Or it is vector based or it is image based, it can't be both. And yes, vector tiles are rendered on the fly, this is way they are vectors.
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Lack of Maps Updates in iOS 8 Said to Be Caused by 'Internal Politics', Developers Leaving
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Or it is vector based or it is image based, it can't be both. And yes, vector tiles are rendered on the fly, this is way they are vectors.
This whole thread should begin with.
In my opinion, where I live ( xxxxxx ) because it clearly matters a whole lot.
I have only a few issue with it now in the UK. But none with Turn by turn on an iPhone5 works great. Can only suggest your carrier is slow with that data - doesn't matter if you are on 4g.. depends how they route it.
Zero Lag around here. Much faster then my 2 year old dedicated Garmin.
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Yes it can. The maps are vector on the server side and they farm out rendered tiles. You intact just said that!!?!
Apples clients side is pure vector for the normal and overlaid view. there is no server > Client raster rendering going on.
Vector based is when it is client side and Google Maps is client side vector based. They don't send a tender rile, they send the vectors.
What app are you looking at?
For anybody who is talking about how good apple maps is.... that might be the case in the states.... But check out the maps in China.... It is unbelievable how non-existent they are. Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Beijing, and Shanghai are passable. Every other area of the country doesn't even have major highways! They keep talking about trying to get into china's market, but they don't even show China that they are serious about it.
Maybe in your area, but in my area Apple maps will drive you in a circle at random times, or up a 40° incline just to have you stay off the main road (that you want to be on). Meanwhile Here Maps (aka Nokia's Navteq) functions perfectly. Basically what I'm saying is that yes, Apple maps really is that bad.
Apple knows you don't put out things that are not ready for prime time. Cook said it himself but does not follow his own advise.
Maps was a huge mistake from the beginning.
Maps was a huge mistake from the beginning.
Still that bad huh? Well I guess it's an issue since Apple won't let you change default apps.
In my opinion these are the biggest issues with Apple maps listed by importance:
For all those complaining about Apple moving to maps before they were ready, just remember the state that iOS Google Maps were in before Apple kicked them out of the core OS. Google kept giving cool updates to the Android version such as turn by turn directions, vector mapping, offline maps and more while the iOS version languished. And Google had even publicly promised that those were eventually coming but as time went by nothing happened. Apple had to do something, and a big part of the Siri unveil in iOS 6 was turn by turn directions. Then later Google unveils their new maps app on the App Store which had all these new features. They were holding back to push Android, which they reserve the right to do. But Apple also reserves the right to build their own service. Unfortunately they kinda botched it. Hopefully they are learning from their mistakes. Sounds like they are seriously lacking leadership over that team. It should be a top priority for them going forward.
iOS 8 seems feature complete to me aside from being able to set default applications for apps like mail, calendar, browser, etc and a couple other small items. They need to really work on the quality of services now. I have a feeling iOS 9 is going to be all about service improvements and iCloud, along with optimizing iOS itself to be faster than ever and battery efficient, integrating their mobile payment system, while tweaking the software to make it easier to get things doneespecially in the cloud.
- Needs more POI data and cross referencing similar terms in search doesn't work. You have to be very specific with what you want which means it's more difficult to quickly find what you're looking for.
- Visual designers need to overhaul the appearance of the maps themselves so that they are more legible and clear
- Apple needs to frequently update new addresses and routing info. Couldn't even find my sister's new apartment which was built two years ago.
- Apple needs an equivalent of street view, which can sometimes be fairly useful
- Vector maps need more detail, such as the detailed outlines Google Maps has for college campuses (buildings, walkways, etc)
- Google maps has 3D data for the small college town I live in (Columbia, MO population 115,000), but Apple Maps doesn't even have 3D mapping data for Kansas City or St. Louis yet. It's last on my list but still important to get more cities in 3D.
For all those complaining about Apple moving to maps before they were ready, just remember the state that iOS Google Maps were in before Apple kicked them out of the core OS. Google kept giving cool updates to the Android version such as turn by turn directions, vector mapping, offline maps and more while the iOS version languished. And Google had even publicly promised that those were eventually coming but as time went by nothing happened. Apple had to do something, and a big part of the Siri unveil in iOS 6 was turn by turn directions. Then later Google unveils their new maps app on the App Store which had all these new features. They were holding back to push Android, which they reserve the right to do. But Apple also reserves the right to build their own service. Unfortunately they kinda botched it. Hopefully they are learning from their mistakes. Sounds like they are seriously lacking leadership over that team. It should be a top priority for them going forward.
iOS 8 seems feature complete to me aside from being able to set default applications for apps like mail, calendar, browser, etc and a couple other small items. They need to really work on the quality of services now. I have a feeling iOS 9 is going to be all about service improvements and iCloud, along with optimizing iOS itself to be faster than ever and battery efficient, integrating their mobile payment system, while tweaking the software to make it easier to get things doneespecially in the cloud.
