Apple's Split with Google Over iOS Maps Driven by Turn-by-Turn Navigation Dispute

[Sandman1969]

Apple wants to get ahead of the game and they want their users to contribute to improve their map. However as a user we should get something in return for doing this favor to Apple. But what they did to us they pretty killed this feature on iPhone 4. Imagine a number of combined users including iPhone 4 and 3GS, that would have been a big help to improve their mapping service. Typical Apple bs giving a reason yet they neglected their other customers.

Were people complaining when they helped google and their map app that didn't even have turn-by-turn?

iphone 4 and 3GS can still use other mapping apps (MapQuest, Garmin, Tom-Tom, Navigon, Waze) to get turn-by-turn, or use the web and continue to use google maps without turn-by-turn, which is all they had anyway.

I love the new Map app, it renders faster and is more intuitive, and minus a few 3d glitches is much nicer looking. I haven't had any issues personally, but if I do I will send updates just like I did with Google early on. I will use it this weekend for a 8 hour drive to Ohio and see how it does.

I am glad they did it, may hurt for a bit, but if I were Apple, I wouldn't want Google to continue to better their own apps using my customers and wanting to have more access to everything my customers, all the while trying to compete with me.

 

[Judas1]

Some people here assume that Google branding means a Google label on the phone itself. This not what it means. Google doesn't even brand their nexus devices like this. I took it to mean that Google wants credit for the map app in the form of a name change to Google maps. And this is far from an unreasonable request.

 

[d21mike]

TomTom App - Map Data Accuracy

Anybody here use the TomTom App on the iPhone? How accurate is the Map Data on that App? Does it have the same problems that are reported with the Apple Maps App which gets it's Map Data from TomTom (you can see where the data is coming from while in the App)? If not, then why is everyone blaming the problem on the Map Data? Could it be a software problem and if so the problems could be fixed rather quickly? Assuming the TomTom Map Data is Accurate then I think Apple will resolve most of the major problems quicker then most are expecting.

 

[Geckotek]

Anybody here use the TomTom App on the iPhone? How accurate is the Map Data on that App? Does it have the same problems that are reported with the Apple Maps App which gets it's Map Data from TomTom (you can see where the data is coming from while in the App)? If not, then why is everyone blaming the problem on the Map Data? Could it be a software problem and if so the problems could be fixed rather quickly? Assuming the TomTom Map Data is Accurate then I think Apple will resolve most of the major problems quicker then most are expecting.

I don't have it to compare, but Tom Tom already made a public statement.

"We don't know what is causing the issues (on the Apple maps) but from our perspective the quality of our data is great and we stand behind it,"

 

[krigsmakten]

Apple's Maps version in the current iOS6 is beta - can't hold a candle to Google Maps in iOS5.

Who cares about turn by turn if it can't find where you want to go?

Not ready for prime time yet.

 

[d21mike]

I don't have it to compare, but Tom Tom already made a public statement.

That is good news. I have posted here that I have noticed a bug which some would call map data error but were clearly a bug in the app. So, I am even more confident that most problems will be fixed sooner most are expecting.

 

[dv8r]

That is good news. I have posted here that I have noticed a bug which some would call map data error but were clearly a bug in the app. So, I am even more confident that most problems will be fixed sooner most are expecting.

I don't think so - but I hope you are right.

 

[GiantSteve]

Good. Who the hell wants Google's stupid branding all over things when the product is paid for already?

Where is your outrage for Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, Netflix and Apple "stupid branding" all over things. It's not unreasonable for an app author or content provider to place their branding on, and within, the app they create. I also assume you take the manufacturers badges off your automobile and remove any identifying marks from your Nike sneakers, Levis jeans, etc.

 

[mozumder]

Siri doesn't search

You never asked Siri to find a restaurant or store for you?

 

[Roller]

No doubt about it, Apple got pretty badly burned by this mistake, and as with Microsoft's Windows Vista, it will likely take a while and a lot of effort to regain that lost trust. I suspect that Google's Maps app will now be even more popular when it is released, especially if there isn't a miraculous, almost overnight improvement in Apple's data. Which there won't be. I think Apple actually set itself back by about a year in map development with this ill-advised release.

I don't think Apple set themselves back in map development - it is where it would have been whether or not they released their own app. Where they hurt themselves is in the perception of how they'll make major decisions in the Tim Cook era, deserved or not. Apple has weathered storms before (antennagate, MobileMe), but they're on a higher pedestal than ever.

