“Unbeknownst to me, I’ve been feeding geographical information into Google’s mapping database for years — searching for addresses, sharing my location, checking for traffic jams on Google Maps,” Philip Elmer-DeWitt reports for Fortune. “Google, for its part, has been scraping that data for every nugget of intelligence its computers can extract.”
“Apple, by building its much-loved (and now much-missed) iPhone Maps app on Google’s mapping database, has been complicit in this Herculean data collection exercise since the launch of the first iPhone in 2007,” P.E.D. reports. “In Saturday’s New York Times, Op Ed columnist Joe Nocera asks: ‘If Steve Jobs were still alive, would the new map [sic] application on the iPhone 5 be such an unmitigated disaster? Interesting question, isn’t it?’ No Joe, it’s not an interesting question. It’s the No. 1 cliché of the post-Jobsian era.”
P.E.D. reports, “Besides, the decision to pull the plug on Google’s mapping database at the end of what was probably a five-year contract had to have been made while Jobs was running the company. ‘Not doing its own Maps would be a far bigger mistake,’ says Asymco’s Horace Dediu, who addressed the issue at length in last week’s Critical Path podcast. ‘The mistake was not getting involved in maps sooner, which was on Jobs’ watch. Nokia saw the writing on the wall five years ago and burned $8 billion to get in front of the problem. The pain Apple feels now is deferred from when they decided to hand over that franchise to Google at the beginning of iPhone.'”
Read more in the full article here.
I guess all users of iOS 6 must now suffer for apples lack or foresight.
Jordan. How have you personally “suffered” in the last week that iOS6 has been out. Sounds like your buying into the FUD. So far my maps have flawless. Have patience and you will be rewarded with the beat mapping app we have ever witness.
You are 100% correct. Every time a new iPhone comes out the competition has to create a flaw to attack. With the hardware being rock-solid and a work of art, they are desperate to grab on to something negative.
I am by most measures an apple fanatic I have Macs for my desktop and laptop computers, I use an iPhone and annipad and my iPod is a permanent resident of my car. I have no desire to spread FUD and have frequently argued Apples case in the past. It is this that makes the new maps such a slap in the face. Where I live in York, UK there is no useful satellite images and like everyone else have list the use if street view and do not have any 3d images to replace it. (That leaves aside the question of whether 3d images are a suitable replacement for street view). I prefer apples computers and mobile devices to any competitor but think I have the right to be annoyed when Apple swap out a useful service for a half baked inferior one.
You can’t sing the blues if you don’t pay the dues
And you know it don’t come easy!
maps.google.com
“OH THE SUFFERING!!” (triumph the insult comic dog impression there)
Create and add an icon to maps.google.com to your iPhone home page. (That’s done by touching the action button at the bottom of the browser page.)
Lmao! Really?! after all you said in your post you’re going to call the ios6 maps half baked inferior one. Yes, it has issues now but as the article says we’ve all made google maps successful for all the data it’s mined from us all. As we use it, it will become superior to google maps. We all benefit from growing pains of a flawed system. Remeber MobileMe, now the iCkoud is solid because of it.
Don’t despair, Jordan, with so many here who disagree with you. You did, after all, come to one of Apple’s shrine and start speaking heresy against Apple (also known as The One©™®) while the others with shaved heads and orange robes look upon you with furrowed brow.
Yeah, the Google version of Maps proved reliable and accurate enough. I’m from Washington state but am here Massachusetts for several months doing consulting. The roads here are hard to fathom and I would be truly lost were it not for my iOS 5, Google-based Maps app. I simply can not afford to be given any more half-baked routing suggestions than Google’s offering is already giving me in these parts.
This isn’t about “Religiously Worshiping All That Is Good and Holy About Apple” and being an Apple fanboy. I count myself as an Apple devotee because their computers are infinitely superior to Windoze machines and enable me to be twice as productive. When I landed at this company here as a consulting engineer, I had to fight one of my “Mac battles” that essentially amounted to “You don’t tell me what tools I can’t use to do what it is I do and tie one arm behind my back.”
I need my Google-branded Maps app to do what I do efficiently without one more aggravation to deal with (not being routed onto dumb-ass routes). And, frankly, Street View is damned handy and whereas Apple’s version may give slick, 3D-live-modeled aerial views of buildings, I look at buildings from the street level.
