an antitrust investigation on Google. Additionally, the company also blamed Google for not building a full version of its YouTube app for Windows Phone and for not letting Microsoft build one either.

The relationship between Google and Microsoft may not be at its best, but it remains a mystery if Google intentionally stopped Windows Phone smartphone users from gaining access its Google Maps.

If you own a Windows Phone smartphone did you face any problems accessing Google Maps?