Roundup of Features in Google Maps for iOS: Better Design than Android Version, iPad Version Coming

[MacRumors]

The much-anticipated Google Maps for iOS is finally here. The app offers iOS 6 users who are unhappy with Apple's in-house Maps app an opportunity to switch back to Google's map platform. The new app includes turn-by-turn navigation, public transit directions, Google local search and more.

There are a number of features and tidbits that come with Google Maps for iOS as well. Here's a selection.

- Jesse Hollington notes on Twitter that Google Maps is now a transit routing app option that is linked from Apple's Maps app.

- Google has created the Google Maps for iOS SDK, which allows developers to feature Google Maps in their applications rather than Apple Maps. Developers can do this in two ways. The first uses a URL scheme so developers can have their apps launch Google Maps to complete a search, show a map or Street View imagery, or view walking, driving and public transportation navigation easily.*There are also API keys that allow developers to feature information like traffic navigation and general maps navigation.

- Google's blog post on the app notes that Google Maps for iOS supports iOS 5.1 and higher, iPhone 3GS and iPhone 4. Apple's turn-by-turn voice navigation does not support iOS 5 and those two iPhone models.

- A horizontal two-finger swipe allows you to access a menu that shows traffic, public transit, satellite view and Google Earth (which sends you to the Google Earth app).

- The app is available for 40 countries in 29 different languages, according to Google's blog post.

- KamenLee notes you can shake your iPhone (in frustration) which will trigger a Feedback form to Google.

Notes from David Pogue's Review:

- Google's point-of-interest database allows you, for example, to read a restaurant review on Zagat, read the menu, book reservations and see interior photos at 100 restaurants.
- Pogue also notes there's a Compass Mode that allows you, at certain locations, to move your phone around and allow you to see the interior of a business on your screen.
- Google has added some Google Earth features to the iOS app, including the entire photographic model of the Earth and its oceans
- Pogue mentions that Google admits that the iOS app is better than the Android version in terms of design. The Verge says that Google told them that they took everything they learned about design and used it for this app.
- iPad version is coming

iOS version is available as a free download from the App Store. [iTunes Link]

Article Link: Roundup of Features in Google Maps for iOS: Better Design than Android Version, iPad Version Coming

[Beeplance]

Thanks Google for such an awesome app!

[mavis]

Originally Posted by Beeplance

Thanks Google for such an awesome app!

Indeed. I thought the pre-iOS6 versions of Google Maps were fine (compared to Apple Maps, anyway) but this - this is amazing.

[KPOM]

Originally Posted by Beeplance

Thanks Google for such an awesome app!

To be fair we'd have never gotten this app had Apple not decided to drop Google from its built in maps app. Now we have an even better app than before because Google had an incentive to create one.

[charlituna]

Originally Posted by Beeplance

Thanks Google for such an awesome app!

I disagree. Not an awesome app at all.

iPad version should be out now, not eventually
UI is horrid
'Report a problem' totally hidden
No contacts access. Was asking for permission really too hard for them to do.

[qwimjim]

Originally Posted by charlituna

I disagree. Not an awesome app at all.

iPad version should be out now, not eventually
UI is horrid
'Report a problem' totally hidden
No contacts access. Was asking for permission really too hard for them to do.

this app was supposed to be out in 2013, they rushed it out for us.. you don't think contacts access will come? geez. report a problem? shake your phone. ui is fantastic.

[RollTide1017]

Apple Maps = now buried in a folder deep on my iPhone (would delete if I could).
Google Maps = proudly featured on the first page of my home screen.

Thank you Apple for screwing your map app so much and, thank you Google for now showing Apple what a maps app should be like.

[charlituna]

Originally Posted by qwimjim

this app was supposed to be out in 2013, they rushed it out for us.. you don't think contacts access will come? geez. report a problem? shake your phone. ui is fantastic.

Contacts access isn't some big difficult thing. it's in the SDK.

Folks are yelling at Apple for releasing their Maps before it was ready (in their opinion). Well I say what's good for the goose . . . Google should not have released their app until all useful features, including contacts access and a native iPad UI were ready.

[crackbookpro]

Apple Maps may go bye byes...

[faizoff]

Incredible functionality built in 6.7 MB of the app. I know most of the stuff comes from data online but really great set of features.

[viperGTS]

Better than the Android version? I like the sound of that.

[kis]

Originally Posted by viperGTS

Better than the Android version? I like the sound of that.

not better. better designed .

[GenesisST]

Originally Posted by kis

not better. better designed .

That sounds like a developer comment. We've (devs) all released stuff that we didn't like and wished we could redo it with all the lessons learned... Seemed like some Google engineers got their wish realized!

[ssajous]

Originally Posted by viperGTS

Better than the Android version? I like the sound of that.

The iOS version does not provide the save map capability that Android has and that would have been better than a nicer design.

[Gasu E.]

Originally Posted by viperGTS

Better than the Android version? I like the sound of that.

This would not have happened had Apple not pulled Google Maps in the first place.

[1rottenapple]

Finally!!!!!!! I can search for a local business and have intelligent results!

[phillipduran]

Originally Posted by 1rottenapple

Finally!!!!!!! I can search for a local business and have intelligent results!

So much is missing from the Apple map app.

I'm happy to see that Google maps is an option again.

[KdParker]

I keep getting prompted to sign in to google maps. What is that about?

[rmwebs]

Haha just noticed something pretty funny.

It has Google+ built into it.

If you go to a popular location (e.g an Airport) and slide up to look at details, you can look at photos. You can tap the persons name, and a Google Plus mobile window pops up.

Also notice a rather cool thing. If you visit a weblink, you have the option of opening it in Chrome instead of Safari.

[mhilferty108]

I do wish google maps would access your contacts so I could type in a name and get the address without copy-paste

[Jimeny]

Haha! Google Maps is No.1 in the top 25 tab in AppStore and it's only been out for 24hours.

You did a massive PR fail with Maps, Apple. Finally I can download iOS 6 without having to loose the reliable and brilliant service that is GMaps.

[M-O]

Originally Posted by crackbookpro

Apple Maps may go bye byes...

when you say "bye byes", you mean put in a folder with game center, right?

----------

thank you apple, for getting us turn-by-turn on google maps.

[EvilEvil]

Now all Apple has to do now is update iOS6 to allow users to set default map apps.

[KdParker]

Originally Posted by crackbookpro

Apple Maps may go bye byes...

We will see, but I for one like apple maps and will continue using it.

[noiseordinance]

Originally Posted by KdParker

We will see, but I for one like apple maps and will continue using it.

You are a very small minority.