Wow. Apple Maps is a disaster.

[Idefix]

If anyone thinks that Forstall is the only person responsible for introducing the disaster that is Apple Maps, then they don't know Apple.

And you can be sure that they introduced it knowing full well how awful and unfinished it was (and will be be for some long, considerable time.)

 

[Idefix]

this just in: 60% of Apple's 4th quarter revenue is from international sales!

I'm wondering if we can map that or if we'd get lost?

 

[everything-i]

That's weird...I swear I just paid the same price for a phone that is more than twice as fast, taller, lighter and even has turn by turn directions.

yes and part of the money goes to providing all the services like maps and iCloud, how else do you think they pay for them.

 

[shandyman]

You do pay for it in part of the price of your 'i' device so it should work better than it does. Forstall needs to up his game on this.

That's paying for the device. You don't pay for iOS updates... In comparison, you do pay to update Mac OS from lion to mountain lion....

 

[cyks]

That's paying for the device. You don't pay for iOS updates... In comparison, you do pay to update Mac OS from lion to mountain lion....

That's because free iOS updates are listed as one of the features of iOS devices while they aren't for Macs.

Since it's a selling point, we DO pay for it when we make the initial investment.

http://www.apple.com/iphone/ios/

Easy to update.
iOS updates are free. And they’re available to download wirelessly on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch the moment they’re released. Your device even alerts you when it’s time to get the latest version. So you won’t miss out on all the amazing features in new updates.

 

[Idefix]

That's because free iOS updates are listed as one of the features of iOS devices while they aren't for Macs.

Since it's a selling point, we DO pay for it when we make the initial investment.

http://www.apple.com/iphone/ios/

Agreed, it is a very attractive selling point, namely a promise that you will be able to update to the latest and 'coolest' operating system. Which promise falls flat when you realize you were shafted with Maps thru what might be said to be "bait-and-switch."

Namely, fantastic, highly publicized new Maps features that turn out to be even below beta quality--while losing a dependable Google Maps that may have under-powered compared to Android, but was "solid."

 

[KdParker]

Agreed, it is a very attractive selling point, namely a promise that you will be able to update to the latest and 'coolest' operating system. Which promise falls flat when you realize you were shafted with Maps thru what might be said to be "bait-and-switch."

Namely, fantastic, highly publicized new Maps features that turn out to be even below beta quality--while losing a dependable Google Maps that may have under-powered compared to Android, but was "solid."

Where do you live?

Just curious because I have family friends all over the US that aren't having any issues with Apple maps.

 

[MozMan68]

Where do you live?

Just curious because I have family friends all over the US that aren't having any issues with Apple maps.

If you remove the poi issue(s) I wonder how many true "map" issues would come up inthe US?

My oh issue so far was not an incorrect poi, but how Maps/Siri handle the request for "directions to Reagan National Airport." Instead of picking just the airport, it started with the Hampton Inn because it is in the name and was closest to my starting point. Lack of intelligence there. I was ae to pick th airport, but was really expecting it to come out on top as at least the first if not only choice based on my request.

Turn by turn has been flawless for me when I've used it in Western Michigan, Minneapolis and Washington DC/Bethesda area so far. And limited use at that...but worked nonetheless.

 

[Idefix]

Where do you live?

Just curious because I have family friends all over the US that aren't having any issues with Apple maps.

I presume you noticed that even Tim Cook agreed that Maps couldn't carry the load?

 

[The Phazer]

Come on....100 years. It didn't take google that long.

Yes, but Google do improvements much quicker than Apple, don't screw those updates up as badly, have much more ability to iterate as they aren't passing the information back to third parties as Apple are, Google have the street view data that they use to consolidate data together that Apple entirely lacks, have better data providers, have better ways to submit errors, and have the world's biggest search engine to ensure businesses NEED to make sure Google have correct data.

Apple haven't even managed to fix the Podcast app in a year, and that's a sixth form college computer science project.

Granted, from what I have heard it seems outside of the US, the Apple maps has a VERY long way to go. But judging from using the early beta versions of apple maps and the vast improvements with each beta release, I can see apple having this worked out within a year world wide.

