If it's "not a big deal" then 1: why did Tim release a public apology? and 2: why did Apple introduce a new section in the AppStore to help users find alternative map/navigation solutions? Subjective opinions of a location based feature while in an area that is not affected does not make it less of a big deal. I'm sure the user who relies heavily on accurate maps and navigation finds this a rather large issue. And considering one of Apple's main goals is to provide the "same" experience for everyone, it must also be quite a big deal for them not to mention an embarrassment after touting its features heavily in one of the world's largest annual media events.
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Apple Launches New App Store Feature Section for Alternative Maps
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Yup. The App Store is the biggest thing Apple brought to the smartphone scene, and probably the one thing they've done I consider truly revolutionary.
The only problem is 3rd party apps get updated constantly, whereas Apple apps only get new features added once a year during iOS updates. If I find I like one app better than the default, there's no way for me to take direct advantage of it. Like if Google releases their a map app, it'll be a completely standalone application. I can't go into my yellow pages app and launch into it for directions. I'm stuck with Apple's default. It keeps iOS from being as user friendly as it could be.
It's the biggest downside to Apple's overzealous sandboxing. You trade a lot of usability for a little peace of mind.
When you've got lemons: "Hey, guys! Instead of panicking and running off to Android, stick with us and use one of these apps that will pay us 30% of their download fees and/or advertising fees. You probably forgot to turn off 'Traffic' in the Location settings, so we'll be gathering information to improve iOS Maps regardless of what app you use."
Removing Google Maps and replacing it with a broken app for no reason was excessive.
This is damage control.
Agreed. I only use apple maps since mid July, and I don't miss google maps at all. I think this will be the experience for most people.
Yes, you can beat that by sticking with the premium application. Remember "if it ain't broke don't fix it?" Well, Apple fixed it.
The problem isn't the news. It's the app.
Damage control is smart, but they're still going to take damage. Nokia and Google mapping apps will affect customers on the margin.
Apple Maps is bad: "Steve never would have allowed this, Apple's dead, Tim can't handle Apple, etc."
Apple publicly admits to its map's shortcomings and provides an easy way to find alternatives: "Steve never would have allowed this, Apple's dead, Tim can't handle Apple, etc."
Apple publicly admits to its map's shortcomings and provides an easy way to find alternatives: "Steve never would have allowed this, Apple's dead, Tim can't handle Apple, etc."
I can see that if you are in a place that hasn't been updated, but as more iPhone users pull maps this will be corrected.
Not sure I want to PAY for an alternative maps app? I would have hoped Apple would have made them available for free......until they sort out Maps..
waze
One of the reasons I also enjoy using my Samsung Skyrocket - I love the flexibility of controlling what apps I want to integrate with by default or one-offs. I even have one app that enables me (one example) to share a photo I just took with as many apps/etc as I want with one flick.
Apple no doubt made the app market amazing (well the developers did) - but I was using app stores on my palm and other devices before Apple introduced theirs. Apple made theirs widely popular - but the model existed.
Agreed, especially since they still had a year left on their contract with google
Astute comment.
IMO, the best alternative in the medium-run is to allow the default Maps app to gather data from the source desired by the consumer, whether it be Apple's free (and soon to be best?) default set of data, or any third party's data who wants to plug into the app. The third part stuff could be free or fee-based.
The biggest problem with the status quo, I think, is that the Apple Maps app is tied into the OS in such a way that it gets called upon exclusively by other apps. Even when users install third=party mapping programs, their choice is ignored when a map is opened from another app.
Apple could keep its App as the default if it opened up the data to third parties.
An alternative, perhaps very un-Apple, would be to allow users to set which mapping program is to be their default, opened by other apps automatically. But by doing that, Apple risks losing customer for Maps fro the duration of their ownership of the device.
Even through they are competitors of Maps these other apps are still on the iPhone.
I have been using Mapquest since I got my IPhone 4 over a year ago, have been very happy with it. I have not upgraded to IOS 6 yet, so I have not seen the new Apple Maps yet.
Google may be waiting for this to play out a little longer. Simply the people that sell these phones, despite thinking that they're very sophisticated, aren't. If it resonates that maps suck on Apple, that's going to be the downside to iPhone that every sales guy will repeat at point of purchase.
Now that won't deter an apple fan, an android fan, an MS fan, or an expert, but it will change purchasing for undecided/ new smartphone customers.
in addition to apologizing for providing a crappy app, Apple should simply put Google Maps back
there's no shame about acknowledging failure and going back to what is best for consumers
there's no shame about acknowledging failure and going back to what is best for consumers
wow, ok sorry but I believe you've just contradicted yourself there. How can the software be perfect while at the same time contain bad data??? Maps would just be a cheesy icon on your home screen were it not for the data. Do you know exactly how many users are affected by this bad data? Do you know how many areas are inaccurate? You simply cannot just assume this is overblown because your own experience has been fine. However, you can easily assume that it is indeed a huge problem if it invoked a public apology from the world's most valuable company.
Sony > Samsung any day of my week.
Samsung does make those amazing commercials,with those awesome actors and well written dialogue; something Nolan should be envious of.
Blonde Girl: "It's the Galaxy S threeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee" LMFAO
More wooden acting than the star Wars prequels, I didn't think it was possible.