Google Announces New 3D Features for Google Earth, Is "Committed to Offering" Google Maps on 'All Platforms'

[doelcm82]

In real life we are not soaring above the map and looking down from a 45 degree angle. Well, not most of us.

Call me old fashioned, but I think a map should look like a map. The less clutter and distraction the more likely I am to find what I need and how to get there. Then again I still use actual maps (remember the kind that came on paper?) from time to time so maybe I'm jaded from so many terrible experiences with a GPS.

Honestly if someone, anyone, created a GPS, be it an app or a stand alone unit, that actually worked, updated easily, didn't intentionally make you go crazy routes and waste gas, I would rejoice. The idea of GPS in your car/on your phone has been around a while now and no one has gotten it right yet. Don't get me wrong, there are some cool programs, but none of them do it all well.

Paper maps are never going to catch on, because in real life we're not looking at roads from above, and the real world is not made of paper.

I don't expect everyone to do their turn-by-turn navigation in full rendered 3D mode. Both Apple and Google's solutions will have options to use more traditional "flat" maps. The 3D options make the maps useful in ways that 2D maps are not, such as getting a good idea what your destination actually looks like. A flat map of a city is very misleading, especially if the city is one as non-flat as San Francisco.

The 3D options make maps more useful to me. If they aren't useful to you, you don't have to use them.

If it annoys you that the maps have an optional feature like photorealistic 3D, that's just a bonus for me.

 

[chanyitian]

If Apple stand by their values, which I hope they will, they choose google IF google is actually a better map product. "We just want to make a product as good as possible", I remember Jobs used to say. Hope they do so.

I totally agree with you. When i hear that Apple is dropping Google Maps, i was immediately reminded of this same quote from Steve Jobs. I hope Apple's map is really better than Google's. Moreover, I kinda like the new idea of 3D aerial shots from Google.

 

[i.mac]

Google and their maps remind me of the time, not too long ago, when ol'Steve from ol'MS tried to tell every one that would lend an ear that MS pads/tablets were imminent and great to behold...

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I totally agree with you. When i hear that Apple is dropping Google Maps, i was immediately reminded of this same quote from Steve Jobs. I hope Apple's map is really better than Google's. Moreover, I kinda like the new idea of 3D aerial shots from Google.

I would hold these types of comments for such a time when we actually know what the heck is apple doing with their map technology.

Why is every one putting down an apple product that has not been announced yet? Given apple history, every one knows -including google- that apple's map solution/product will be second to none.

 

[needfx]

I wasn't as impressed as with the saab map promo (exlcuding the army sequences)

 

[wedouglas]

Do you enjoy skimming posts?

You mock his reply as if he was talking about Siri as it is today.

He quite clearly said, and I quote:

"When Siri and semantic voice search comes to its full potential".

That's laughable at best. Here's a test. Ask a human being, perhaps a friend of yours, to do your next search on Google. You then do the very same search yourself. Select the results you like best, then show each other. I guarantee that you will prefer your results. In fact, his results might even be terrible.

Have you ever tried to convey your search intent over the phone to someone sitting at a computer? A real, live human being? It is so incredibly frustrating because the person on the other end of the phone doesn't know every little detail that you'd be looking for or using to qualify a given result. Most human beings 'suck' at the Internet, and even the ones who are capable of efficiently using a search engine can't possibly know every last drop of your search intent because it's not something that we convey with words or search. We can scan results so fast and process so much more information looking at results ourselves. Things like Siri would be equivalent to exlcusively using I'm Feeling Lucky.

Here's why: You know a very exact context of your search and what results will more than likely give you what you want. You know in your head things that you don't make obvious in your search. You know that even though the first results is a reuptable article, you'd rather read a result whose snippet includes the words hands-on or video rather than preview. You don't include those in your search because you ha no idea they existed 5 seconds ago, but now that you see a result snippet that mentions it, you click it. Successful searching relies on a heck of a lot more than just the initial keywords you used.

You know that a certain piece of information came out yesterday, and that any article in result dated 2 days ago couldn't possibly have the information you're looking for.

When I want to see Justin Bieber's latest music video, I want the one that doesn't look like a fan made still image video on YouTube because the original keeps getting taken down, but rather the one that's hosted on some non-YouTube site that is still active.

Siri = I'm Feeling Lucky. If human beings can't even understand your context, how will an iPhone? Searching ultimately comes down to the human being doing the search. That is why we have SERP and don't just get taken to one page or given some random piece of information. There are only so many questions that can yield exact, factual answers. The vast majority of searching is not true/false, yes/no.

 

[needfx]

I still have a hard time understanding the business case for this.

