“Google Inc has made no move to provide Google Maps for the iPhone 5 after Apple Inc dropped the application in favour of a home-grown but controversial alternative, Google’s Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt said,” Kevin Krolicki reports for Reuters.
“Apple launched its own mapping service earlier this month when it began providing the highly anticipated update to its mobile software platform iOS 6 and started selling the iPhone 5,” Krolicki reports. “‘We think it would have been better if they had kept ours. But what do I know?’ Schmidt told a small group of reporters in Tokyo. ‘What were we going to do, force them not to change their mind? It’s their call.'”
MacDailyNews Take: What do you know? Nothing much since you got your ass kicked off Apple’s BoD, mole. Interestingly, shortly thereafter, you magically outlived your usefulness at Google and then got kicked upstairs, mole.
“‘Apple is the exception, and the Android system is the common model, which is why our market share is so much higher,’ Schmidt said, adding that success was often ignored by the media, which he said was ‘obsessed with Apple’s marketing events and Apple’s branding. That’s great for Apple but the numbers are on our side,’ he said.”
MacDailyNews Take: Google’s transition from respected innovation into the 21st century’s Microsoft is now complete. Trumpeting numbers generated from endless “Buy One Get X Free” promotions and millions of Chinese feature phones using so-called “Android” that no respectable company would count. And, as always, Android still doesn’t come first with mobile developers.
And, by the way, some numbers mean more than others, mole:
Apple rakes in 71% of the world’s smartphone profits – September 8, 2012
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: We don’t want your Maps, mole. Have fun tracking and trying to sell ads bound for your cheapskate “Buy One Get X Free” Fragmandroid pigeons. This is all Google’s loss: iOS users are the ones with money to spend and the will to spend it; you’ll have no access to hundreds of millions of the world’s cream-of-the-crop consumers, mole.
That’s right, the world’s best, most well-heeled mobile consumers do not use Google Maps.
Meanwhile, Apple’s Maps will relentlessly continue to improve. Keep trying to spin it all as a “win” to your advertisers and the rest of the world, mole.
Let Google’s rueing continue unabated.
Related articles:
Researcher: Apple iPhone and iPad the top choices among affluent users – July 26, 2012
Why smart retailers lust over Mac, iPhone, and iPad users – June 26, 2012
Wealthy smartphone users more likely to have iPhones; less likely to play games, tweet – April 2, 2012
U.S. Apple product users split evenly between Republicans and Democrats; Half of U.S. households own at least one Apple product – March 28, 2012
Mac users are more fashionable than Windows PC sufferers – March 1, 2012
Study: iPad users more likely to buy – and buy more – online than traditional PC users – September 29, 2011
iPhone users smarter, richer, less conservative than Android phone users – August 16, 2011
Apple iPhone users spend significantly more on their credit cards than non-iPhone users – November 5, 2010
Study: Apple iPhone users richer, younger, more productive than other so-called ‘smartphone’ users – June 12, 2009
Nielsen: Mac users are better educated and make more money than PC users – July 12, 2002
Great news; now Apple can reject their Map App and future other apps up to infinity without drawing public opinion ire.
As it is everyone is comparing a decade old solution with one released a week ago. Of course the newcomer is going to look crap on day one, but now that it has a wide userbase rather than a focus-group on a development team adding to it I’m sure we can expect a very steep improvement curve out of Apple Maps. We’ll see what it turns into in six month’s time, when all that extra data mining, corrections, additions, and suggested improvements have been added. My guess is that the gap between the two will be far less noticeable, and in a couple of years will be gone completely. Giving Google one less income stream, especially if Apple then start licensing their version to others.
Schmidt isn’t stupid. He knows that this is a big risk to a large part of Google’s business.
“Of course the newcomer will look like crap on day 1.”
You sound like RIM commenting on rumours about the impending original iPhone announcement. I beg to differ. Part of Apple’s ‘magic’ is that they put so much thought and care into things, more than they really need to, and their version 1 looks more refined than other companies 10 year old products.
What went wrong with the maps then?
Nothing, it’s just naturally unpopulated with user location data and the stuff that comes fom everyday populative usage.
Ever known any GPS that doesn’t require periodic updating?
But I thought Apple day 1 products were better than products made by other companies over 10 years???
Clearly maps needs more “magic”.
I’m sure you did. Obviousyly Your understanding of how things work takes a cue from the fact that from the day you were born, to date your brain, hasn’t expanded it’s capacity.