So I’m sticking with iOS 5 on my 64 GB, 4S. When Google comes out with their Maps app for iOS 6 and when Apple comes out with iOS 6.1, then I’ll make my move. I just do not have time to horse around having my tools of life screwed with.
You were arguing about “getting the job done efficiently,” Jordan. Next time, seek a venue besides a monastery to espouse that sort of “funny” talk.
+1 He speaketh “Truth”.
If you live near an Apple store you could check how the new maps works in your area. After updating my phone my maps works not only flawlessly but it’s immensely faster and more responsive and pleasant to use than the previous version.
I’m more than thrilled I updated.
Good idea, twilightmoon. Thanks for a helpful response instead of the combative crap that the anonymity of the Web brings out in many others.
I can get to an Apple Store in a half hour. Then I can plug in some endpoints for which iOS 5 Google Maps does a poor job of routing (as well as some routes that it does well) and compare.
I’m not exactly a fan of Google Maps; it gave me a totally brain damaged route south to the Providence, RI airport and still suggests a route to one of my client’s two buildings that would entail doing a jack-knife U-turn up a confluence-like road (after driving right by where one should make a simple left turn). I’d dread the notion of using something that was worse than that.
It will be interesting to see “faster” and “responsive” too; I can’t quite imagine that because I must have gotten used to what I am currently using.
To be sure if you planned to spend a lot of time outside of the nominal coverage area of the new iOS 6 maps like in India or Asia Pacific Rim I would say don’t upgrade until you can find a suitable alternate maps Package.
But in the US you are likely going to be pleased with how Apple did. Good luck and keep us posted.
As far as being rude I have tried to be civil to non troll posts on here. I won’t say I have been perfect but I’m willing to appologize if I do something unjustified.
worlds most annoying post.
Jordan, if you have to show off your Apple loving credibility, you are probably a Troll or a paid blogger.
Keep that in mind when you post your bullshit next time.
Oh for Heaven’s sake. Take a look at his simple, first post. Then look at his defensive post after he was assailed for lack of “Faith.”
Your comment reminds me of the logic used when they tossed accused witches—tied up—into a river as a ”test”: they were proven a witch if they surfaced and were then burned alive; they were proven not to be a witch if they drowned.
All that’s missing here is the visual imagery of you taking a hit of snuff up your nose as you sigh and walk away from the bubbles on the river’s surface after pretending you speak for everyone else.
Why do you insist on being such an ass, ignoramus, and nitwit, althegeo. Jordan has as much right to express his observations and thought as anyone else. Does paranoia run rampant in your clan?
@allthegeofuckface
Hey asshole, if you shut your fucking mouth, we’d all be better off without your batshit inane shit.
Althegeo’s family swims in the shallow end of the gene pool.
The level of histrionics per this maps hong is becoming unbearable. No one gave a shit when Google was walking you into bays or giving you (as it still does today) 6 block ballparks for full street addresses. But let Apple come out with a maps app and suddenly the only reason anyone even apparently has a smartphone is to use it as a GPS.
Hear hear. iOS 6 Maps is so much faster on my iPhone 4 that I’m more than happy to put up with an occasional inaccuracy (although I haven’t encountered one here in NYC).
Yes. Thank you!
I had a job interview. Google took me to a house about a half a mile away from the business complex. I finally had to call to get the last bit of directions because Google said I was “there” when pulling into a driveway. Ok… I didn’t really pull into their driveway, but you get the idea.
Then, when I finally got to the address where I was supposed to be, I did Google maps again to that address and it wanted to take me from the proper place back to some house again.
This was 6 months ago. Google Maps may have less flaws than Apple’s Maps presently, but let’s not pretend it’s flawless.
So, Apple knew five years in advance that they would have to produce their own map app and failed to product a product at least as accurate and reliable as Google. Well that’s just plain stoopid. Sure, be patient, Apple will no doubt improve their map app, I doubt it will get any worse.
No, I don’t believe Apple knew 5 years ago that Google would copy its operating system, which is the proximate cause of the map app switch on iPhone. I don’t think Apple knew Samsung would copy the iPhone, either, which explains why it used Samsung components over the years.
It is difficult enough without you contributing snide comments to feed your inflated ego. If you have something to contribute, then please do. If you don’t, then do everyone a favor and go ahead to the next article.
