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

[david510c]

Apple could've kept both Google maps and added its own as an option. Just like how you can choose your own default search provider.

Same goes with the Lightening adaptor. They could've kept both and slowly phase out the 30 pins. Instead of screwing over every 30 pin accessory owner and Kickstart developers. Kind of like how MBP have both USB and firewire. Remember how awful it was to only have USB on MBP? Those MBP have the worst resale value of all MBP.

 

[Kaibelf]

It might have been a more considered response upon Apple's part to introduce the new Maps with iOS 6, without canning the existing Google-based version.

That way they'd have had a year (the year remaining on their contract) to get the new version up-to-speed.

Instead they're dealing with a first-rate cluster****.

This is a rare, self-inflicted fiasco.

Yawn. The app that was on it before was made and maintained by Apple. Exactly why should they put out a NEW app and also maintain one as a portal to their direct competitor and undermine their own product? Also, without crowdsourcing, exactly (and be exact) how is the accuracy supposed to be improved and what would another year without that data have actually changed?

 

[needfx]

Has Siri made a statement yet?

 

[giantfan1224]

I love the new turn-by-turn. But Apple does need to step it up. I'm surprised that they'd release it as is given they had a year left with Google to work on it.

I think it's obvious that Apple couldn't or didn't want to wait a year to get voice navigation as part of the native app. Goes to show they are concerned about keeping up with the competition.

 

[PDXoPDX]

Well that makes me feel a little bit better about the crappy map data. I'd rather have turn-by-turn.

I would. Turn-by-turn far outweighs any maps problems for me. Driving directions are the only thing I use maps apps for. Not sure what all the fuss is about.

 

[smithrh]

If people haven't read Gruber's bit on this, they should.

The question is when do they dump Google as the default search engine for iOS.

That's a good topic, suitable for it's own thread - start it and I'll participate.

 

[jrswizzle]

Good lord I've been saying this the whole time....

On another note, when are we going to hear something about...oh, I dunno....ANYTHING besides Apple maps?

 

[ufwa]

When did wanting concessions from one party considered "calling the shots"?

Its how negotiations work. Companies don't just bend over and give another company anything they want with nothing in return.

Based on the other article Apple also wanted some concessions too.

 

[stevers]

I think when iOS6 was announced, they should have provided Apple Maps as an app (maybe 4s only?) so users could kick the snot out of it for a few months. Then a majority of the wavy brooklyn bridges would be sorted out for the release last week.

Made a shortcut to google maps, still haven't needed to use it yet. Though I bought TomTom back in 2009 and rarely use it either. Guess I just know my way around.

 

[KPOM]

It might have been a more considered response upon Apple's part to introduce the new Maps with iOS 6, without canning the existing Google-based version.

That way they'd have had a year (the year remaining on their contract) to get the new version up-to-speed.

Instead they're dealing with a first-rate cluster****.

This is a rare, self-inflicted fiasco.

If they had them side by side, people would be complaining it's confusing for Apple to have 2 sanctioned map apps, particularly maps with different sets of data.

 

[darkslide29]

I love the new turn-by-turn. But Apple does need to step it up. I'm surprised that they'd release it as is given they had a year left with Google to work on it.

It could have been one year left or five years and it still would have happened. They didn't want to be at a turn-by-turn disadvantage for any more time.

 

[KPOM]

Made a shortcut to google maps, still haven't needed to use it yet. Though I bought TomTom back in 2009 and rarely use it.

I also have a shortcut to the Google Maps web app, but haven't really used it either. In the end, it will work out better for everyone. Google now has a motivation to produce a decent Google Maps for iOS that doesn't hold back on features, and Apple has a motivation to improve its own Maps app.

 

[champ01]

"Spoken turn-by-turn navigation has been a free service offered through Google’s Android mobile OS for a few years now. But it was never part of the deal that brought Google’s maps to iOS. And Apple very much wanted it to be. Requiring iPhone users to look directly at handsets for directions and manually move through each step while Android users enjoyed native voice-guided instructions put Apple at a clear disadvantage in the mobile space."