It is better. They are talking about the refinement and the app being better; its being vector based and all that.
You are talking about data. Data can be added. The framework that the data is going into, and the API for third-party input and use is better on the new Apple map app/platform.
So, VHS has been out for years and someone announces the new, better DVD. But you say, “hey, I can’t find my favorite titles on DVD yet, what a fail! VHS is so much “better!”
You are talking about data
Isn’t data the point of a mapping solution? It’s “better” because it’s prettier, but not worse because it removes useful features and replaces an accurate dataset with a markedly less-complete one?
Is this the first time an iOS release has spurred a frenzy to find an alternate to a core function?
And you have complete access to that Google data — through the browser.
You’re right, it’s a core function. But you have it backwards… until now, Apple *was* using the alternative.
If there is a frenzy, it is to get going with tapping into all the possible sources of data since that can’t really be done ahead of time and real people need to check the data.
Yeah, it removes “useful” features, like the original iPhone removed the keyboard and changed the direction of “smartphones” forever; and we haven’t looked back since.
You might rather ask:
“Isn’t data the point of Google?”
And then you might ask:
“Why does Google really want this data?”
And:
“Should we just let Google corner all the data in the universe, simply because they have a headstart?”
You can fix “Maps” but you can’t fix stupid.
Oh, and the traffic feed does not work, at all. Granted, love the iPhone, but Google Maps traffic was better than 511.org and CalTrans in Bay Area.
“Crap on day 1” a valid comment to make when the thing being discussed depends on a database that isn’t populated yet.
Maps worked fine for me on day 1. Maps worked just fine this morning going to a meeting in another city.
“especially if Apple then start licensing their version to others”
Not sure who they could licence it to in a significant way. Android is covered, and everyone else is on iPhone. My guess is this is about making sure Apple doesn’t have to hand over their hundreds of millions of eyeballs to Google every time they want to find something. Search is next. Siri is the glue.
The only other person would be to license to Microsoft.
Microsoft would prefer no doubt to develop their own for the same reasons Apple did.
MS is already doing that.
Schmidt is stupid in this case. Just think of how many iOS users would have immediately downloaded Google Maps and relegated Apple Maps to the last page of their home screens (personally I like Apple Maps and have had no problems thus far).
Schmidt is missing out on a fantastic opportunity for Google to retain a large number of iOS map users. But, that’s typical Google, not thinking two steps ahead.
A commenter on an article referenced in a previous post made a good point: Google might not find it easy to get a Google Maps app through the App Store review process. The biggest hurdle is that apps are not allowed to substantially duplicate built-in functionality. So something similar to the iOS 5 app probably wouldn’t pass.
——RM
Big *DING* ! ! !
I recall when the Mac, iMac, iPad and iPhone were released. Those products looked pretty good on day one compared to other decade old products. Apple Maps debuts with a projection view that is a marvel considering the computing power to generate a flyby used to take too long (a batch job on a mainframe in years past — when now 3 seconds is too long a wait on a mobile device). The FUD storm concentrates on incorrect data points and ignores the “easy” delivery of miracles by Apple, as usual.
I agree with you: the pace of Apple Maps improvement will be dramatic due to improvements in computing, algorithms, cross-referencing and synchronization of a diverse set of information sources. WIth Google Maps, I think we just jettisoned the 1st stage and ready for the second burn. With Apple products, we will be the closest to those who will achieve warp drive.
People think that this is Apple’s final last best version of their maps. REALLY! If Apple were like Google, every picture, video taken or high speed movement of every iOS device would fill in their missing map. Apple is not like that. The Apple maps will evolve rapidly giving every iOS device much more than Google ever would offer.
Is Microsoft looking for a hand-me-down map app for their very late to the game device? Can a dancing monkey and mole be best friends?
I know isn’t that hilarious? Apple should have called this Apple Maps Beta like they did Siri to deflect new feature criticisms. What new feature ever is perfect right out of the gate? Like most things in a year nobody will be talking about this and poor Eric Schmidt will have to keep his marbles home for good. Heh.
Schmidt is standing atop Custer’s Hill shouting, “Come get me you injuns!” before being thwacked by an arrow fired by Chief Sitting Bull Tim Cook.
When they killed bin Laden, they radioed, “Geronimo EKIA.” Next to be knocked off will be “Schmidt EKIA.”
