“Google Maps (Android, iOS) has been widely regarded as the go-to mapping software. But after a rocky start three years ago, Apple has worked steadily to bring Apple Maps up to speed. Earlier this year at its developer conference, Apple announced that Apple Maps usage on iOS is ‘3.5 times higher than the next leading mapping app,’ and iOS 9 has brought an improved version,” Clifford Colby writes for CNET. “It seemed like a good time to give Apple Maps another go-round to see how it compares with longtime favorite Google Maps.”
“We decided to test the two apps on quintessential autumn errands: a day trip to an apple orchard and pumpkin patch; a walk across the streets of San Francisco in search of a spooky Halloween costume; and a bumpy bus ride back to work,” Colby writes. “We didn’t want to do a tightly controlled mapping experiment: our goal was to take a few everyday trips and see how each mapping app behaved.”
“Over three outings, we found Apple and Google Maps comparable,” Colby writes. “That’s not to say, however, that they are identical. We thought Apple Maps was more visually appealing, especially its 3D map view. And we very much liked how you could view a small map window when in another app. Google Maps, using color-coded roads to indicate traffic conditions, offered more real-time data when driving. By the conclusion of our trips, we thought both maps held their own…”
Much more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: A very well-balanced review. More of these will help Apple Maps finally overcome its tainted launch.
Plus, one important thing not covered in CNET’s review is that Apple Watch’s Maps integration is unmatched:
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Rich” for the heads up.]