This is just silly. Yes, they collect user data. But who doesn't? The internet is not private. If you use any services or sites on the internet, you are exposing yourself and allowing your data to possibly be collected. What matters is what's done with that data. Google uses it for advertising. No big deal. Not really worried about that. Google does't sell your personal data, meaning data attached to something that can identify who you are. You're probably more likely to expose your personal info on your own through sites like twitter and facebook.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Google Has Not Yet Submitted a Google Maps App to Apple [Update]
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
So is Google is going to submit a iOS 6 version of Google maps that has the turn-by-turn navigation deactivated like the version in iOS 5. No turn-by-turn, no thanks.
Why should it? Cause a fanboy asked somebody biased questions? People got handed an iphone 4s, told it was the new iphone 5, and wow, miraculously this phone was faster, better and way improved over their own iphone 4s....
Common misconception. That's not how such advertising works.
- Both Apple and Google collect personal profiles.
- Neither one sells the individual profiles they collect.
What Apple and Google do, is sell anonymous ad placement:
For example, a car company might say they want to place ads with females who are 30-45, middle income, and have been searching for new autos. Then they give Apple/Google their ad(s).
When an iOS/Android app requests an ad to show, the Apple/Google ad server looks at that user's profile and picks out the appropriate ad to send back. If the profile happens to fit the target demographic described above, one of the auto ads might be displayed. Or a baby stroller ad. Or whatever fits that person's profile (and location).
The advertiser themselves have no access to the Apple/Google profiles. All they know is that their ad has been displayed and they pay for that. They pay even more if you actually click on that ad to go to their real website. The developer of the app displaying the ad gets a percentage of those payments.
I was being sarcastic - and I do understand that even for the one time when you need to get somewhere and the maps app fails you, it's not cool. But my point stands that there are always alternatives, even if they're not perfect. Even in it's most recent version, I had multiple occasions of Google maps being wrong.
I travel for work (all over the world) and have been since before there were cell phones. I've learned how to "get around" using all sorts of solutions, outside of simply relying on my cell phone. It's really sad that people aren't learning to do more than just stare at the phone in order to get from point A to point B (or C, D, E and F).
Where do you get 100 million?
As of the other day - they pegged it somewhere between 15-20 percent install base. On 400million devices - at max that would be 80 million. And that's assuming that the install base % is correct according to web traffic. And it also takes into consideration the units sold.
Is Google worried? Hard to say. They can always submit an App and it would be very welcome by many users - IF it gets approved by Apple.
And Android's install base is pretty large still and growing.
I think Google is paying close attention. I'm just not sure I believe they are really "worried."
Steady on
Unless you know his exact iOS device and usage patterns, I think your "foolish reason" statement is way off.
I have an iPhone 4 on iOS5 and the additional iOS6 features are not compelling enough for me to upgrade right now. My phone has worked well for me over 2 years, I use maps a lot and I see no benefit in moving from a working Google-based version to a subpar Apple version... and thank goodness I'm not starting out with the latter on a new device (ie iPhone 5).
Yes, Apple maps will improve in time, but why should I handicap myself unnecessarily in the meantime?
Unless you know his exact iOS device and usage patterns, I think your "foolish reason" statement is way off.
I have an iPhone 4 on iOS5 and the additional iOS6 features are not compelling enough for me to upgrade right now. My phone has worked well for me over 2 years, I use maps a lot and I see no benefit in moving from a working Google-based version to a subpar Apple version... and thank goodness I'm not starting out with the latter on a new device (ie iPhone 5).
Yes, Apple maps will improve in time, but why should I handicap myself unnecessarily in the meantime?
You are right, we probably do give away much more personal information on other sites, but I think what the other users are referring to is that Google's revenue stream comes from ads and the data they sell. It might not be personal data, in that they sell company X my name, address, SS number etc., but according to their privacy policy, which can be a bit vague, it states (I made bold some key words, and obviously didn't paste it in its entirety):
We do not share personal information with companies, organizations and individuals outside of Google unless one of the following circumstances apply:
With your consent.
With domain administrators.
For legal reasons.
And the one that is a bit unclear to me -
For external processing
We provide personal information to our affiliates or other trusted businesses or persons to process it for us, based on our instructions and in compliance with our Privacy Policy and any other appropriate confidentiality and security measures.
So it sounds to me that they can, at their discretion, provide other companies your personal information. I'm not an attorney so I may be misinterpreting the policy.
Here is their privacy policy.
http://www.google.com/policies/privacy/
I tend to get lost a lot when going to places i never been before. Even places ive been to before i need direction sonetomes.so maps comes in handy. So when apple maps can't even get my location what's the point? Maps is important to a lot of people especially if you need public transport.
So glad i have my galaxy s2 to get me around town. Because my ipad and iPhone won't get me around.
You should read the "Disclosure to Third Parties" section in Apple's privacy policy which states more or less the exact same thing. Its bog standard stuff for almost any privacy policy.
I had been using an iPhone 2 on T-Mobile's network for years but just switched to a iPhone 5 on Verizon this past Friday. I miss Google Maps but I've been doing well with Verizon's VZ Navigator. Another alternative I've liked is going to Google Maps on my Mac's Safari; zooming with traffic show to my typical work route; saving the view as a book mark; and then sending the bookmark to my iPhone and making it an icon--this saves me from having to turn on the traffic layers on the iPhone and zoom to my work route.
Mapquest is too cumbersome to save preferences.
But bottom line: Apple's Maps is not ready for prime time and should have waited for iOS7. But there are SOME good alternatives to Maps so don't let that detour you from going to iOS6.
Mapquest is too cumbersome to save preferences.
But bottom line: Apple's Maps is not ready for prime time and should have waited for iOS7. But there are SOME good alternatives to Maps so don't let that detour you from going to iOS6.
Google said it was "to process" the data. This is common.
Indeed, Apple has very similar provisions, and even notes that they might share your info with the government:
At times Apple may make certain personal information available to strategic partners that work with Apple to provide products and services or that help Apple market to customers.
...
Apple shares personal information with companies who provide services such as information processing, extending credit, fulfilling customer orders, delivering products to you, managing and enhancing customer data, providing customer service, assessing your interest in our products and services and conducting customer research or satisfaction surveys. ....
...
It may be necessary − by law, legal process, litigation and/or requests from public and governmental authorities within or outside your country of residence − for Apple to disclose your personal information. We may also disclose information about you if we determine that for purposes of national security, law enforcement or other issues of public importance, disclosure is necessary or appropriate..
Etc.
I never used google maps on my iphone. I will say that is the only feature I missed from my android phones. I don't really care, the mapquest app is what I had been using since I got my 4. The new maps are fine. I have used them three times now, it was accurate. I know that is not the case for everyone but they will fix things.
I want Google Maps back! It only gives me public transit information if I download another app. When I tried to use the web version of Google Maps it doesn't use the GPS function to track my progress along the route. Who are they trying to fool with this replacement?
Why would I ever put the shoe on the other foot? I'm a customer, not a manager. When I'm trying to find the airport in Lincoln, Nebraska, Apple's business strategy is about as relevant to me as what the Jonas Brothers ate for breakfast.
I'm finding the Apple maps app to be far better than Google's. Some problems on both, but overall Apple's offering is far more useful and reliable for me.
If it's the best, except one needs to wait for it to be finished to be so, then it's not. I use Maps extensively when traveling. It's a broad view when road tripping. It's my public transit guide when in a new city. Street view is my go ahead before arriving somewhere. I don't know if you're a frequent traveler, but these things are something I care to throw away for a replacement that will be "the best... one day."