Google Employees Suggest Apple Approval of Google Maps App 'Unlikely'

[MacRumors]

In the wake of Apple's move to replace the Google-powered Maps app with its own app in iOS 6, Google has been reported by numerous sources to be working on a standalone version of its service to be submitted to the App Store.

But while Apple has been willing to advertise a number of alternative mapping solutions while it works to improve its own Maps app, The Guardian reports that sources within Google believe it is "unlikely" Apple will approve Google's app for inclusion in the App Store.

Sources at Google familiar with its mapping plans say they are "not optimistic" that Apple will ever approve a dedicated Google Maps iOS app. Though the app is reportedly in development and should be ready to ship by the end of the year, the sources say their plans are only proceeding in "the unlikely event" that Apple will choose to approve the app.

According to sources within Google, who appear to be split as to whether the departure of iOS chief Scott Forstall will improve Google's chances, there is little evidence that Apple is interested in embracing Google-based mapping solutions.

Specifically, they point to the lack of any mapping app in the "Find maps for your iPhone" section of the App Store - accessible only via iPhones or iPads - that use the Google Maps APIs to call wirelessly for location, routing or point-of-interest (POI) data. [...]

Apps such as the free Maps+ app, which uses Google Places APIs and Google Maps tiles to bring Google Maps back to the iPhone, and the £3 app Quick Route, which mashes Google's directions and locations database with Apple's Maps tiles, are noticeably absent from it, even though a Google source says they are the two apps that would give back many of the capabilities lost with the advent of Apple's Maps in iOS 6.

The Google sources reportedly believe that these omissions are deliberate in order to minimize the visibility of Google-based mapping apps, although Apple CEO Tim Cook did mention the web-based version of Google Maps as an alternative in his open letter addressing the Maps issue.

Article Link: Google Employees Suggest Apple Approval of Google Maps App 'Unlikely'

[daneoni]

Freaking pessimists

[KnightWRX]

Originally Posted by daneoni

Freaking pessimists

Did Google Voice ever leave "in approbation" limbo ?

Was there for months, and we never really heard about it again (I'm still waiting for the official Canadian release of the service though, thanks CRTC !).

[dashiel]

Originally Posted by KnightWRX

Did Google Voice ever leave "in approbation" limbo ?

Was there for months, and we never really heard about it again (I'm still waiting for the official Canadian release of the service though, thanks CRTC !).

What are you on about? I use it daily.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/goog...318698524?mt=8

[impulse462]

That's what we need...less choice.

I can understand Apple wanting to remove Google from the iPhone in favor of their own mapping solution, but the way they are going about it is how a 5 year old child would.

Personally, I have yet to have any problems with Apple Maps, but since so many people are having issues, Apple should have prepared (which Tim Cook is famous for doing) and had Maps ready to go at launch. Only then would this child-like behavior "seem" warranted, but right now it's just pathetic.

[Mad Mac Maniac]

Wow. Google Employees must be really dumb. Apple WILL approve Google maps....

[gmanist1000]

Then they should just remove all the other Maps apps.

[NachoGrande]

Imagine if it has turn-by-turn directions. That would be an huge slap in the face of Apple

[yakapo]

Originally Posted by impulse462

That's what we need...less choice.

I can understand Apple wanting to remove Google from the iPhone in favor of their own mapping solution, but the way they are going about it is how a 5 year old child would.

Personally, I have yet to have any problems with Apple Maps, but since so many people are having issues, Apple should have prepared (which Tim Cook is famous for doing) and had Maps ready to go at launch. Only then would this child-like behavior "seem" warranted, but right now it's just pathetic.

"choice" is bad to Steve Jobs. Remember he said tablets smaller than the ipad should come with sand paper to file your fingers down.

My wife hates apple maps, but I was more frustrated by the removal of the youtube app. Unfortunately, I bought my ipad 3 used and it came with ios 6 on it. So now I'm eagerly awaiting a ios6 jailbreak.

[hardax]

Originally Posted by impulse462

That's what we need...less choice.

I can understand Apple wanting to remove Google from the iPhone in favor of their own mapping solution, but the way they are going about it is how a 5 year old child would.

Everything Apple does lately seems like something a spoiled child would do.

[KdParker]

Originally Posted by impulse462

That's what we need...less choice.

I can understand Apple wanting to remove Google from the iPhone in favor of their own mapping solution, but the way they are going about it is how a 5 year old child would.

Personally, I have yet to have any problems with Apple Maps, but since so many people are having issues, Apple should have prepared (which Tim Cook is famous for doing) and had Maps ready to go at launch. Only then would this child-like behavior "seem" warranted, but right now it's just pathetic.

