Google releases official Google Maps iOS app
Just hours after reports surfaced that Google would be releasing a standalone iOS app powered by its expansive mapping service, the official Google Maps app made its way to the App Store and is available for download now.
Many iOS device users have been waiting for Google to release a standalone mapping app after the erstwhile Maps software built in partnership with Apple was removed in iOS 6. With the most recent operating system, Apple replaced the Google Maps-powered Maps app with a proprietary solution that leverages location data from TomTom, among other navigation companies.
Longtime iOS users will feel at home with Google's new mapping app, as the overall look and feel is much the same as the legacy Maps and the Google Maps web client. There are a few minor UI tweaks to bring the layout more in line with the firm's other offerings like Gmail for iOS, but the changes are negligible.
Making a comeback to the native iOS app is Street View, the lack of which was the source of complaints heard from a number of iDevice users. In place of the Google-built feature, Apple implemented a 3D tool dubbed Flyover, which provides a bird's-eye view of certain large metropolitan areas around the world. While not as comprehensive as Street View, Flyover does offer a unique and detailed look at a supported city with fairly quick load times compared to other competing services.
Earlier on Wednesday, sources told All Things D that the internet search giant would be rolling out Google Maps for iOS later tonight, but offered no details regarding the product.
Google Maps weighs in at and can be through the App Store.
Many iOS device users have been waiting for Google to release a standalone mapping app after the erstwhile Maps software built in partnership with Apple was removed in iOS 6. With the most recent operating system, Apple replaced the Google Maps-powered Maps app with a proprietary solution that leverages location data from TomTom, among other navigation companies.
Longtime iOS users will feel at home with Google's new mapping app, as the overall look and feel is much the same as the legacy Maps and the Google Maps web client. There are a few minor UI tweaks to bring the layout more in line with the firm's other offerings like Gmail for iOS, but the changes are negligible.
Making a comeback to the native iOS app is Street View, the lack of which was the source of complaints heard from a number of iDevice users. In place of the Google-built feature, Apple implemented a 3D tool dubbed Flyover, which provides a bird's-eye view of certain large metropolitan areas around the world. While not as comprehensive as Street View, Flyover does offer a unique and detailed look at a supported city with fairly quick load times compared to other competing services.
Earlier on Wednesday, sources told All Things D that the internet search giant would be rolling out Google Maps for iOS later tonight, but offered no details regarding the product.
Google Maps weighs in at and can be through the App Store.