There were not vast improvements. There were small improvements, from an extremely low quality base.

We have an established trail of how long this takes Apple to do now. You're the one who's ignoring maths here.

Apple Maps in the UK is so bad they need to scrap the entire database and start again from scratch - if Apple spent $20 - 30 billion dollars per annum they can maybe catch up in about ten years.

----------

That's paying for the device. You don't pay for iOS updates... In comparison, you do pay to update Mac OS from lion to mountain lion....

You certainly do pay for iOS updates. Apple accounts and pays tax on the revenue specifically in separate quarters following your purchase precisely because of that.

Unless you're trying to suggest Apple are committing massive, Enron style tax fraud?

 

[Woodcrest64]

It will be interesting to see how long it takes apple to get most of the issues with maps worked out. My small down in Port Alberni BC Canada is all in black and white stills and maps will come up with different streets for the ones I actually type up. I will get things like "Donald st" instead of what I asked for "Ronald St".

 

[Joesmith13245]

Just tried to use Apple Maps to travel for McKinney, TX to Jesuit High School in Dallas, TX. Good thing I knew somewhat where this was of I would have been taken 6 miles in the wrong direction. Tried it using Siri and manual type. Tried the same in Google without issue. Of the 7 times I've used Apple maps 6 times it was incorrect. Most of the inaccuracies have occurred when getting directions to POIs. A good workaround would be to enter the exact address and eliminate used g POIs. I know this is a PITA but should minimize incorrect directions.

 

[KdParker]

I presume you noticed that even Tim Cook agreed that Maps couldn't carry the load?

Of course he said that. Since it is true in some areas, which is why I asked where is he from.

----------

Yes, but Google do improvements much quicker than Apple, don't screw those updates up as badly, have much more ability to iterate as they aren't passing the information back to third parties as Apple are, Google have the street view data that they use to consolidate data together that Apple entirely lacks, have better data providers, have better ways to submit errors, and have the world's biggest search engine to ensure businesses NEED to make sure Google have correct data.

Apple haven't even managed to fix the Podcast app in a year, and that's a sixth form college computer science project.



There were not vast improvements. There were small improvements, from an extremely low quality base.

We have an established trail of how long this takes Apple to do now. You're the one who's ignoring maths here.

Apple Maps in the UK is so bad they need to scrap the entire database and start again from scratch - if Apple spent $20 - 30 billion dollars per annum they can maybe catch up in about ten years.

----------

Google hasn't made improvements quicker, they have been doing this for years so they should be better. But that doesn't mean that Apple's maps will not be on par with google by next year.

Hey, I like google maps and I am just saying that I don't miss it since Apple maps is working just fine for me.

 

[cbronfman]

If you remove the poi issue(s) I wonder how many true "map" issues would come up inthe US?

My oh issue so far was not an incorrect poi, but how Maps/Siri handle the request for "directions to Reagan National Airport." Instead of picking just the airport, it started with the Hampton Inn because it is in the name and was closest to my starting point. Lack of intelligence there. I was ae to pick th airport, but was really expecting it to come out on top as at least the first if not only choice based on my request.

Turn by turn has been flawless for me when I've used it in Western Michigan, Minneapolis and Washington DC/Bethesda area so far. And limited use at that...but worked nonetheless.

I and several friends have had TERRIBLE results in Washington DC. So I don't know how you've had good ones. One friend wanted to get from lower Bethesda (Bradley Boulevard) to the Capital following turn by turn until she found herself heading over the bridge to VA. So she turned off Apple Maps and used Google Maps to at least find the route. In my area, Georgetown near the river, streets are mislabeled and key streets missing (like The Whitehurst Freeway). I used it to see if it would get me home from Bethesda the other day (a route my car could practically find itself), and it took the predictable route fine. However, I would NEVER rely on it in the DC Bethesda area for anywhere I didn't know already. In addition, since traffic information is sporadic and fairly minimal - it doesn't suggest routes using traffic data.

 

[dv8r]

Google hasn't made improvements quicker, they have been doing this for years so they should be better. But that doesn't mean that Apple's maps will not be on par with google by next year.

