Microsoft to guide you around dodgy neighbourhoods

Microsoft is reportedly adding new functions to its maps by getting a patent for "pedestrian route protection", which will help people navigate around unsafe neighbourhoods. No, we don't identify Microsoft with mapping very much - so yes, you do end up wondering what this is going into.

You can only speculate about what Google must think about this - until now the master of the street map, finding a rival gaining what could become a very desirable technology indeed.