The iPhone has revolutionized the mobile industry and has changed people’s lives and we want to continue to do so. We want to take Maps to the next level, rethink how users use Maps and change the way people find things. We want to do this in a seamless, highly interactive and enjoyable way. We’ve only just started.
Bonsack reports, “The current Maps user interface, once unique, has been heavily imitated by its competitors and the app itself is due for an overhaul. Whether this means if Apple will incorporate new features like an augmented-reality interface, built-in GPS navigation, or a new user interface isn’t known for sure, but they’re reasonable guesses, especially in light of Google’s new free Navigation software for the Motorola Droid.”
Full article here.
turn by turn GPS! Please!!!
Please free nav software. Tom Tom needs some competition to drive down its price.
Apple quietly bought a mapping mash-up company last summer (PlaceBase). I predicted a few weeks ago that google maps would at some point no longer power the Maps application. I’ll stick by that prediction for now.
Google androids maps is better…. I love competetion !!!
May be they will build a map that finds lost missguided PC users, And then directs them to the nearest Mac store.
It will indicate the location and heading of every Microsoft CO in the company.
Just don’t loose transit directions. You do that and I’ll drop my phone and go to android in a heartbeat.
so we can use maps/GPS when abroad w/o spending 10 bagillion dollars?
“We’ve only just started.”
Those were exactly Steve Jobs’ words after only introducing the iPod capabillities of the iPhone at MW07. Sounds promising !
Gee, it’s no surprise that Google Maps on Google’s OS is providing features not on the iPhone. It’s also no wonder that Apple is having to find ways to get ‘out of bed’ with Google. I wonder how often SJ kicks himself for letting that back-stabbing mole Schmidt on the Apple BOD. This whole Android deal is so Bill Gatesian. Eric is given access to Apple developed magic as a so-called “partner” and lo and behold, a couple of years later Google has a smartphone OS. Doesn’t that just remind you of how Gates plundered the Mac OS treasure. In both cases it was SJ that invited these two blood suckers into the Apple home. Steve, remember this time… vampires can’t come in unless you invite them!
As an iPod Touch user, I’d like to have a simple feature:
CACHE. Simple: To be able to map directions and store them into my iPod Touch, so I can use them on the road, even when I’m offline.
That would be an awesome additional for those without 3G.
Great. The current app has a weird user interface which I have never got my head around – and it hangs my iphone far too often…
@Nick Mac
lol, thanks for the laugh.
@Grifterus
Amen!
Can we just get Apple’s/Google’s iPhone map traffic colors to just show up on freeways (or throughways or what ever you call them in your part of the world) instead of streets. It’s worthless on streets that have traffic lights and makes it harder to see where the freeways are.
Just make it like it was in version 1 and 2 of the iPhone software.
On a different note, I can see why Apple is doing this. Having a key app for the iPhone totally dependent on Google is risky.
Just make sure it’s better than Google before you replace them.
Dallasm, “Just don’t loose transit directions.”
Don’t ‘lose’ them either.
Biggest problem with Google Maps is they’re woefully out of date; they still list places around here that closed months/years ago. It works okay for finding specific addresses, not so much for specific businesses because of the nature of the business world.
If you’re a Windows user, the map defaults to 2 locations:
ass & hole in the ground.
SJ also invited the great hoaxer Al Gore to be on the Apple BOD. Next thing you know Apple will have a carbon credit app. You can plant a tree every time you recharge your iPhone.
(Actually, you can send money to Al Gore’s carbon trading company and Al will use the money to buy jet fuel for his private plane and heat his mansion.)
Yeah, turn by turn navigation would totally rock, making the need for any other app or device redundant.
I’ve just updated my iPod Touch from OS2.2.1 to OS3.1.2
I was quite surprised that the Maps app has been improved, and I love that they even give directions on how to use public transportation, in a small country like Malaysia!
I can only imagine how much better it can be. Only Apple can do it!
Julian @ http://no-spamming/
“We want to take Maps to the next level, rethink how users use Maps and change the way people find things. We want to do this in a seamless, highly interactive and enjoyable way.”
I thought they already did this?
I don’t think they should go away from the Google Maps API. Yes, they can improve upon the app, but do so by using the Google Maps API