That makes little sense - Since Apple Maps came out Google have launched two additions to their Maps (indoor navigation and natural terrain). Google also pushes fixes and updates faster than Apple - in fact Apple haven't fixed anything in my area since launch whereas Google have fixed at least 8 different things, most things within 12 hours.

For Apple to start their journey to being on par they need to actually start fixing their maps, POI's and other errors - they seem to not be doing that which could indicate that the current problems aren't as simple and clear cut as some people here assume.

Hey, I like google maps and I am just saying that I don't miss it since Apple maps is working just fine for me.

Yes and for me Google Maps works waaay better - so I miss it.

 

[cyks]

Google hasn't made improvements quicker, they have been doing this for years so they should be better. But that doesn't mean that Apple's maps will not be on par with google by next year.

I put in numerous fixes on Apple's Maps when I first downgraded to iOS6. None have been implemented yet...nor did I ever receive any confirmation or acknowledgement of the change.

While comparing Apple to Google, I found fault with Google's maps and corrected the problems there as well.

I inatantly received an email from Google thanking me for the correction and stating that they'll change it after confirming the issues.

That was back on 9/23. I received another email from Google on 10/3 stating the problem has been fixed and thanking me once again...and that was the longest Google has ever taken to fix one of my problems.

I'm still waiting for Apple.


Yes, Google has made improvements quicker...and, by at least acknowledging my input, I'm more inclined to submit problems in the future. I don't even know if Apple received my complaints.

 

[KdParker]

That makes little sense - Since Apple Maps came out Google have launched two additions to their Maps (indoor navigation and natural terrain). Google also pushes fixes and updates faster than Apple - in fact Apple haven't fixed anything in my area since launch whereas Google have fixed at least 8 different things, most things within 12 hours.

For Apple to start their journey to being on par they need to actually start fixing their maps, POI's and other errors - they seem to not be doing that which could indicate that the current problems aren't as simple and clear cut as some people here assume.



Yes and for me Google Maps works waaay better - so I miss it.

Just accept the for you it doesn't work, doesn't mean it is bad for everyone else. Heck some even like it better the google.

To each their own. Remember, not everyone is having 'your' experience with maps. And when it gets better (as I am sure it will), will you come on here and praise apple for fixing 'your' issues?

I will be fine for you too soon enough.

 

[cyks]

Just accept the for you it doesn't work, doesn't mean it is bad for everyone else. Heck some even like it better the google.

To each their own. Remember, not everyone is having 'your' experience with maps. And when it gets better (as I am sure it will), will you come on here and praise apple for fixing 'your' issues?

Apple publicly humiliating themselves and recommending it's customers to use their competitors says that more people are having bad reactions than good. If it were just a small minority having issues, Apple would have kept quiet and let it blow over (as they have with other issues).

And when it gets better (as I am sure it will), will you come on here and praise apple for fixing 'your' issues?

Praise them for what? Finally having a product that's acceptable... months after being forced to deal with something they never should have released or forced upon us? No. I won't be praising them.

I will be fine for you too soon enough.

Considering I lost features that I had (and used), there is no "soon enough."

 

[KdParker]

I put in numerous fixes on Apple's Maps when I first downgraded to iOS6. None have been implemented yet...nor did I ever receive any confirmation or acknowledgement of the change.

While comparing Apple to Google, I found fault with Google's maps and corrected the problems there as well.

I inatantly received an email from Google thanking me for the correction and stating that they'll change it after confirming the issues.

That was back on 9/23. I received another email from Google on 10/3 stating the problem has been fixed and thanking me once again...and that was the longest Google has ever taken to fix one of my problems.

I'm still waiting for Apple.


Yes, Google has made improvements quicker...and, by at least acknowledging my input, I'm more inclined to submit problems in the future. I don't even know if Apple received my complaints.

Proof?

Well I didn't get an email to make fell all warm and fuzzy, but the issues where fixed.

Lets see where we are in one year. This will not even be on the radar when we are all talking about the next iphone.

 

[cyks]

Proof?

