Google has released a new version of Google Maps for iPhone. It's free through the iTunes store
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-maps/id585027354?mt=8
As you may remember, Apple shipped an earlier version of Google Maps on all iPhones, iPads and iPod Touch devices. Then Apple decided it wanted to control its own destiny in maps and navigation. Google was kicked to the curb, and Apple unveiled its own Maps program as part of the iOS 6.0 upgrade.
Compared to programs like Google Maps, which has 7 years worth of polishing and massaging of data, the first version Apple Maps looked pretty bad. A navigation program is only as good as the data that it uses. Apple gets data primarily from Tom Tom, but uses information from more than 20 other sources. It takes time to integrate all that data, and to root out inconsistencies.
Lots of people complained about Apple Maps. The Australian government issued a formal warning against its use, citing too many errors that could lead to problems when traveling in unpopulated areas. Apple's CEO had to formally apologize for Apple Maps, and several high ranking Apple employees were fired.
Meanwhile, Google was hard at work creating a new version of Google Maps for iOS. The resulting app was released yesterday.
The new Google Maps app does not yet have all the functions of the Android version. From the perspective of overland travelers, the most important missing piece is the ability to download a set of maps for travel where cell phone service is not available. Today's Google Maps for iOS will download and cache maps for the current area only. No announcement was made about when this shortcoming might be addressed.
The current release of Google Maps is designed for the iPhone 4 and 5. There is no separate Google Maps for iPads. Instead, the program scales up to fill the iPad screen. No announcement was made about when an iPad version will be available.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/google-maps/id585027354?mt=8
As you may remember, Apple shipped an earlier version of Google Maps on all iPhones, iPads and iPod Touch devices. Then Apple decided it wanted to control its own destiny in maps and navigation. Google was kicked to the curb, and Apple unveiled its own Maps program as part of the iOS 6.0 upgrade.
Compared to programs like Google Maps, which has 7 years worth of polishing and massaging of data, the first version Apple Maps looked pretty bad. A navigation program is only as good as the data that it uses. Apple gets data primarily from Tom Tom, but uses information from more than 20 other sources. It takes time to integrate all that data, and to root out inconsistencies.
Lots of people complained about Apple Maps. The Australian government issued a formal warning against its use, citing too many errors that could lead to problems when traveling in unpopulated areas. Apple's CEO had to formally apologize for Apple Maps, and several high ranking Apple employees were fired.
Meanwhile, Google was hard at work creating a new version of Google Maps for iOS. The resulting app was released yesterday.
The new Google Maps app does not yet have all the functions of the Android version. From the perspective of overland travelers, the most important missing piece is the ability to download a set of maps for travel where cell phone service is not available. Today's Google Maps for iOS will download and cache maps for the current area only. No announcement was made about when this shortcoming might be addressed.
The current release of Google Maps is designed for the iPhone 4 and 5. There is no separate Google Maps for iPads. Instead, the program scales up to fill the iPad screen. No announcement was made about when an iPad version will be available.