It must cost a fortune to effectively map the world from airborne platform in 3D, just so people can access it on google maps and google can sell a few ads? There must be another income stream in this somewhere that google isn't telling us about.

There is wealth in knowledge & data in themselves.
Information is the new currency

 

[Renzatic]

Google and their maps remind me of the time, not too long ago, when ol'Steve from ol'MS tried to tell every one that would lend an ear that MS pads/tablets were imminent and great to behold...

Except for the fact that Google Maps is out now, which already has an extreme amount of polish, and is currently the most widely used map service available. The hype we're getting now isn't for an entirely new product, rather extra features for an already popular one.

There's little doubt about the quality of Apple's new map app. The biggest question here is will it be as good as what we're already getting from Google.

 

[MisterK]

Google is AWESOME! It's crazy how bold they are with their initiatives. "We're going to buy planes and figure out how to make all cities 3D in maps". This is the world's leader in maps, by the way. Talk about not resting on your laurels. "We're going to work on a driverless car". "we're going to do augmented reality, heads up display glasses". "we're going to organize all the world's information". I love Apple. It's my no.1 favourite company, but Google deserves some serious kudos for innovation. Sure there is some stuff that Apple figured out with phones first. But there's a LOT that Google figured out first. Apple is the best at products and Google is the best at information. And sometimes they surprise each other. I hope they continue to work together so I get the most futuristic and best stuff possible. Oh.. And I love Facebook too.... Plenty of love to go around.

 

[Squid7085]

The earlier guy who said this was a "Last Ditch" has a bit of a point. Google created this press conference for a reason. I think it is likely Google was working on this for awhile, maybe after the C3 purchase or before. However, the press conference was not very well put together, it was Google saying "Hey look at the stuff we are doing." When Apple announces their maps next week, people will say THEY are following Google. It was nothing more than a tactical move, taking a product in the labs, not ready for the prime time and showing it off. Google is going to hurt by losing the iPhone, you are crazy to deny that. I dont' know what Apple will show off, I hope I am impressed, but I also love the idea that Maps will still be on iOS. It's really even better for everybody, Best of both worlds.

 

[frabber]

Isn't Google late to the 3d city mapping party? Best to remain silent untill you got something real to release. Hope they don't rush the pilots into flying overhours or a disaster will be awaiting.

 

[cycomiko]

I totally agree with you. When i hear that Apple is dropping Google Maps, i was immediately reminded of this same quote from Steve Jobs. I hope Apple's map is really better than Google's. Moreover, I kinda like the new idea of 3D aerial shots from Google.

I hope they are not dropping Google Maps for their own service as if its the one in iphoto, it sucks.

Well, actually, perhaps it works ok in the USA, but the larger majority of iPhone customers are not in the USA.

Locally, its worse than pathetic.

 

[StyxMaker]

So long as Apple's efforts aren't like iOS iPhoto maps... then I look forward to seeing what Apple has to offer. Apart from that competition is a good thing. Lets hope they can match or do better. But with Google's years of map development I am somewhat skeptical.

I would love an option to make the maps look like they are drawn on velum with an occasional "There be dragons here." thrown in for good measure.

 

[mbh]

Apple is far more likely to do this stealthily than Google.

If Apple put Google logos on their (hypothetical) cars, they could drive around and collect data and nobody would think anything of it.

 

[macbookflasher]

i,m very anxious to this technology

it,d be proved very beneficial .

 

[Renzatic]

If Apple put Google logos on their (hypothetical) cars, they could drive around and collect data and nobody would think anything of it.

...I just got a great idea! Be right back!

 

[kiljoy616]

Would apple even allow google to have their maps app in the app store if they themselves want to get into the map business??

I hope they do, especially if it turns out Google Maps is superior. And considering the time, money, and energy Google has put into maps all these years I think it will be.

I don't think Apple wants to be in the Map business but Google Map on the iOS is way behind and Google is putting plenty of effort into Android which makes them a competitor to Apple in some areas. I am impressed with some of the things latest version of Android can do with maps and interactive, I still rather have my iPhone but Apple has to think of the future when a Google Phone will be as good or better than what Apple is selling at least at the UI level.

I am all for Apple going their way and developing something worth calling a Map app. The question will be if they make it compatible to the point we can use it just like we use tom tom or other similar products today.

 

[tigress666]

I don't think Apple wants to be in the Map business but Google Map on the iOS is way behind and Google is putting plenty of effort into Android which makes them a competitor to Apple in some areas. I am impressed with some of the things latest version of Android can do with maps and interactive, I still rather have my iPhone but Apple has to think of the future when a Google Phone will be as good or better than what Apple is selling at least at the UI level.

