“Inaccuracies and misplaced towns and cities in Apple’s new map software have provoked anger from users,” BBC News reports.
“In June Apple announced it would stop using Google Maps in favour of its own system, created using data from navigation specialist TomTom,” The Beeb reports. “Apple is yet to comment on the complaints about the software, which comes already installed on the new iPhone. TomTom said it provided only data and was not responsible for how it worked.”
“The software is packaged with iOS6, the latest version of Apple’s operating system, which runs on the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. Previously, the system had an app running mapping software from Google,” The Beeb reports. “But users are now forced to use Apple’s new maps once they upgrade or buy the latest iPhone – which goes on sale on Friday. There is not currently a Google Maps app available in Apple’s App Store, although Google’s system is still accessible via the phone’s web browser.”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: We rather like Apple’s new Maps app. Beware the FUD. This predictable anti-Apple Maps media barrage smacks of a concerted PR effort.
MacDailyNews Note: TomTom told MacDailyNews via email yesterday:
TomTom supplies maps and related content to the majority of handheld players, including RIM, HTC, Samsung, AOL (MapQuest Mobile), Apple and, yes, Google (for the areas where they don’t make their own maps).
Our maps are used by businesses around the world, which have standards for coverage, detail, quality and safety.
When people use a map, their experience is determined by two things. Firstly, the underlying content, notably the maps. This is what TomTom is currently supplying the mobile industry with and it is what gives their maps the best foundation. Secondly, user experience is determined by adding additional features to the map application, such as visual imagery. This is typically defined and created by the handset manufacturers and third party software providers on the basis of their own vision and needs.
No FUD but Apple Maps is a huge downgrade over Google Maps. It’s like Google Maps of several years ago.
I upgraded our iPad3 and we’ve decided to keep our iPhones as they are. Maps is just too useful to lose just so Apple boots Google. I’m all for Apple doing their own version but at least be at parity before the change.
I have been using it in Silicon Valley last day and a half. Great si far wit bluetooth connection, but I wish we still had Google Maps too. Google Earth still looks great, sure hope Apple does not kill that. I do think many people will be getting droids because the want street view and terrain that Google has. I think this was a big mistake by Apple. Or was it Google that droppef Apple? Either way I am sure it will cost Apple billions in lost sales.
Personally, from what i can see using my iPod Touch 4g the accuracy is the same. I think it is even more detailed in some places which is nice. What I don’t like is that the satellite view is definitely not as clear as google maps. The transit routes are also a piece of garbage (Why should i download another app for transit when one app should do?) How about apple buys one of these transit apps to use their data? Also the fact that flyover doesn’t work on my iPod is retarded. (I hate apples excuses saying that “oh your hardware can’t support our update”… THEN WHY CAN THIRD PARTY APPS DO SO WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS…
I just ran a comparison from my current location to my home. Two out of the three routes are the same on Apple Maps and Google Maps. The Apple Maps has a third route which is one that always pops up on the navigation system in my Honda, but it’s not on Google Maps. The Google Maps has a route that does not appear on Apple Maps, and, while not the quickest, is more direct and convenient. Finally, Apple Maps tells me to start off going down a street that does not exist in reality. It’s been surveyed and there’s a graded dirt area (it’s been that way for 5 years), but no street. Now this same street appears on Google Maps, but at least I’m not being told to drive on it. Google Maps has a newer private road to the parking lot where my car is that doesn’t appear on Apple Maps at all. So for this one test, Google Maps is the winner. But all the minor errors on Apple Maps were precisely the ones on Google Maps when it first came out. So we’ll see how fast things get better. Maps is a must have application so Apple will have to devote significant resources to updating and improving it if it’s going to be the go-to map app for iOS devices. Now if I had an iPad mini with Apple Maps and a little improvement, I could probably ditch my stand alone Garmin in my wife’s car.
have not used the Turn by Turn functions yet but I am disappointed with the satellite imagery.
For the last 18 months, my State have been building an interstate close to where I live.
Google Earth/Maps shows the cleared properties and the construction but Apple Maps shows none of this. Just the peaceful countryside with all the, now demolished, dwellings intact.
P
Apple Maps where I live in the UK is very very poor….if not unusable. I never thought I would see the day when Apple released a product of such low functional quality but todays the day.
I am a big Apple fan. I have Apple everything. However, the mapping software is horrible. It’s inaccurate and yelp misses half the companies around you. I tried to use for navigation. It was laughable. Missed traffic and does not count down distance to turn
The only thing I miss from Google’s Maps are property lines, those are essential I think. Apple should work with TT on adding those to Apple’s Maps
I think they should have released as beta. Still needs to improve it.
Amazing how many “it works for me so I don’t believe anybody else could have a problem” crowd have turned out tonight. Just because you haven’t experienced it (and I am talking generally, in life, here) it doesn’t mean it’s non existent. It is OK to trust the word of others and accept that things exist even if you haven’t witnessed it first hand!
In my very limited experience of using the Maps app so far today I have already spotted quite a few errors & omissions. This I don’t like. I assume it is OK to express my opinion here (and report on my personal experience) without being shot down in flames by those with an alternative experience or opinion? For what it’s worth, I am a huge fan of Apple. Not a troll. Not an Android user. I just haven’t found the new maps as useful, complete or accurate as the ones Apple just nuked off iOS.