And of course, even if Steve Jobs had been clairvoyant about Google’s impending betrayal, it’s not like he didn’t have other things on his mind, like oh, let’s see…DYING? Major surgeries? Creating the iPad, or iCloud? How much is one man or one company supposed to be able to do perfectly at one time?
Google has been the ultimate sociopathic thief. I don’t care if maps never works flawlessly on Apple products, as long as I don’t have to use Google and have them collecting every scrap of information they can about my private life so they can sell it to the highest bidder, or roll over and deliver it to any government that demands it. Some things are more important than convenience.
And BTW, when was the last time Google directed you 30 miles out of your way? I’d be surprised if it was more than 30 days ago.
Does iphone’s maps app work offline???
that’s why you have no idea outside of country where people use iphone. it may work very well in US. but information, which is offered by new map app, is totally joke. name, direction are wrong in many place. GPS function is joke. don’t justify because you are fanboy. wrong is wrong. I think that apple made a big mistake to abandon such a awesome google map. there is no other company can match with google in terms of information technology. apple is just piece of shit.
Get back under your rock, pat.
Gee Edward, you are sounding like a mockingbird. GIGO. No original thought, no facts to back you up. Sorry your mom never taught you that if you don’t have anything nice to say, keep your trap shut.
@ Edward
You are 100% right. 🙂
RL, it’s not FUD, if it’s the truth. And Jordan speaks truth.
Open your eyes. The massive reporting of the poor map ap seems to have gone unnoticed by you. Just because you’re in a part of the world where all is good, doesn’t mean the rest of the planet will have the same results.
Or they could launch Siri and use Google maps if they wish or if Apple maps aren’t working properly in their area. I know, I know, it’s much less melodramatic….
Correction: “launch Safari”
MikeK,
totally agree. I just do not know why so many have to go off the deep end. I liked the google version , for what I use it for, more than the ios 6 version.
As for why Apple went with the new maps, I just have to say remember when Steve said…. “I am going thermonuclear war on android (google)”. With Siri, maps, iCloud, music, videos, etc Apple is slowly moving the money source from Google. And as more and more money moves toward Apple in hardware, there will be less and less for Google.
And what happens if Samsung gets tired of being jerked around by Android? What if they go to that Baidu thing???
Just a thought.
Im not sure what everyone is actually bitching about. I agree the visual candy in Fly Over can be askew but the actual maps app is pretty amazing. They are much smoother than google maps. They load faster and have plenty of good information. The only complaint I feel people can honestly make is that the Mass Transit feature has gone away but I also know that there are plenty of great alternatives if thats how you get around. Personally Im glad google maps is off the iPhone they were so clunky and over blown that using them over cellular was not a pleasant experience.
It appears that *most* of the mapping errors are outside of the US.
That may be true. International buyers generally pay at least as much for thier iPhones and iPads and do not deserve a sub par service.
I did not say that they do. I was explaining to “Dickrichie” what everyone is ‘bitching’ about. Those in major US cities may not unerstand the problems as It appears that *most* US cities are fairly reliable – the bulk of the reported issues are coming from outside the US.
I hope you didn’t think that was directed against you. I am finding it very grating that as a longtime fan and supporter of apple I find I am accused of spreading FUD when I have a legitimate complaint to make about Apple withdrawing support for a useful service when there is no equivalent replacement provided. It does not help people today if things will improve in the future or if google bring out an app of thier own one day. I’m not interested in promises of improvements to come when all I can see now is a degradation of a useful service. But what riles me most is being told that I do not have a legitimate reason to be upset when faced with a worse product than I had last week.
But Jordan, the iOS upgrade wasn’t pushed to you while you were asleep. You chose to get rid of Google Mapping when YOU CHOSE to upgrade. My wife and I chose not to until we saw what Maps was like. Having seen that it wasn’t too bad, I upgraded in the end. My wife thought it wasn’t good enough and us happily using Google Maps on her iOS 5 powered 4s.
How do you propose I evaluate the new maps app in my area without upgrading? Do you think it is fair to offer some upgrades to iOS in exchange for worse maps?
@Jordan,
Safari > maps.google.com
Problem solved.
I have already added the icon to my springboard. I’m still riled that Apple introduced this problem for people to solve. And I still miss streetview.
The 5 year contract with Google was up. Apple have developed their own mapping system with added features like Siri integration, flyover, and turn by turn navigation which Google WOULD NOT allow. The mapping errors will be corrected. In the meantime, you have options if Apple maps don’t work for you. Honestly, there are much bigger things to get riled about.