Except that is apple's map app, not Google's. The google part is the data the app accesses. But the features and UI and the app itself is all Apple. So you only have Apple to blame and now Apple wants to do the map info too (when they won't have near as extensive a database as Google as to where locations of businesses are).

 

[frabber]

also while this is a very cool mapping feature. I think it's only really usefull for terrorists and organized crime or even hooligans.

it would be better if neither Apple nor Google release such a feature
honestly what good can come off it , in these times we live...

 

[chanyitian]

I hope they are not dropping Google Maps for their own service as if its the one in iphoto, it sucks.

Well, actually, perhaps it works ok in the USA, but the larger majority of iPhone customers are not in the USA.

Locally, its worse than pathetic.

You mentioned ''the one in iPhoto''. by that, what exactly do you mean? i thought apple always had iphoto. ( pleasecorrect me if i am wrong)

 

[garybUK]

Fact is, Google doesn't even create most of their content, they license maps of Europe from Navtec a TomTom Company!!!! I think the fact that google has held back on iOS has created a monopolistic style push to make Android more attractive....

Fact is, the best mapping technology & software has always been on Nokia's... Nokia's maps blows google's out of the water, i was using Offline (full Europe & USA offline maps in 3D and 2D stored on a SD Card) in my Nokia N8 to drive around Tennessee and Europe with no data charges.

I really hope Apple do a fantastic world wide Turn by Turn sat nav solution.

 

[Renzatic]

also while this is a very cool mapping feature. I think it's only really usefull for terrorists and organized crime or even hooligans

Figures. I get this great idea, and next thing I know, some random guy shows up and starts guilt tripping me about it.

 

[Cod3rror]

Fact is, Google doesn't even create most of their content, they license maps of Europe from Navtec a TomTom Company!!!! I think the fact that google has held back on iOS has created a monopolistic style push to make Android more attractive....

Fact is, the best mapping technology & software has always been on Nokia's... Nokia's maps blows google's out of the water, i was using Offline (full Europe & USA offline maps in 3D and 2D stored on a SD Card) in my Nokia N8 to drive around Tennessee and Europe with no data charges.

I really hope Apple do a fantastic world wide Turn by Turn sat nav solution.

Google and Nokia/NAVTEQ use different technologies.

Nokia Maps manages to fit countries into megabytes, will Google manage to do that? They seem to have a different tiling system.

As for Google using third parties, they used NAVTEQ, till Nokia bought them, then they switched to Tele Atlas, noow they've started creating their own maps, they use their own maps in the US and slowly are starting to move to Europe, they use their own maps in the UK, Netherlands... lots of European counties, so they are trying to drop Tele Atlas where possible and I guess their goal is to drop them completely.

Everybody seems to get into maps nowadays, Nokia/NAVTEQ and TomTom/Tele Atlas are not the only sheriffs in town anymore, Google does their own thing, Microsoft is doing something, OpenStreetMap is getting bigger and bigger...

And while Nokia Maps has offline maps, it lacks Google's POI database of businesses and places, it also lacks lots of functionality, when creating a route you do not get the option of selecting one of several given routes, you only get one route and that's it. You cannot have multiple stop points, etc...

BTW, Nokia Map's website is really nicely done,

http://maps.nokia.com

I like the context menu, fonts and the layout.

 

[Oletros]

Fact is, Google doesn't even create most of their content, they license maps of Europe from Navtec a TomTom Company!!!! I think the fact that google has held back on iOS has created a monopolistic style push to make Android more attractive....

Fact is, the best mapping technology & software has always been on Nokia's... Nokia's maps blows google's out of the water, i was using Offline (full Europe & USA offline maps in 3D and 2D stored on a SD Card) in my Nokia N8 to drive around Tennessee and Europe with no data charges.

I really hope Apple do a fantastic world wide Turn by Turn sat nav solution.

Navteq is owned by Nokia

Any proof of Google holding back on iOS?

 

[basjhj]

What, Tomtom or Navigon enhancing iOS maps, do you know what are you talinkg about?

TomTom has a hard time staying relevant these days, so they might as well adapt, or otherwise perish. If I'm not mistaken, Navigon is part of Garmin, which as far as I know is still making a profit (contrary to TomTom, I should add), but fell almost 50% in 2011. In other words: they might not have much choice...

 

[Oletros]

also while this is a very cool mapping feature. I think it's only really usefull for terrorists and organized crime or even hooligans.

it would be better if neither Apple nor Google release such a feature
honestly what good can come off it , in these times we live...

You're joking, don't you?