More like yertle the turtle…
One big reason why they sell so many is that many offer no upgrade path, you ditch the current one and buy another! Wonder how many of those Toys R Us android tablets will be upgradeable? 😉
Um, actually, people do want Google Maps. No matter how loudly MDN tries to defend Apple on this one, it’s indefensible. Apple screwed up big time, in every country in the world.
Not in every country. iOS 6 maps is better than google maps here in Australia. Google maps don’t show the vast proportion of dirt roads, roads that make up the majority of transport in regional areas. Look up Baroona Road, Michelago, NSW, australia. In google maps you won’t see it, now try it in Openmaps.org. Look around the district in both map systems. Dirt roads make up the majority of roads in areas outside of cities. Australia is a vast country and the vast majority are dirt. None of which are on Google Maps. Been waiting for years for the iOS 6 Openmaps based App. Up til now I’ve been using the OpenMaps app to navigate, good to have a native system finally
Michelago on the Monaro Highway. Blast from the past. Been through there many a time in the 80s and 90s. We lived in Canberra and the wife’s family were in Cooma and Nimmitabel. .. Sorry to say Maps makes a bit of a mess of dear old Nimmi (B/W sat. images and roads all ahoo!). The Garmin has it right but don’t know about TomTom (Apple’s supposed street map source). Canberra is fine, as is Melbourne. I think Apple can fix the deficiencies quite quickly using feedback but it’s going to be a bit rocky for the next few months.
Enz
Better in the uk too. Much better.
It isn’t where I live in the UK. The satellite image is just a fuzzy pixelated blur, in the centre of the town I live in, a large market town in North Wiltshire on the main road and rail routes from London, Bristol, Bath, Poole, etc, there are shops listed that are nowhere near where they actually are, a large pub shown that I don’t even recognise, either it’s name or address; that’s just in the high street.
There is no excuse whatsoever for the satellite image being so cruddy, Google get theirs from third-party sources, and have done for years, and while I can understand road issues, and other fine details not being precise, I fail to understand how Apple’s source for satellite imagery can be so spectacularly poor away from major conurbations.
No they do not. Apple maps up here in sothern Ontario works perfectly fine. As for the old Google Maps, it took them about 5 years to get my address correct. Give Apple a some time, maybe by next iOS 7 and they will kick Googles ass in this department.
I agree. It took 2 years for my house to show up on Google Maps, and I’m in a major metro area in the U.S.
not really @$#*!
Most tech journalists and mindful readers of MDN understand: Apple HAD to ditch Google Maps as part of their ultimate campaign to rid iOS of all dependencies on outside providers of core technologies.
That the first iteration of a huge database has gaps is no surprise. Reports I have read is that iOS Maps is Worldwide. That is a huge data set. Continues use and progressive data submission will refine location data to converge upon the conveniences that Google used to provide. I for one am glad to ditch the bastards. They truly are the Microsoft of the 21st century: lying, sneaky, cheating, purveyors of a poison pill.
dd
Who are these “people” that want Google Maps? If you like it–great, but please don’t presume that Apple Map app is dislike by everyone. Google map in iOS didn’t have turn-by-turn direction. I got lost this past weekend and used my iPhone 5 to get myself back on track. It was accurate each times I’ve used it.
I have a very nice public transport app that was created by developer in my small town. I rarely used Google for public transportation. I like Mapquest much better on long trips for info regarding food and lodging.
Finally, on principle, I am all for supporting Open Street Map.
Nope. Apple Maps works just fine for me. Glad to be rid of Google. I don’t trust a company that makes their revenue off harvesting my info.
Why do people want google maps?
Tom Tom for turn by turn
look at a satellite pic of your house google earth is there
business search use apple maps
People turn to google Maps because they are creatures of habit and don’t like change. They stick with what they know and works for them. That being said, change can be a good thing. Five years ago I switched to Mac and have never looked back. Change is good. 🙂
After using Apple’s maps every day since it was shipped (maps is my most important app on my iPhone) I’m never going back. This is much more useful, and fun, than Apple’s-map-with-Google-data ever was.
Keep telling that story over and over about an Airport in Ireland, I’m using this in the real world.
Good ol Eric. He is the goo in google.
F*ck Schmidt. Here’s hoping that 6.0.1 replaces Google as the default search engine.
It just too bad Steve Jobs was not alive to here this BS. Apple Should honor Steve Jobs memory by going thermonuclear on Google’s ass.
