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Roundup of Features in Google Maps for iOS: Better Design than Android Version, iPad Version Coming
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Honestly, I've found Street View to be extremely useful these last few years. None of these maps are perfect and even the new Google Maps app put's my company's office on the wrong side of the street.
When I needed it a GPS in my car, I would use my Garmin before I'd use an iPhone. Besides, I don't have to worry about eating up data with a real GPS unit.
I'm going to update my 4S to iOS 6 now. I was hesitant to do so because Apple Maps scared me. I've heard good reviews where I live (VA, USA), but it's good to have options. I'm off to upgrade!
I'm still trying to figure out if you can access contacts. Street View is definitely there, though. Look a few posts back for how to find it. The lack of voice search is a bit strange, considering that their Search app's voice feature is incredible.
Data usage???
I haven't read through all the responses to see if this has been brought up yet. Does anyone have a clue what the mobile data usage will be like with this app? I know Apple's vector-based maps go very light on the data usage and can actually buffer enough map data to keep you going during a signal loss for quite a while... Just curious.
I haven't read through all the responses to see if this has been brought up yet. Does anyone have a clue what the mobile data usage will be like with this app? I know Apple's vector-based maps go very light on the data usage and can actually buffer enough map data to keep you going during a signal loss for quite a while... Just curious.
This new Google Maps app sounds awesome!! I will download it when I get my new iPhone for Christmas! 
Yes, that is true. So, I guess it all works out.
But it does make you wonder if its truly is all worth it for Apple. The CEO had to apologize, senior executives were ousted, and now they, per reports, are pouring huge amounts of resources into their maps app. Is it or was it truly worth it? What is Apple gaining from their own headache of developing their own maps app now that there is clearly a better option in the app store now? Could they be using their resources differently now instead of just reinventing the wheel all due to spite?
Google generally keep internal businesses separate, so the GMaps core team will have very little communication with the Android 'GAPPS' team.
I'd imagine that the new UI we're seeing with Google Maps, Gmail and Voice on the iPhone is part of a big UI overhaul coming to Android. It already had most of it done with Android 4.x, but it will probably be noticed to a bigger degree with Key Lime Pie.
When they roll out a major Android update, they also release the larger updates to their own apps - that'll be when Android Maps gets a big update.
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The Gmaps one is probably using vectors as well. If it isnt, it'll be no more than the older Maps app.
I'm not very concerned with these shortcomings right now. This is their first version and nobody can deny that they really nailed it for a first version app. This isn't a shoddy effort like the new YouTube app. Voice search and contact access will come in due time.
Given Google originally said it wouldnt be ready until 2013, you'll probably find they skipped some non-essential features (like contacts and voice) to get it out the door. I dare say we'll see both these (and more) added into an update.
Thats the HUGE difference here. Google can push out a whole app update to the Appstore - Apple has to do a complete iOS update if they want to update the actual application.
We must have two entirely different GOOGLE MAPS.... Mine has street view, but no turn by turn navigation!
Actually this is not quite true...as the original Maps app was created by Apple and only used Google for the actual POI data and maps. The updated UI of the new Maps app could have easily used Google as a backend, but Apple's deal with Google was about up and they decided it was time to make the switch.
Overall I think it was for the best, as Apple maps will continue to improve over time and we still have Google Maps in a form that can be updated rapidly rather than just every OS update. Third party apps can be implemented with Google's API if they so choose, but I am guessing many won't.
I do hope iOS 7 brings options to replace built in apps with third party ones though, for things like Maps/Stocks/Weather/Calendar. Just make an API that lets them respond to things like Siri and opening text links (Like a calendar appointment in an email or an address.) I'm fine with having Apple Maps as the default though as most of the time I am just using an address which it has no issue with (for me.)
LOL when I woke up this morning at 6am there were already about 7000 5-star ratings for this app. I can't believe how many people drove around and actually used the app in the dead of night to come up with an unbiased rating of the app! (sarcasm)
1) Apple developed the old Google-based Maps app - not Google.
2) The deal Google offered (turn by turn in exchange for a 'find my friends' style Lattitude) was, in hindsite a way better deal than building a **** maps app themselves.
3) As it turns out, for the consumer, we now have a great choice. We have Apple Maps, Nokia Maps and Google Maps. We didnt have that choice until Apple screwed up.
One wonders if large numbers of iOS users switch to this app whether the effort to improve apple maps may stall due to a sharp decrease in feedback. I have seen steady improvement in apple maps but this new app may shortcircuit that effort.
Free because Google maps is free, I could include the TomTom app but seeing as it's 40 quid it's hardly fair to is it? And why are you going on about Apples approval process? Where did I mention anything about Apples approval process?
Also so even the app you posted uses Google maps, so what your saying is their is no free alternative Google maps as fully featured as Google maps, and the ones that are use Google maps.
Ummm...go into search, touch the mike next to the space bar and you can voice search (iOS 6, iPhone 5).
This Google Maps app ALONE is worth the price of admission of the iPhone 5.
Apple should really be kicking back some of the profits they make off iOS now back to Google.
If Google acted like Apple, they would have kept Google Maps exclusive to Android. Instead, they allowed iOS users have it for FREE.
Google supports customer choice whereas Apple believes in creating a monopoly.
Google believes in offering the best user experience despite jeopardizing potential revenues whereas Apple believes in protecting potential revenues despite jeopardizing the user experience.
Bravo Google! Thanks for making our iPhones complete again.
WRONG!!!!
Apple wanted to keep using Google Maps data (you do know Apple coded the Maps app). Apple wanted to add Google's Navigation to the Maps App, but Google had some demands and was unwilling to give it to Apple for free. So Apple made there own solution and updated the Maps app to use there new solution with Navigation. Google found themselves removed from iOS because of there unwillingness to share for free. Now look at what we have. Google had to make there own app and offer there navigation for free, looks to me like Apple got exactly what they wanted. Yes, Google has Android, but a lot more people use Google services on iOS, and therefore iOS is not a market Google can avoid.
OMG, Google makes mistakes, too!
Downloaded the app, did some test locations. Nailed my own home, but has my parent's house in Florida about a 1/4 mile down the street from where they are. Ironically, Apple maps nailed both of them perfectly. Not trolling, just reporting. The one thing Google maps needs is to access my contacts...I shouldn't have to search for every single location that I already have in my contact list.
Downloaded the app, did some test locations. Nailed my own home, but has my parent's house in Florida about a 1/4 mile down the street from where they are. Ironically, Apple maps nailed both of them perfectly. Not trolling, just reporting. The one thing Google maps needs is to access my contacts...I shouldn't have to search for every single location that I already have in my contact list.
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.