Well.... Nothing changed

I still don't have spoken turn-by-turn navigation on my iPhone 4 with Apple Maps.


What's your excuse Apple?

 

[david510c]

If they had them side by side, people would be complaining it's confusing for Apple to have 2 sanctioned map apps, particularly maps with different sets of data.

IMO, if users are choosing the competitor's product over yours. The reason is probably because your product is sub par in comparison.

 

[wkadamsjr]

Same goes with the Lightening adaptor. They could've kept both and slowly phase out the 30 pins. Instead of screwing over every 30 pin accessory owner and Kickstart developers. Kind of like how MBP have both USB and firewire. Remember how awful it was to only have USB on MBP? Those MBP have the worst resale value of all MBP.

You must be kidding. The goal was to make the device thinner. Could you imagine the size of a device with a Lightning and Dock Connector?

And those were actually aluminum MacBooks, not MacBook Pros.

 

[tech4all]

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

The same folks who are willing to pay an arm and a leg just because the Apple logo is on it.

Apple: "Oh let's make the iPhone 5 longer and do a few other things to it that's already been done and we'll make billions!"

Face it, it's true. The Apple executives are laughing all the way to the bank.

This isn't a religion. There are real people working to deliver you the best product they can on both sides.

Faith doesn't necessarily mean religion. They simply trust in Apple to make a great app. Not a complicated thing to understand...

...although one could call it a 'cult.'

 

[Karma*Police]

I love the new turn-by-turn. But Apple does need to step it up. I'm surprised that they'd release it as is given they had a year left with Google to work on it.

Just curious... Are you surprised they released it in its current state because it's so bad in your area or are you basing that on all the negative press?

Because in my neck of the woods, the new maps is far better than the old one and I can't help but assume that this is another overblown issue due to 1) the magnitude of Apple's decision to ditch Google for competitive reasons and 2) the need for publishers to generate more clicks.

 

[SeniorGato1]

Apple = Fail

 

[Will do good]

What, Googles collecting to much information on iOS users?

Thanks, Apple.

Apple's concerns that Google was collecting too much information from iOS users

 

[dv8r]

This is the best explanation yet for how Apple got in to this mess. It seems like a good reason for Apple to break ties with Google, and I have faith that very soon... weeks or months, Apple's map app will be very good, even superior to what Google offers. Thanks for the article

Please elaborate on how, in your view, this will happen...

 

[PlayRadioPlay]

GIVE US BOTH.

Jesus. Why is it so hard? Let us have access to both apps. Done. Problem solved.

Apple has too much pride sometimes.

 

[nagromme]

I love the new turn-by-turn. But Apple does need to step it up. I'm surprised that they'd release it as is given they had a year left with Google to work on it.

But the detail-level accuracy largely doesn’t come from Apple (or Google) “working on it,” it comes from users (both automatic data collection and manual reports/corrections). Google has a huge head start there. Now Apple begins.

GIVE US BOTH.

Jesus. Why is it so hard? Let us have access to both apps. Done. Problem solved.

Apple has too much pride sometimes.

I’m sure that’s exactly what we’ll have. But Google needs to complete their app and submit it. When they do, I’m sure Apple will approve it.

 

[nwcs]

Shouldn't all the people who mindlessly chant "competition is good for the customer" without understanding what that really means be praising Apple for increasing competition in the map/directions space?

 

[Rocketman]

I wonder if Google intentionally gave Android (Samsung/HTC/etc.) a competitive advantage with turn by turn it had no intention of releasing to Apple. It is probably one of the few features that are must have or defining app type things.

It may be this is Google's beach head for differentiation, Apple recognized that, and took this opportunity to start down the path of its own Maps app before these tech devices are widely deployed in cars and other non-traditional locations.

This is corporate war stuff making a slight disclosure to the public.

 

[lkrupp]

The new normal...

As has become the new normal when it comes to Apple, the knee jerk ranting and raving gets up a head of steam only to be followed by more rational thinking and reporting. The fact that MacRumors is completely infested with Apple hating trolls and bullheaded nerds who think they know everything just adds to the hysteria.