You are right of course. But if we need to wait for world hunger or war to end before we get down the list to fix maps we had better not hold our breath. But my level if anger is probably disproportionate to the actual slight inflicted. I think my blood boiled in the first instance when MDN called FUD when people pointed out real problems with the new system. I’ll sit down have a cup of tea and try and get some perspective. But I reserve the right to grumble when my beloved iPhone gets a sneaky downgrade to its maps when everything else seems improved more stable and faster. I am generally a happy apple customer and don’t feel like they have ever let me down before. I hope this first taste is disappointment from them is also my last.
There’ve been many instances where Apple software has had problems. Particularly in version 1.0 releases. However, to call it a “downgrade” is completely subjective. For me,, it’s an absolute upgrade. The maps are very accurate in my area (LA) and the hands free Siri integration and Turn by Turn implementation is by far the most elegant of any mapping solution I’ve seen or used.
I’ll do my best to be happy for you. Here in the UK it is a big step back.
depending on how you see things: the glass is half-empty or half-full. 🙂
Come on, friends! Get a life or change your name to Hansel or Gretel according to your genre. Missing those Google crumbs… pathetic.
I’ve used the Apple Maps several times since I got my new phone on Friday morning, and it’s worked perfectly for me. I’m not driving outside the greater Seattle area so I’m not going into mountain backroads or tiny rural communities, but I found that it worked perfectly for me. I haven’t yet seen the sorts of issues I’m reading about. Time will tell I guess.
Yeah its annoying how a minor flaw that will obviously will be corrected as quickly as possible is blown up as an unmitigated disaster Jobs would not have made (Ping, the cube Mac, etc. among Jobs failed ideas). Desperation obervation by the competition. This thing is great and much better than Google’s Maps in potential. You either put your faith in Apple or you don’t that this thing that’s very good now will be great tomorrow. Plus as many noted in many areas the Maps work just fine now. The world is a big place to map and no Version 1 of anything is perfect. There are also temporary stop gap applications from Garmin or TomTom available to anyone as well if Apple Maps are that bad for you.
“You either put your faith in Apple or you don’t…”
Agreed. It is really tiresome when people complain about every little thing that doesn’t meet their expectations.
Also when people use the word “all” when they are referring to their own specific local problem. As in Jordan saying “all users of iOS 6” when at worst it’s certain international buyers.
Also: with over 7 billion people on the planets and literally billions of map locations, likely in excess of 2 billion, there’s absolutely no way to get accurate results on all of that and even covering the majority of the developed world takes time. Google isn’t perfect here either. It will take some time for Apple to catch up here but they have a solid foundation with a superior app that is vastly more responsive and pleasant to use.
When Jordan gets local data we will hear posts about how great the new maps are. Right, Jordan?
I’ll keep you posted
For the record I never bad mouthed you for complaining nor claimed your issue was minor. To you it’s a big deal.
All I said was you should not globalize your complaint with “all” which unfairly includes people like me who have no beef, and you should give Apple a little slack as they tackle something extremely hard. Google has done an exceptional job but no one has done this flawlessly, and everyone will benefit if Apple can pull this off and there is some competition in this area.
What else goes on your etc list of Steve Jobs ‘failures’? Cube, ping and…what.
There must be so many to choose from so go ahead and list out some other examples.
Lets see, there’s the Apple 3, the eMac, the treatment of Apple 2 users, the Mac XL, no color in the original Macs, the treatment of Independent Apple Dealers, etc. Do I need to continue?
No problems here.
Does iphone’s maps app work offline???
Does iphone have NFC feature???
Are you trying to convince people in this forum that Nokia and/or Android is better? Surely your time would be more productively spent elsewhere.
Suffer? I have not found any problems in fact so far after the upgrade with my 4s the new maps has made things faster, more accurate and smoother than the junky, clunky, slow, non-vector maps.
Vector is without a doubt the best way to make a map work on a mobile device.
I remember back in the day when I still used Mapquest in place of the new Google Maps (before the iPhone even). Things will improve.
Apple was allied to google at that time until steve Jobs found out that The EVIL Google CEO was an industrial spy.
So Apple made no mistake in NOT going to map early.
They had their trust slammed in their face.
So now is payback.
BUT..IF Cook knew of the Maps issue yet release it as a calculated risk , while passing off TURN BY TURN as a great attribute in the OS6 is worrisome.
