What makes you think it wasn't the truth? Do you have any evidence that Apple could have reasonably enabled features like Flyover and vector-based maps with Google maps?
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Tim Cook Publishes Open Letter on Maps for iOS 6
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
What makes you think it wasn't the truth? Do you have any evidence that Apple could have reasonably enabled features like Flyover and vector-based maps with Google maps?
I didn't realize Google Maps was so popular. I tried it a couple times when I needed navigation help and just didn't like it. I used MapQuest's app when I traveled last year and never looked back. Turn by turn directions ftw.
Obviously "had" is a loaded word. No one put a gun to Apple's collective head. However, to build out their platform instead of propping up their #1 competitor and to respect their customer's privacy, yes, they "had" to do this.
From Apple's perspective, negotiating with Google wasn't any real choice at all. I think the use of "had" is an honest reflection of how the braintrust at Apple felt as far as their choices went.
Remember, Apple didn't enter the search business. Google entered the mobile devices business.
I appreciate his honesty.
I'm one of the unlucky users who isn't having a great experience with Maps and it's reassuring to learn our complaints have reached the intended target and it's getting the attention it desperately needs.
I'm one of the unlucky users who isn't having a great experience with Maps and it's reassuring to learn our complaints have reached the intended target and it's getting the attention it desperately needs.
Wow. Consumers really have become a spoilt and whiny bunch. Louise CK was right.
The man wrote an open-letter of apology AND suggested third party options. But STILL that isn't enough for some.
This is why you should rarely apologise for anything. It's something that's simply wasted on most people.
The man wrote an open-letter of apology AND suggested third party options. But STILL that isn't enough for some.
This is why you should rarely apologise for anything. It's something that's simply wasted on most people.
Though I appreciate the letter from Tim, I think people have overreacted on this issue, jut like any perceived issue that comes out of Cupertino.
Is Apple Maps perfect? ABSOLUTELY not! If people expected it to be, they are crazy. Tim had to say the bit about "Apple making the best products in the world and this isn't up to par," because he had to. Tim and all the engineers working on Maps (and all those that work at other companies in mapping) know that they need real-world usage of something like this in order for it to improve. A handful of people can't experience the whole experience (even as brilliant at they may be) as well as 100 million people using it and seeing real results.
It's probably for the best for Apple to approach this topic they way they chose to. But, boy, do I miss the days where they would have politely, yet decidedly, put the truth out there and tell folks how it really is.
Is Apple Maps perfect? ABSOLUTELY not! If people expected it to be, they are crazy. Tim had to say the bit about "Apple making the best products in the world and this isn't up to par," because he had to. Tim and all the engineers working on Maps (and all those that work at other companies in mapping) know that they need real-world usage of something like this in order for it to improve. A handful of people can't experience the whole experience (even as brilliant at they may be) as well as 100 million people using it and seeing real results.
It's probably for the best for Apple to approach this topic they way they chose to. But, boy, do I miss the days where they would have politely, yet decidedly, put the truth out there and tell folks how it really is.
( I'm just referencing your post for the Google Maps - how it used to be - this comes up a lot)
It doesn't matter how good or bad Google Maps were in its infant days, the fact is Apple have replaced Google Maps with something a lot worse, lacking functionality that users used to enjoy on iOS with Google Maps. The past has gone, today is what matters.
It says a lot when Apple ( or any other company ) are directing users to competing products, as per this letter!
Crowd sourcing will help out Apple, it will be good for traffic information ( if this is used in real time ). A few years down the line Apple Maps will be a great product, for sure. Apple aren't going to give up on this.. mapping and navigation has become an important piece of functionality for phones.
Last edited:
majority of it is. Lack of POI's and incorrect driving data are fixed a majority of the time with user input. Google said that themselves
Maps affect everybody. The number of people who got a nicked phone out of the box was probably quite small (or a certain batch of phones) and I'm sure something that can be easily fixed. You replace dmaged phones, fix the problem don't call attention to it. Maps isn't something they can easily fix. It will take a lot of time.
Actually, Bing is based on Nokia maps, and in my view is better than Google's maps.
I think Cook is merely saying, "Hey, if you think our Maps suck, we are working on fixing them, but there are other free app options like Bing, Mapquest and Waze. Those folks actually have free apps.
Google entered the mobile devices business BEFORE Apple show that they were making phones
You know that the only reason that you are new to turn by turn navigation is because apple denied you access to it for many years? It's been standard on all android phones for 5 years+
maps works fantastic to me. used it to get home from Boston without a hitch last night... love it.
Google maps data itself (other than street view) has not been any major improvements since 2008. their all very incremental on a yearly basis. Apple is probably going to be doing minor incremental updates every month for years to come.
I'm sick of seeing people post "Steve wouldn't have done that" and "this would never have happened if Steve was still around". Just move on. He's dead. He's not around any more so there's no point keep mentioning him.
I quite like the 'new' Apple. Admitting your product is crap is good in my book. It means they are going to put a lot of resources into correcting it and making it better as soon as possible.
Apparently, it's not that humorous in China where the new Maps is leaps and bounds better than the previous Google offering.
Anybody remember how good google maps were when they first launched?
Very relevant to, err, nothing at all because it's a $500+ product being sold in 2012 with clear deficiencies as compared with the 2012 version of Google Maps being shipped as we speak on millions of devices.
Ultimate respect to Tim for being so open and honest about the issues faced with Apple Maps.
Makes my respect for him as a business leader go up quite a few notches.
Very well played!
Makes my respect for him as a business leader go up quite a few notches.
Very well played!