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Google Maps for iOS Now Live in App Store

Small White Car said:
Yeah, the interesting thing is that people always understood that Google maps weren't 100% perfect, but that's fine because that's how the world works.

But now the media has been drilling the message "all maps must be perfect!" into everyone's heads for 2 months. I also feel that this Google maps will get rated far harsher than past versions (of the SAME map data) have been.

This whole Apple maps mess has made everyone pickier, I think.
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It's funny really. None of these mapping services has ever been perfect, not even close. The difference is that Apple released a product that was disappointing and as a result the tech press went nuts with it. Perhaps it was a combination of Apple's generally high standards leading to disappointment and the reality that any headline with the word Apple in it gets a zillion hits, I don't know.

I've been using Apple's Maps app for navigation since it was available in iOS 6 beta. It hasn't failed me yet, even when using Siri exclusively to input information. At some point it'll get me lost somewhere, just like my Garmin did, and just like Google maps has done when I used Android.

The difference for me is in the quality of the UI. Using Siri to get where I'm going is amazing. I don't want to type info in while I'm driving. Maybe my opinion will change once Apple's app gets me lost, but until then I have to say I've never been more satisfied with a GPS application.
 
I don't like it.

I hate the fact that you have to zoom in in order to see more details, like the apple maps. The old one has plenty of details even on default zoom level. The new versions you have to zoom in 3 or 4 levels in then things "pop" out.

For example when looking at Tokyo, you have to keep zooming in to only 3 blocks displayed before a huge subway station magically pop out.

Why can't they go back to the old way or give us an option on level of detail? Is this a side effect of vector based display?
 
janderson0719 said:
It's not just you. I deleted as well. The interface is bad, compared to Apple Maps. I like the interface of the maps from Apple.
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Couldn't agree more. I didn't delete it but the interface is pretty terrible compared to Apple Maps. It's bland too and here's a prime example of why Apple shouldn't go with these flat, bland, sterile types of interfaces. There's no life to them.

Try going back and forth with the Google Maps and the Apple Maps and just using the interface and the difference is quite obvious. I'm willing to bet a few weeks of an entire OS full of blandness like this Google Maps app wouldn't go over well no matter how much a few forums users thought they knew anything about design just because they learned about the word "skeumorphic".
 
Mak47 said:
It's funny really. None of these mapping services has ever been perfect, not even close. The difference is that Apple released a product that was disappointing and as a result the tech press went nuts with it. Perhaps it was a combination of Apple's generally high standards leading to disappointment and the reality that any headline with the word Apple in it gets a zillion hits, I don't know.

I've been using Apple's Maps app for navigation since it was available in iOS 6 beta. It hasn't failed me yet, even when using Siri exclusively to input information. At some point it'll get me lost somewhere, just like my Garmin did, and just like Google maps has done when I used Android.

The difference for me is in the quality of the UI. Using Siri to get where I'm going is amazing. I don't want to type info in while I'm driving. Maybe my opinion will change once Apple's app gets me lost, but until then I have to say I've never been more satisfied with a GPS application.
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Well done.
 
fanfong said:
I don't like it.

I hate the fact that you have to zoom in in order to see more details, like the apple maps. The old one has plenty of details even on default zoom level. The new versions you have to zoom in 3 or 4 levels in then things "pop" out.

For example when looking at Tokyo, you have to keep zooming in to only 3 blocks displayed before a huge subway station magically pop out.

Why can't they go back to the old way or give us an option on level of detail? Is this a side effect of vector based display?
Click to expand...

I agree with this one.
I live in Japan and more detail at farther zoom levels would be nice.
The data is there (unlike in Apple Maps), I think it's just a matter of tweaking on Google's side.
 
newagemac said:
The interface is CRUCIAL when it comes to a maps application. Especially when you are in the car driving. And you're using the interface all the time. In my area (U.S.), Apple Maps data is more accurate and more up to date than Google's as well as having the better interface so that's two strikes against the Google Maps.

I do like the Street View if I ever need to use it though. I'll use Google Maps as a backup. Plus I still have Waze and Navigon. Loving the choices that come with the App Store for the iPhone. Not only is Apple's own stuff there but even Google scrambling to get their stuff in the App Store. Can't get that on Android.
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That's a pretty big area, the US. In my area, in the US, Apple Maps is missing a section of interstate that has been open for months (one example). An INTERSTATE! And no, it's not in the middle of nowhere.
 
Google maps

Just dl and install. Must say I'm impressed. Turn by turn navigation for iPhone 4 is really cool. I just wish it was the default map app for iOS 6
 
Mak47 said:
It's funny really. None of these mapping services has ever been perfect, not even close. The difference is that Apple released a product that was disappointing and as a result the tech press went nuts with it. Perhaps it was a combination of Apple's generally high standards leading to disappointment and the reality that any headline with the word Apple in it gets a zillion hits, I don't know.

I've been using Apple's Maps app for navigation since it was available in iOS 6 beta. It hasn't failed me yet, even when using Siri exclusively to input information. At some point it'll get me lost somewhere, just like my Garmin did, and just like Google maps has done when I used Android.

The difference for me is in the quality of the UI. Using Siri to get where I'm going is amazing. I don't want to type info in while I'm driving. Maybe my opinion will change once Apple's app gets me lost, but until then I have to say I've never been more satisfied with a GPS application.
Click to expand...

Spot. On.
 
So yea, apple maps definitely pan and tile better, but other than that google just gave a big f u to apple. As an iPhone 4 user, I'm still waiting for an explanation of why apple maps can't provide turn by turn.
 
KiwiAdventure said:
Their's mistakes already with Google maps as they have a Jetski Hire company out of a private house at the end of our street.
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Have 4 restaurants and one comercial business in the wrong locations. Proving any map can't always be perfect. But the majority are fine.

TMar said:
I'm sorry, but do you two believe Google had any control over the stock Apple app? It was Apples app and they had full say over what features it had.
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With turn by turn directions and vector mapping....YES! Goggle controls that aspect.
 
janderson0719 said:
Hence, it is better than Google.

Now back to your google maps...
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I was simply saying you can't knock Google for that one. I'm sure they would love to integrate with everything... But, that can certainly be a reason you prefer Apple's solution.
 
So...google maps has turn by turn, but apple maps do not (on an iphone 4). Lol indeed.
 
you can easily tell who writes better software...

apple made app with google info in iOS 5 is superior to this substandard google maps app in every possible way it just blows it away!!


then again google's info is amazing and I'm glad I have it again, I just think each has his strenghts apple makes better software
 
Well, not sure if I would blame Google for the lack of integration.. For one I don't think Apple allows 3rd party apps to be default (or let users change the default program for certain things like maps).

nfl46 said:
I prefer Apple's Map after playing with it. I like the deep integration. But I'll keep it, though.
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apollo1444 said:
you can easily tell who writes better software...

apple made app with google info in iOS 5 is superior to this substandard google maps app in every possible way it just blows it away!!


then again google's info is amazing and I'm glad I have it again, I just think each has his strenghts apple makes better software
Click to expand...

I can't easily tell who writes better software. I can't see any of the source... where did you find it?

Better UI design? That's a preference thing.
 
After hit and miss too many times with Apple Maps - NOPE. Google Maps for my area seems to be very accurate. Even includes new freeway ramps that Apple doesnt even show to this day.


dba415 said:
Is anybody gonna even use Apple Maps now? lol
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