Customers dont matter? A software that is half baked?
I agree that Apple is new to MAPS< but they have never sold a software they know is imperfect eh.Or have they ??
Well, would it have been better an iOS 6 release without Maps? Would FUD and complains have been absent right now or would there have been the same FUD, the same people who complain and a horde more predicting Apple collapse? As I said a couple of posts up here, stop complaining or change your name to Hansel or Gretel and go to other forest to miss your Google crumbs… I’m in the Apple forest and I here don’t miss Google a crumb.
No one disputes that getting away from Google Maps is necessary.
Now how about, in addition to fixing the known issues, we also get these maps (and ability to report corrections) through a desktop browser too? Even if you have to log in via iCloud. This is a vital tool and if depriving Google of data is the end-goal, we should be able to do away with it no matter what device we’re using.
Hopefully the feedback from users will ensure that the errors get corrected rapidly. If users report errors as soon as possible, that will speed up the process. That’s exactly how the system is supposed to work.
Go to safari and visit maps.google.com click the little arrow and choose add to home screen. Now you have a google maps app. I realize its not exactly the same, but it works. If you really don’t like the first rev of Apple’s new map app you also have access to Mapquest, dare I say Bing and others. With Apple you get the best of everything.
And while the web-mobile version of GMaps lacks Street View, check out the StreetViewer app–paid and lite versions available. Not as smooth as the old Maps app, but does the job in a pinch. Also has a neat jog wheel for zooming in and out.
Apple doesn’t do many things wrong but this certainly stands out. I don’t think it’s as big a deal as MobileMe or Ping but it does suck. They’ll get the maps whipped into shape quickly. However without Street View they’ll always lag behind Google maps. I agree with the article, that this should’ve been taken care of long ago. And it did happen on Steve Jobs watch. But perhaps there’s more to it than we will ever know? At least they are separating themselves from Google. And even if it’s late at least they are doing it. Google is evil.
Memory lane is apparently very short for some. It took years for Google Maps to add roads world wide. Even longer for public transport. Out of the gate the current Apple Maps is far better than what Google offered when they started. Let it mature and it will be awesome. Otherwise you could argue that no one else beside Google should offer maps – which is beyond being silly.
Good point:)
A link from the article that MDN linked to:
“If you’ve seen enough examples of the boneheaded mistakes Apple Maps is making and want to get a sense of what’s involved in correcting them, I recommend Mike Dobson’s Google Maps announces a 400 year advantage over Apple Maps.”
http://blog.telemapics.com/?p=399
The content is sound, despite the cheeky title.
Maybe it shoulda had a Beta tag like Siri.
Siri was something new and additional, not a substitute product. Maps, on the other hand, is a direct substitute. So calling it beta would still bring on all the criticism (maybe more from the “I didn’t pay good money to be a beta tester” users).
I’d be interested to know the number of people who have problems with Apple Maps in comparison to the number that are regurgitating the headlines.
The article above offers no information we didn’t have, and only additional speculation.
What it does do though is offer a link to this article:
http://blog.telemapics.com/?p=399
I sent that link to MDN yesterday or the night before I believe.
It is the finest piece of writing on this issue bar none. There is no silly fan boy love, or Apple hater snarkiness, just pure scholarly analysis of what Apple is going through and what they will have to go through to create a product competitive to Googles.
“Google Maps announces a 400 year advantage over Apple Maps.”
The information in this article is something you should arm yourself with if you intend to have a viable opinion on this topic.
“… Given the rage being shown by IOS 6 users, Apple failed to hurdle the bar that was in front of them. I have spent several hours poring over the news for examples of the types of failures and find nothing unexpected in the results. Apple does not have a core competency in mapping and has not yet assembled the sizable, capable team that they will eventually need if they are determined to produce their own mapping/navigation/local search application….”
Yes quite a good constructive article without any of the usual Fandroidesque style boring BS. Thanks!
Am I the only one who’s been using Apple’s new maps without any problems whatsoever?
I’ve had iOS 6 for several months, and I’ve never had a problem with Maps.
Apple handed Google their hat when they made Andriod, plain and simple. I’m sure Google is testing their Maps app on an iPhone 5 as we speak anyways.
I have had no significant problems. I have demonstrated maps to several people who were completely blown away by the 3D fly over feature.
