Apple exec Eddy Cue 'racing' to improve iOS Maps
A new report sheds more light on the behind-the-scenes personnel shakeup at Apple in the wake of criticism over the new Maps application that debuted in iOS 6.
Since taking over iOS Maps, Apple's Eddy Cue has been "racing to turn around the troubled service," according to a a report published by Bloomberg on Wednesday. It also restated that Richard Williamson, who previously oversaw Maps in iOS 6, was fired by Cue, who has put new leadership in charge in an effort to rapidly improve the software.
Cue reportedly pushed out Williamson quickly after he took on an expanded role that has put him in charge of iOS Maps.
Williamson was a key player in the development of the original iPhone. He worked at Apple for more than 10 years, and previously worked at NeXT computer with Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.
Cue also has a history with Jobs, and Wednesday's report referred to him as a "close confidant" of the late CEO. For years he has overseen Apple's iTunes and iCloud services, but his role expanded last month as part of an executive shakeup at the company.
Cue took over iOS Maps, as well as the voice-driven Siri personal assistant software, after the former head of iOS software, Scott Forstall, was ousted from the company. Forstall reportedly refused to sign a public apology for deficiencies in the iOS Maps application ? a decision that allegedly contributed to his firing.
Bloomberg was first to report on Tuesday that Williamson was fired, and that Cue has been seeking advice from mapping technology experts outside of Apple. He has also reportedly encouraged partner TomTom to fix issues with landmarks and navigation data.
Since taking over iOS Maps, Apple's Eddy Cue has been "racing to turn around the troubled service," according to a a report published by Bloomberg on Wednesday. It also restated that Richard Williamson, who previously oversaw Maps in iOS 6, was fired by Cue, who has put new leadership in charge in an effort to rapidly improve the software.
Cue reportedly pushed out Williamson quickly after he took on an expanded role that has put him in charge of iOS Maps.
Williamson was a key player in the development of the original iPhone. He worked at Apple for more than 10 years, and previously worked at NeXT computer with Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.
Cue also has a history with Jobs, and Wednesday's report referred to him as a "close confidant" of the late CEO. For years he has overseen Apple's iTunes and iCloud services, but his role expanded last month as part of an executive shakeup at the company.
Cue took over iOS Maps, as well as the voice-driven Siri personal assistant software, after the former head of iOS software, Scott Forstall, was ousted from the company. Forstall reportedly refused to sign a public apology for deficiencies in the iOS Maps application ? a decision that allegedly contributed to his firing.
Bloomberg was first to report on Tuesday that Williamson was fired, and that Cue has been seeking advice from mapping technology experts outside of Apple. He has also reportedly encouraged partner TomTom to fix issues with landmarks and navigation data.
Comments
Originally Posted by AppleInsider
Forstall reportedly refused to sign a public apology for deficiencies in the iOS Maps application ? a decision that allegedly contributed to his firing.
I've been meaning to say something about this. Does it make more sense that he would have said "No, I'm not signing that crap! It's not true!" and that going over poorly or "No, I'm not signing that crap; we'll just fix what's wrong!" and that going over poorly?
You got to do what you got to do in these types of management changes. I'm sure Jobs would have cleaned house too.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tallest Skil
I've been meaning to say something about this. Does it make more sense that he would have said "No, I'm not signing that crap! It's not true!" and that going over poorly or "No, I'm not signing that crap; we'll just fix what's wrong!" and that going over poorly?
I have my doubts about the latter.
Having said that, I think his refusal to sign the letter (for either reason) was just the final straw. When you have people like Mansfield and Ive, who are the real lifeblood of Apple (especially since Jobs is gone) then you do what you have to do to keep them around. If Forstall couldn't work well with the other VPs, he had to go.
I think he just said "No, I'm not signing that crap!"
Quote:
Originally Posted by dwilly
You got to do what you got to do in these types of management changes. I'm sure Jobs would have cleaned house too.
Clearly, he's cleared house anytime there's one of these blow ups. Papermaster. Mobile me guy, etc. If you lead teams at Apple and you feck-up, you get the boot.
Right on, Ed, if you have talent, this is your show time!
As much as Maps is not a phony r&d project I can't help but think that iOS Maps could become a career wrecker at Apple since Cook will never put the blame at his own door.
There's a lot riding on this move Eddy... get your ducks in a row.
What the heck are you smoking! cuz I wnat some if it warps you mind like that
Originally Posted by island hermit
…iOS Maps could become a career wrecker at Apple since Cook will never put the blame at his own door.
Guy signed a (unnecessary) public apology.
"…will never put the blame at his own door."
Uh. Huh. ????
That apology was paper thin... it wasn't his ass that was seen going out the door.
Soon enough, soon enough.
Quote:
Originally Posted by WonkoTheSane
Ten years at Apple and no second chance? They could have just taken him off the project and assigned him somewhere else. So either they wanted to make a statement or there might be more to it.
I was thinking the same thing. Williamson came from NeXT so he obviously has extensive knowledge of OSX. They could have put him charge of the OSX team. The last thing you want is letting go of all these ex-NeXT guys. They are smart dudes.
Yes, Apple is WORKING HARD TO IMPROVE MAPS. THE SKY IS BLUE. Why the **** do we need a new story everyday pretty much rehashing the same points, each time with a different adjective in the headline to make it more dramatic? Yes, we get it. It's been going on since iOS6 has been released and will keep happening for the forseeable future.
Originally Posted by island hermit
That apology was paper thin...
And there goes your entire argument.
You want Cook fired? You're the only person.
I mentioned this after Steve passed away. The power struggle is about to begin.
... and it aint over. I'm betting on Cook one of these days in the not too distant future.
Ive seemed to get along fine with Steve, I wonder how well he really gets along with Tim. That will be the deciding factor.
As Steve went in the 80s so could anyone go today.
It's a game of Survivor. Those leaving may not be leaving because others don't get along with them; it could be that they were too powerful and could have been a potential threat in the future.
More to come at 6...