They are, they are. It just takes time. This is one more move along that path. And Google will pay.
Hell, they’ve already lost 105+ million Google maps users. I doubt that many people will defect to Android over Apple Maps (sure, some small percentage may). There are PLENTY of great alternatives available in the App Store if the Apple Maps app is not up to par in one’s area.
Hear not “here” ferchrissakes
Dear MDN, Why not say what you really think?!
Enz
I’ll start believing MDN about Google when they stop using them for advertising.
What a bunch of loony hypocrites u guys are. U should be in politics mate!
Take your fucking search engine too, you fuck mole scumbag.
Siri will replace search eventually
MDN is hosted on Dell servers too!
Where I live, Apple’s Maps does fine. I realize that’s not the case everywhere and it’s unfortunate.
Customer feedback ought to have it fixed in many ways very quickly. I’m not going to tell anyone not to bitch about it or pat Apple on the back for it’s day 1 performance. But if you frequent a route that contains some obvious issues, submit it to Apple and it’ll get fixed for the benefit of thousands or maybe millions of others. Actually offering solutions feels even better than incessant whining. Try it.
MDN,
I would characterize Schmidt as ‘Rat Bastard’ instead of mole, but I realize you must temper your comments, me not so..
You know what – I’m not going to give Google anymore of my information if I can help it.
I just switched to Yahoo for internet search on my Mac and Phone. I’ve been running Ghostery for over a year to block Google analytics.
Me too. I used to use Google Finance search for a quick look at the AAPL charts every morning, but they recently started including news headlines from Insider Monkey, Potential Trader, and Value Walk instead of Forbes, WSJ, etc. These three blogs are written by people for whom English is obviously a second language. they bash Apple and glorify Samsung and Android. I’m not going to support Google in any way any longer.
In so many little ways, over the past 3 years or so, Google has become slimier.
Once upon a time Google search was fresh and clean. Now it shows the signs of a deepening corruption of a royal court shielded from sight by stacks of grimy greenbacks while, inured to the pathos of millions, they conspire to further pollute the future.
Sadly, I can just use Google Maps in Safari or Chrome on iOS. I personally would like a choice with Map apps, and I think we’ll get there. These platform wars do nothing but hurt users.
iPhone owner since June 2007.
Google’s web app works fine.
Now you have a choice, before you didn’t.
What’s to complain about?
No, the platform wars push each platform developer to try to one-up the other, thus making improvements faster.
You’ll never get a Maps app which lets you choose from whom you receive your data. No developer (Apple, Google, etc.) will give up that opportunity at ad revenue, etc. What you have now with Safari and Chrome is as good as it will get, with the exception of Google Maps coming to iOS as a separate app (that will happen sooner rather than later, if Apple allows it).
Guy has no class. After being caught by Apple and kicked out of the board. The Mole still has the balls to talk in public as if he did nothing wrong whatsoever. Jerk.
The saddest thing is Google is winning the PR war over maps. Even though I like Apples new map app, it is a lot like the NFL replacement refs. Just like those bozzo refs every map error is magnified by the press. Late night TV, competitors and even Apple loyalists are making fun of it. We can sing its praises here all we want.. It ain’t good when you are the butt of the jokes. Truth is AAPL is getting hammered GOOG is flying high. In hindsight Apple should have eased into this, letting folks decide if and when to drop Google maps.
Very few people will decide not to buy an iPhone over the Maps “incident.” Those who do probably weren’t going to really buy anyway, just looking for an excuse to stick with Android.
Yep, Schmidt is still an asshole.
Schmidt is a thieving mole. A recalcitrant asshole to boot. I hope he gets his nuts crushed on this one. SJ is right: Go thermonuclear, baby!
I never used Google Maps. But I have discovered Apple’s, and have no problems. In fact, I’m quite impressed. NYS, USA.
what an ugly gay. gets the map but is clueless. die jerk. Google+ is doing OK… yeah right. No share for you. na na na na na
I personally enjoy the fact that the ethic-less slime bags in Mountainview are content to pay MDN $10,000’s per month in ad fees, to rip them new ones on an hourly basis.
Kick Google out already!
The big problems are that:
A) Google clearly has the best search engine. That MS boinky thing is a FAIL.
B) YouTube, which Google bought, is ubiquitous on the net. Everyone uses it.
C) GMail is a reasonable success with a lot of users.
The rest of the Google stuff, in general, is forgettable.