Sony Shutting Down PS Vita Maps and Near Features

Sony has made an announcement that it will cease providing support for the Maps and near features of the PlayStation Vita in an upcoming system update.

Maps will be automatically eliminated as a component of a March firmware patch. Meanwhile, near will lose its capability to acquire locations or display maps at all, essentially putting an end to it as well.

The YouTube app on the Vita is also slated for retirement. Support will be completely withdrawn starting from 20th April. Although the app will no longer be accessible for download as of today, 28th January.

Vita owners will still have the option to watch YouTube clips through their browsers, albeit with a somewhat minor reduction in functionality.

Sony has Frequently Asked Questions for both the YouTube and Maps/near alterations, yet no reason has been provided for the impending removals.

However, it is highly probable that Sony still needs to pay to license the YouTube app for its device. Considering the number of customers using it, the company might be looking to cut this cost. The same might also apply to its location-based services.