If Google releases an updated map application for iOS, it'll be interesting to see how popular it is. (It'd be even more interesting if they charged a buck or two for it.)

Apple's maps have been OK for me, and I like their implementation of TBT directions. But I understand that satisfaction depends on the quality of data for the area(s) you're interested in.

 

[Kwill]

Good for Apple!

They sure showed them. Apple said Google could take their outdated mapping app and pin it. Apple, in turn, implemented voice activated turn-by-turn without Google.

It's basically a proof of concept, saying, 'We're not intimidated by your head start. As the largest company in the world, we can hire, buy or develop internally the technology required to make this a global success.' Customers look forward to the 'real thing' once Apple gets the kinks out.

 

[samcraig]

They sure showed them. Apple said Google could take their outdated mapping app and pin it. Apple, in turn, implemented voice activated turn-by-turn without Google.

It's basically a proof of concept, saying, 'We're not intimidated by your head start. As the largest company in the world, we can hire, buy or develop internally the technology required to make this a global success.' Customers look forward to the 'real thing' once Apple gets the kinks out.

They showed them? How do you figure this emotional-based response?

Apple had a business agreement with Google for their maps for a set amount of time. During that time, Google developed features which were not covered by the agreement. So as the renewal time approached, negotiations took place and Apple didn't like the terms to further the relationship. So they went their own way.

It's funny that some people want to see this as some emotionally-charged response to Google. I don't believe it was. Apple is on a path and they are going their own way.

Business partnerships dissolve every day in the world.

 

[GiantSteve]

They sure showed them. Apple said Google could take their outdated mapping app and pin it. Apple, in turn, implemented voice activated turn-by-turn without Google.

It's basically a proof of concept, saying, 'We're not intimidated by your head start. As the largest company in the world, we can hire, buy or develop internally the technology required to make this a global success.' Customers look forward to the 'real thing' once Apple gets the kinks out.

Most users are not interested in being part of a "proof of concept" and waiting for Apple to "get the kinks out." Most people want functional maps which provide a diagrammatic representation of an area of land or sea showing physical features. This is a core application for a smartphone and it needs to work, not some new functionality like Passbook which can be perfected on the customer platform.

 

[Geckotek]

They showed them? How do you figure this emotional-based response?

Have you not read up on any of the history between Apple and Google? Steve and Eric? There's emotion involved. And this decision could have easily been made before Jobs died.

But I do agree with the rest of your statement....but to think there couldn't possibly be any emotion is a bit naive if you ask me.

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Most users are not interested in being part of a "proof of concept" and waiting for Apple to "get the kinks out." Most people want functional maps which provide a diagrammatic representation of an area of land or sea showing physical features. This is a core application for a smartphone and it needs to work, not some new functionality like Passbook which can be perfected on the customer platform.

So you're telling me that the only map application you can use is the built in one? We're all gonna die from driving into a lake because Apple maps is jacked?

People are blowing this out of proportion. It's bad and needs to be fixed, but it's not the end of the world. There are solutions.

 

[bob.vila]

Anyone seen this article yet?

http://appleinsider.com/articles/12...torola-ad-faked-an-address-to-lose-ios-6-maps

Seems Motorola faked the address on the #iLost ads they ran.

 

[samcraig]

Have you not read up on any of the history between Apple and Google? Steve and Eric? There's emotion involved. And this decision could have easily been made before Jobs died.

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So you're telling me that the only map application you can use is the built in one? We're all gonna die from driving into a lake because Apple maps is jacked?

People are blowing this out of proportion. It's bad and needs to be fixed, but it's not the end of the world. There are solutions.

Regardless of any friction between Apple and Google (notice I'm not talking about people here) - I believe Apple would have gone this way anyway with maps. They don't nor have ever really wanted to rely on 3rd party integration. The began acquisitions long before Steve made any "vow" to destroy Android (note Android - not Google).

You can feel free to believe Apple's move to their own mapping solution was all about sticking it to Google. I don't.

 

[Dominicanyor]

that sucks big time.

 

[kdarling]

Were people complaining when they helped google and their map app that didn't even have turn-by-turn?

