With iOS 6 comes several big changes. But it goes without saying that it is Apple’s decision to kick Google Maps to the curb even with 1 year left in its contract with Google that has caused iOS users new an old alike the most grief. Thus far however, we haven’t been told the exact details as to why Apple/Google did what they did. Well, now we know.
All Things D is reporting that the straw that broke the camels back was Google’s reluctance to give in to Apple’s demands – providing voice guides turn-by-turn navigation for iOS users.
Android users have been enjoying voice guides turn-by-turn for quite a while now. While the Google Maps app on iOS was indeed robust, the fact that Google controlled the keys to this particular vehicle no doubt irritated Apple to no end. Likewise, Apple was peeved by Google’s continuing insistence on including more branding or other features like Latitude. Mounting disagreements made Apple eye a Google-less platform even more. So they decided to cut the cord sooner rather than later and gave it (Maps) the boot even before it was ready.
Despite all the criticism towards Apple, Google is hurting too. All Things D confirms that Google was in fact caught off guard, and as such is now rushing to get a standalone iPS Google Maps app up and into the App Store.
For now, iOS users are going to have to deal with the repercussions of Apple and Google’s disagreements in the form of (temporarily) inferior apps (like Apple Maps). But as Google Maps has transformed into one of the best mapping services in the world, so to will Apple Maps. The only question is just how many people will stick along for the ride and help – Apple Maps will only be as good as the crowd sourced, user corrected data.
Was the move away from Google Maps enough to make you move away from iOS or are 3rd party solutions holding you over?
Source: All Things D