In fact, I demonstrated asking Siri to find a colleague, tapping the map, the colleague was located at U.C. Irvine, and then switched to the 3D view of the building the colleague was in. I then asked for driving directions to the colleague and received exactly the same directions that Google’s maps gave me.
(Directions that were horrible in either case, but I know the traffic and ways around it.)
I’ve performed this experiment in one way or another several times over the weekend for people with no horrible effects.
So I completely agree with MDN who postulates that there is more than a bit of a media echo chamber here, but at the same time, (where there is smoke there is fire and all) clearly many people are getting wonky results from Apple’s map software.
My guess, like MDN says though, is that the vast majority of people who try it are using it just fine.
Interesting note, of most of the people I talked to, who were only concerned about maps because of the publicity, it seems very few people were using maps anyway, which I think is the tip of a bigger and more interesting story.
I.e. do most people even use maps on their mobile phones?
Of those who do, are most having problems?
I only use maps when I have to explain to a cab driver how to get where I want to go. Heh.
You’re right about most people not using the Maps app. I think I’ve used it more the past few days than I have the last 5 years.
This whole issue is not a problem for me since I never go anywhere anymore.
Ha ha. 😉
Sounds to me that the Apples map app works 99% of the time and they need to correct some basic errors.
The notification system is really easy to use and we can all help out to fix the problems.
I’ve used a number of iPhone map / navigation apps and they all fail to some degree. Even google sometimes.
http://blog.telemapics.com/?p=399
If Apple are (rightly) saying that by people using it that it will improve, it’s somewhat odd that they offer no interface for Mac users to access it.
Just to clarify again…if you use IOS 6 and go to Google Maps with Safari…it creates an icon on your home screen for maps and it functions as it always did…just not as a dedicated app. It’s essentially the same thing, you’ve lost nothing. But the hype, hand wringing and FUD about this is astonishing only insofar as it reveals either the enmity some feel toward Apple or just overt ignorance. Jeebus Cripes.
Google is now missing out on over 400 million devices (people who own an Apple device running iOS not including computer products). If you don’t think this will significantly impact Google in a most profound way it just shows how myopic the average Android fan’s view is. Maps constantly change when business go out of business, move their addresses, add new roads, move existing roads, change speed limits, change the skyline (with high-rise buildings), the list goes on and on. Apple now has control of their own data (from its users crowdsourced input) and it will differentiate Apple from the competition (since Google gives everything away for *free* at the expense of mining ALL your data be it location based or page-views) whilst taking away that VERY LARGE portion of data from Google. So, to summarize: Apple takes away the location based data from Google, takes away page views, takes away advertising opportunities and takes away the crowdsourced data (restaurants, churches, parks, monuments, bridges, trails, transit, etc.) from maps. How long do you think it will take before Googles bottom line will be adversely affected since this is just about every way Google makes their profit? If Apple has a 30% share of mobile (and 70% share of the tablet platform), I would imagine THAT’S GOT TO HURT, A LOT!
I would imagine that in a short time (2 years, maybe) that Google finds themselves lagging in current maps and Apple in the dominant position.
or 15% of that 400 million…. It will take time for Apple Maps to reach all iOS devices… and by the way… why not a Mac version of Maps?
A Mac version of Maps with that cool 3D fly over feature would be fun to play with and help to effectively crowdsource data gathering and correcting for Apple. Same as it did for Google.
It occurs to me that more often than not, I use maps on my computer, not for actual directions but for views of areas, and just curious tinkering.
Within 1 year it could be a LOT closer to 400 million. The 3g is no longer sold or supported. The 3gs is supported under iOS6 and all other more current phones as well. In just a couple of days post release the total was already 15% of installed base. With iOS it was something in the neighborhood of 80% within a month. So, yeah maybe this is a 5 year plan and who says Apple ISN’T tirelessly working on a web based map app as well?
I think “tirelessly” is the right word.
Here’s the thing. If Apple already knew this, as some suggest, why the whole “Apple puts maps team on lockdown” thing? Why react like this is a big disaster if it isn’t?
Looks like I was right, 100 million iOS upgrades within a few days. I would rather contribute my crowdsourced mapping info to Apples maps than continue to contribute to Googles maps.
All this over the big war for who gets to stick a stupid rubber hose ad in front of our faces.