Well I didn't get an email to make fell all warm and fuzzy, but the issues where fixed.

Lets see where we are in one year. This will not even be on the radar when we are all talking about the next iphone.

Proof of what? The emails? Now you're just being silly... especially when there are other threads of people complaining that Apple hasn't fixed the bulk of issues reported - some even from the early betas.

Somehow, I seriously doubt these problems will be fixed within one year... and many of the experts agree, but, let's assume it can be done in that quick of a timeframe... that would also mean that, for nearly a full year, I (and many others) would have to deal with losing features, having inaccurate maps, and losing many 3rd party apps.

Glad it works for you, but don't try to make light of the issues caused by Apple's maps to those of us it affects... and simply ignoring it and moving on isn't an option.

 

[dv8r]

Just accept the for you it doesn't work, doesn't mean it is bad for everyone else. Heck some even like it better the google.

That's not what I commented on. I commented on Your general assumption that Google didn't update their map features or didn't editions to it. I Provided You with two examples on this and pointed out that people have a hard time finding the same reaction from Apple regarding Maps. It doesn't matter if You and I prefer one over the other - but let's do each other a favour and stick to facts.

To each their own. Remember, not everyone is having 'your' experience with maps. And when it gets better (as I am sure it will), will you come on here and praise apple for fixing 'your' issues?

I will be fine for you too soon enough.

Again - I wasn't commenting on my experience but in general that Apple, while apologizing for it, doesn't seem to fix errors at any noticeable rate and my opinion is that it reflects negatively on their abilities and doesn't indicate that it will be "on par" any time soon. You are welcome to disagree with me on that assumption, but every time I ask about the basis for the positive "time to usable Apple Maps" assumption, people seems to avoid the subject in their replies...

And, if You haven't noticed, I have pointed out that Apple changed some of the POI's in my area some weeks ago - so yes, I will also share the "good" experiences... if they reach an IOS device in my lifetime...

 

[MozMan68]

I and several friends have had TERRIBLE results in Washington DC. So I don't know how you've had good ones.

Umm..because I said I did?

I had no idea where I was going..maybe generally so...and just trusted it. Reagan National Airport to Marriott Hotel on Pooks Hill in Bethesda. Just asked Siri and it took me right up the Washington Memorial Pkwy to 495...

Never really got near DC other than the airport..and that doesn't really count. That's why I said "limited use."

 

[jigzaw]

I actually really love Apple Maps on my 4S. I live in L.A. and have been using it since iOS 6 came out and haven't had any issues with accuracy. The Siri-guided directions also work beautifully, and the whole app is just so much faster than the Google one was. I realize that my area is probably well-mapped so I'm benefiting from not being in a remote location where they've been having most problems.

Only issue I've had is when asking Siri for directions, she doesn't take into account alternate spellings. For example, I go to a place called "Blu Jam Cafe" and she just will not find it.. she turns up everything with "Blue" in the name, but not "Blu". Typing it in turns up the right place, though. Hopefully they loosen Siri up in that regard.

 

[PDE]

I actually really love Apple Maps on my 4S. I live in L.A. and have been using it since iOS 6 came out and haven't had any issues with accuracy. The Siri-guided directions also work beautifully, and the whole app is just so much faster than the Google one was. I realize that my area is probably well-mapped so I'm benefiting from not being in a remote location where they've been having most problems.

Only issue I've had is when asking Siri for directions, she doesn't take into account alternate spellings. For example, I go to a place called "Blu Jam Cafe" and she just will not find it.. she turns up everything with "Blue" in the name, but not "Blu". Typing it in turns up the right place, though. Hopefully they loosen Siri up in that regard.

yeah, a remote location like London, UK...

 

[KdParker]

Umm..because I said I did?

I had no idea where I was going..maybe generally so...and just trusted it. Reagan National Airport to Marriott Hotel on Pooks Hill in Bethesda. Just asked Siri and it took me right up the Washington Memorial Pkwy to 495...

Never really got near DC other than the airport..and that doesn't really count. That's why I said "limited use."

I also had a good experience in DC, with a Apple maps.