Earlier today, 9to5Google pointed us to a blog post from Google announcing a new feature for Google Maps: messaging businesses. After it rolls out to iPhone and Android users, there will be a new “messages” button on the left-hand slide out drawer that lets you message the businesses you find in Google Maps.

A business that wants to participate will need to use Google’s “My Business” verification system and its associated app to send and receive messages. That app was just overhauled, as Adweek notes — making it more of a one-stop shop for small businesses to update their information for Google and to chat with customers.

I’m just going to tell you right now that I have several conflicting feelings about this new feature and we’re…

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