I think this ^ is spot on. A hammer isn't always the best solution but you have to wonder if Steve Jobs' leadership is needed here.
That aside, I wonder if their perceived lack of interest in fixing Maps is based on market research and how often the average user is using Maps. I would guess that most users do not use Maps very often. They said at WWDC that Messages is the most used app on iOS. I would guess after that it's probably Safari, Mail, Phone, Music, Camera, and third-party apps like Facebook and Twitter. I wonder where on the list you would find Maps based on the average user. Not that it excuses Maps' problems, especially since one can argue that getting completely wrong directions can be very disruptive or even dangerous. However, it is possible that they've decided Maps isn't effecting the user's experience negatively enough to make it a priority.
User experience
Apple needs to ensure that it has a complete and fluid user experience, that's why they need to get into maps. 'Ping' was admittedly unnecessary and Beats I wouldn't like to comment on until I've seen it run it's course, but maps are essential. I don't hate Google, and I use third party apps, but I want to see that Apple feel across all my essential apps and Maps is one of those.
Apple needs to ensure that it has a complete and fluid user experience, that's why they need to get into maps. 'Ping' was admittedly unnecessary and Beats I wouldn't like to comment on until I've seen it run it's course, but maps are essential. I don't hate Google, and I use third party apps, but I want to see that Apple feel across all my essential apps and Maps is one of those.
I disagree. Apple's track record for software (services) is terrible and Maps fits right into this mess. Rememeber MobileMe, Ping, Numbers/Pages (both meh), the confusing mess iTunes has become, iTunes Radio is in 2 countries only, and now we can see Beats going down the drain as well. And Apple's professional software? Don't get me started.
Please Apple let me set Google Maps as a full default in iOS 8, so it shows up when apps use a map in stead of Apple Maps.
I've used it from day one without any issues. Love to turn by turn and ability to view and share pins/addresses with my other devices.
"Its a take that is both contested and corroborated by our other source. I would say that planning, project management and internal politics issues were a much more significant contributor to the failure to complete projects than developers leaving the group, the source said."
That's not exactly sources being in dispute with each other. That's one source saying that both issues were present but developer defection was less a factor than planning, pm, and politics. Whatever the reason, Maps needs improvement. I think if Apple feels Maps is an essential part of the iOS ecosystem they will dedicate the resources to make it better.
Bing maps are absolute rubbish. They are just plain fugly not just on retina displays but on every other website that sleeps with MS as well (weather channel). I really like Google Maps. Their response in fixing errors is usually no more than 48 hours. And I get a personal email. There is a street parallel to mine, that has been wrong on Apple maps forever. Google was wrong too, they fixed it immediately, Apple nope. Despite the frequent fix button I press, nothing. Eventually I emailed Tim Cook saying this is truly awful how this is being handled. While I didn't get a response from him, he did forward it to the appropriate personnel and they apologised but it has been still several months and while if I do reply back I do get a response I get the usual politician-like canned response that doesn't answer anything.
Can apple just let us default to google maps and be done with it?
That would solve everything
We don't use apple maps because it's not good.
That would solve everything
We don't use apple maps because it's not good.
It works in SoCal. I use Apple Maps all the time because the turn-by-turn and the UI is cleaner.
But if I'm going somewhere I've never been before and I am late and don't want to get lost, I always use Google maps. I know Google maps will be 100% accurate.
But if I'm going somewhere I've never been before and I am late and don't want to get lost, I always use Google maps. I know Google maps will be 100% accurate.
Apple have untold resources in both money and people. There is no reason that Maps should still be so awful after so long a time.
It just goes to prove that no company can be best at everything - even if they have billions of dollars.
It just goes to prove that no company can be best at everything - even if they have billions of dollars.
Those cars drive on actual street, images or not they are collecting upto date street data.
It's called android .
Why does anyone really care ? There are other good options besides Apple maps if you don't like Apple maps. Besides, would we have really seen any improvement in competitors to Apple maps if Apple hadn't released Apple maps ?
It's not about how much money you have, it's about how much money you want to allocate on a project.