I would say this is the “evidence” people were looking for to determine IF there was indeed a thermonuclear war on Google. Make NO mistake, this is it, they kicked them out of the CORE OS and relegated them to App status. The ONLY way Google gets ANY data is if the END USER chooses to give it to them through an app, be it web based or native. Take that Google!
Could somebody please list out all the things that make Apple Maps the “unmitigated disaster” it is claimed to be?
I keep hearing the same kind of looped, talking-points criticism – with people throwing in some misplaced local landmarks as the sole reason to dump on Maps.
I’ve used Maps a number of times now, even travelling from one city to another, and the turn-by-turn directions have been impeccable.
And neither have I come across any errors that should make Apple red-faced.
Of course I haven’t yet tried to find the little corner store in some obscure back alley in my neighborhood. And neither am I heart-attack-inducing mad because all the buildings in all the areas in all the countries do not rise up phoenix-like when I go to the 3D mode.
Could we see a list of things that have led to death and destruction because Maps isn’t what every critical individual thinks it should be?
I’m sure it could be better – transit info is one area – but is it REALLY all that bad? It sure hasn’t been for me.
Yes Abdullah. Please see: http://blog.telemapics.com/?p=399
Thanks, TM, but the article is a bit too deeply immersed in the world of mapping and minute technical details on how it should be done. When you strip it off all the largely technical jargon and prescriptive minutae, it doesn’t really answer my question.
I much prefer the concise, plain language and focused take in a USA Today article, which states that:
“. . . many users said the new Maps is inferior. Chief complaints: wrong directions and the lack of local transit information.” And that’s all.
I haven’t experienced wrong directions, but I do think the lack of transit information needs to be rectified.
Missing features? I’ve got the same experience with Google Maps. In fact, just about a week or so ago, I used Google Maps to locate an address, and a major highway in my area was completely missing.
It is that bad. Compare the google image of the middle of my hometown to the one served up by apples map.
https://www.icloud.com/photostream/#A2JtdOXmJ1IvSo
It’s not Apple’s fault that you live in a blurry city.
I didn’t before last week!
You know, Jordan, maybe what you really need to do is sell all your Apple iOS6 devices and buy some Android based devices to replace them. It sounds like you’d be happier, and I’d certainly be happier if I didn’t have to listen to your incessant whining about an upgrade you opted for voluntarily not delivering things exactly as you expected.
Zeke back off a bit. I can understand Jordan’s POV and he has a justified reason to feel the way that he does. At least he is willing to wait things out and work with Apple to rectify the issue. He is not claiming the end of the world as the tech press and Fandroids are. My association with Apple goes back 33 years, so I have a unique perspective on their history.
They have released subadequate software in the past, but have always improved upon them. Let’s give them a chance to do the same now.
Maps has not been an issue for me and I have been using them more than I normally would just to kind of test how good they are. It is not critical that the Eifel Tower look 3D. These kinds of things are expected for a first release.
Now what is really important is we ditch GOOGOROLA and SAMDUNG pronto. Really glad there is much less Samdung in the new iphone. Getting rid of these two parasites will be worth short term inconvenience (not that I’ve experienced any myself).
The problem with Apple Maps in my country is in the Search feature. My home address is located some 40 km away. However the information given for a dropped pin is correct, meaning if I drop a pin on my house’s location, the address given is correct
The question as to WHY it was so important is addressed here:
http://beta.fool.com/jaans/2012/08/20/understanding-apple-vs-google-maps-deep-analysis-e/9606
It dosent matter how much desire apple has for its map service, it sucked! And many user said it sucked! If something sucks, it sucks! There is no argument and excuse, it just suck!
Apple shouldn’t replace google map so soon before apples own map being usable. It’s about the people and it not about whatever happens between apple and google.
The new Maps worked for me. I’ve tried it out for three trips around MSP and it has worked very well each time.
Shih001, So sucking is the end of the world? Right?
Things only are great or they suck???
“There is no argument and excuse, it just suck!”
So your english sucks, right? argument or excuse and it should be sucks, right. No excuse or argument for your third grade english?? The comment is full of this really poor english.
Hey, like it or not, it is what it is. It will get better. After all, before there were 20-30 people testing maps. Now there are going to be millions. I am sure it will get better. Hmmm, come back next year, same time, same bat channel and see how things are going. LOL
The blue dot feature is incredibly accurate. I checked it while in my family room and it showed where I was. I removed to the master bedroom and the master bath and the darn blue dot moved to that part of my house. Google maps never did that.