I still think that if google comes up with a maps app that they will be approved.

[scottwaugh]

We'll just have to wait and see, but I'd bet Apple approves it.

There's too much PR visibility on this issue to not do it and have it turn into a brand damaging PR mess (again) - and the other side of it is Apple has little to loose doing so...Apple's App is good (where it works) and will only get better and is also wired into the OS for use by other Apps no matter whether a user picks the Google Map App or not.

[John.B]

Originally Posted by KnightWRX

Did Google Voice ever leave "in approbation" limbo ?

The Google Voice app for the iPhone has been out for two years now.

itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-voice/id318698524

Sadly, Google's most recent update seems to have screwed up a lot of working stuff for people in the process.

Originally Posted by KnightWRX

Was there for months, and we never really heard about it again (I'm still waiting for the official Canadian release of the service though, thanks CRTC !).

Looks like it's US only? Even the Android version says that it is "currently only available in the US".

play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice&hl=en

[Archer1440]

Google has obviously weighed the benefit of having their app on an iOS device against their vested interest in having something that gives Android an edge.

Why would Google have a big-picture Interest in enhancing the experience for iOS users?

In the long run they would be better off keeping their edge for droid users. This is simply an excuse for a cold corporate decision.

Well played, google, well played.

[cmichaelb]

Originally Posted by KnightWRX

Did Google Voice ever leave "in approbation" limbo ?

Was there for months, and we never really heard about it again (I'm still waiting for the official Canadian release of the service though, thanks CRTC !).

Google Voice native app released- 16NOV2010

2 years ago....

[MattMJB0188]

If you all want Google Maps then why not switch to an Android smartphone? Seriously?

[The Phazer]

Originally Posted by MattMJB0188

If you all want Google Maps then why not switch to an Android smartphone? Seriously?

Lack of good Android hardware, significant money spent on iOS apps, contract terms?

[yargk]

Originally Posted by MattMJB0188

If you all want Google Maps then why not switch to an Android smartphone? Seriously?

I will.

[JohnDoe98]

Originally Posted by KnightWRX

Did Google Voice ever leave "in approbation" limbo ?

Was there for months, and we never really heard about it again (I'm still waiting for the official Canadian release of the service though, thanks CRTC !).

While the CRTC sucks, the Canadian release of the service is being restricted in part by Google themselves. Google doesn't want to build in e911 into their service. Dell Voice, which is similar to Google Voice but not nearly as good, works in Canada and isn't blocked by the CRTC precisely because they register your number with e911 services. It doesn't seem to me to involve too much so I don't see why Google just wouldn't comply with the terms. But whatever. Hopefully at some point in the future Google Voice will exist in Canada. In the mean time there is always Dell Voice which is good enough for me (I don't need to own a home phone or cell plan, data only is the way to go).

[drblank]

Originally Posted by daneoni

Freaking pessimists

If their Maps app doesn't have Malware, then they have to submit to find out. Apple has other Google apps on the Apple App Store, so why not?

What's Google afraid of? That it might have Malware or some code that Apple doesn't want them getting access to like personal information?

I think Google is trying to get our sympathy. Pathetic attempt at it since I didn't buy their little plea of sympathy. Freaking children and their little games they play.

[hot spare]

Originally Posted by drblank

If their Maps app doesn't have Malware, then they have to submit to find out. Apple has other Google apps on the Apple App Store, so why not?

What's Google afraid of? That it might have Malware or some code that Apple doesn't want them getting access to like personal information?

I think Google is trying to get our sympathy. Pathetic attempt at it since I didn't buy their little plea of sympathy. Freaking children and their little games they play.

Get some fresh air.

[Rodimus Prime]

Originally Posted by daneoni

Freaking pessimists

well look at the mess with google voice and getting that approved. It magically got approved when Apple was being investigated by the FTC. My guess because Apple knew they would be screwed if it was allowed to go completely threw. I would not be surprised to see it happen again with Google maps.

On things Apple knows it sucks at and can not really complete at they cheat to block the better alternatives.

[penajmz]

If that's the case then Apple Maps better step up.

[KdParker]

Originally Posted by penajmz

If that's the case then Apple Maps better step up.

I think apple maps is stepping up at least in the US.

We will have to see where they end up in the next 5 - 6 months with the overseas market which seems to need the most improvement.

[Tech198]

Bet that will cheeze people off.


Yay.. First post

Oh dam.. Too late.. (Need to type faster)