Back when Google Maps started, nobody had a decent map (or routing directions) on the web. MapQuest would take me across the GW Bridge (with toll) just to do a U-turn on the other side, for example.

So everyone knew that online maps were experimental, and a few of us took the time to update a few locations, at least at first. However, I suspect that most of the current fixes came/come from Google's driving teams, not from some constant mass user input. Especially from mobile devices.

 

[samcraig]

Anyone seen this article yet?

http://appleinsider.com/articles/12...torola-ad-faked-an-address-to-lose-ios-6-maps

Seems Motorola faked the address on the #iLost ads they ran.

Unfortunate. Doesn't negate the issue with Apple's maps. It's just shoddy advertising. Or rather good advertising that used a poor example.

 

[Revivalution]

In what way are Apple Maps better than old google maps? Especially when functionality that used to exist no longer isn't? Lets ignore the many mapping errors that exist - far more than google.

What functionality is missing?

We must be talking about a different maps application than the one that came with IOs5 and down. There is no comparison in how much better this new maps app is. I've had 0 problems.

The other one was good as a phone book and that's about it. Everytime I tried to use the thing it had my car pointed to the side of the road like I was driving sideways.

I purchased TomTom to cover for it.

I like how this new maps app works. I guess I've not been without signal because Every where I've gone and had to use it it has taken me there no problems.

I think the complaints are over kill.

 

[linuxcooldude]

Because that stretches Apple thin. Makes them "Jacks of all trades". How about they concentrate on what they do good : hardware design, OS design, UI design. And leave what they aren't that good at to others that are : Search engines, online services like mapping, storage, e-mail, social networks.

Any company that wants to make it big has to expand into other products/services. Stay stuck doing the same thing too long you will get left behind.

Just like Google just did not stick to being a search engine. They went into advertising, Android, tablets and online services. You think they would be where they are today just being a search engine?

 

[dgree03]

What functionality is missing?

We must be talking about a different maps application than the one that came with IOs5 and down. There is no comparison in how much better this new maps app is. I've had 0 problems.

The other one was good as a phone book and that's about it. Everytime I tried to use the thing it had my car pointed to the side of the road like I was driving sideways.

I purchased TomTom to cover for it.

I like how this new maps app works. I guess I've not been without signal because Every where I've gone and had to use it it has taken me there no problems.

I think the complaints are over kill.

Are you going on record saying there is nothing wrong with apple maps?

If apple renewed the contract google you would have a much better app! (likely on par with Androids version)

 

[Renzatic]

Customers look forward to the 'real thing' once Apple gets the kinks out.

And what will this "real thing" be, exactly?

Well, uh, it's like Google Maps, cept it's made by Apple.

AND IT COMPLETELY REVOLUTIONIZED HOW WE USE MAPS FOREVER CUZ THAT'S WHAT APPLE DOES! THEY THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX, PUSH THE PARADIGM, AND COMPLETELY REDEFINE! I NEVER KNEW WHAT I WAS MISSING UNTIL APPLE SHOWED ME EXACTLY WHAT A MAP APP WAS!

...but other than that, it's not much different. I mean comeon. How many ways can you draw a layout of streets on a 2D surface?

 

[StyxMaker]

Last weekend I used Maps to navigate from Fort Worh to San Antonio (about 300 miles) and it worked great. I also have the Navigon app and I find Maps superior to it in every way except one: Navigon displays speed limits and will say "Caution" when I exceed the speed limit by a user set amount.

I especially liked Map's "Overview" function that smoothly zooms out and rotates to show the complete route with a single touch. This is important to me, and although the overview functionality exists in Navigon it is clunky at best.

I'll keep Navigon since it has built-in maps (so does not need a connection to work) but I am very pleased with Apple's Maps and will use it as my primary navigation system.

As far as accuracy goes, I have had numerous problems with Google Maps, especially with business addresses.

I agree with you completely on both Apple's and Navigon's products, including wishing Apple had Navigon's speed limit display (although Navigon's speed limit database is in error on some of the streets around me). I also will be keeping Navigon installed on my iPhone for those times I'm out of cell service range and need installed maps. Navigon has also included walking instructions and public transportation information in there most recent update,

 

[Abazigal]

You never asked Siri to find a restaurant or store for you?

Siri is AI, not search. Steve clarified as much during his d10 interview. It simply processes the command and uses the relevant service or app to get your information for you.