Reworked Google Maps for iOS, Android gains better search, tablet compatibility
In the midst of its Google I/O developer conference, the search giant showed off a redesigned version of its popular mapping app, one that will heighten the competition for Maps supremacy on Apple's iOS mobile platform.
The new Google Maps features a number of user interface design, resulting in a cleaner look to the app, which is visible not only in the mobile versions, but also on the desktop version. Google also leveraged its acquisition of the Zagat rating service in order to integrate ratings into the Maps experience. Maps now has a five-point rating system instead of the previous four-point system.
The new Maps also features improved live incident coverage for traffic and transit. The app will continually update in order to show users traffic incidents, suggesting alternate routes as conditions shift in real-time.
Google also announced a new, tablet-centric build of its Maps app. That version will give larger, rich content with suggestions on activities in a specific area, as well as a user interface that takes advantage of the increased screen real estate available on tablets.
The iOS version of the new Google Maps will mark a continuation of the competition between Apple and Google in the location services segment.
After Apple dropped Google Maps as the default option in its iOS, the Cupertino company launched its own app integrating the features Google had been holding back on. The new app, though, lacked much of the polish and detail that had made Google Maps the leader in its segment, and ? despite Apple's continuing efforts to improve the quality and accuracy of its app ? it was plagued by complaints.
The Google rep on stage nodded to Apple's struggles in the maps arena, drawing a laugh from the crowd when he noted that Google's maps were "above all: accurate."
The new Google Maps features a number of user interface design, resulting in a cleaner look to the app, which is visible not only in the mobile versions, but also on the desktop version. Google also leveraged its acquisition of the Zagat rating service in order to integrate ratings into the Maps experience. Maps now has a five-point rating system instead of the previous four-point system.
The new Maps also features improved live incident coverage for traffic and transit. The app will continually update in order to show users traffic incidents, suggesting alternate routes as conditions shift in real-time.
Google also announced a new, tablet-centric build of its Maps app. That version will give larger, rich content with suggestions on activities in a specific area, as well as a user interface that takes advantage of the increased screen real estate available on tablets.
The iOS version of the new Google Maps will mark a continuation of the competition between Apple and Google in the location services segment.
After Apple dropped Google Maps as the default option in its iOS, the Cupertino company launched its own app integrating the features Google had been holding back on. The new app, though, lacked much of the polish and detail that had made Google Maps the leader in its segment, and ? despite Apple's continuing efforts to improve the quality and accuracy of its app ? it was plagued by complaints.
The Google rep on stage nodded to Apple's struggles in the maps arena, drawing a laugh from the crowd when he noted that Google's maps were "above all: accurate."
Comments
Hey look. It's Apple Maps with more detail.
Google steals again.
Google maps were blank. Not only that but when I have compared the two products side by side the Apple maps are more elegant, easier to read and they have better and more accurate searching in my limited experience.
I have no doubt that Apple are heading in a good direction. At the moment it is the visual appeal of the Apple maps that makes me use them over Google.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AppleZilla
Hey look. It's Apple Maps with more detail.
Google steals again.
Ugh, so defensive....
Apple maps is great until you look for a POI such as a post office or a local take away.
It's at that point that you realise that for getting from A - B when you can supply the postcode it's great, for anything else it's shite.
No thanks. I'm just fine. Maybe somebody else?
...drawing a laugh from the crowd when he noted that Google's maps were "above all: accurate."
Well, that would make me laugh too.
So you're saying Google Maps are better but they stole from Apple? I don't follow the logic.
I use both Google and Apple maps, there are things I like about either one. Competition is great for consumers.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AppleZilla
Hey look. It's Apple Maps with more detail.
Google steals again.
No it's not. It's accurate.
Quote:
Originally Posted by allenbf
So you're saying Google Maps are better but they stole from Apple? I don't follow the logic.
I use both Google and Apple maps, there are things I like about either one. Competition is great for consumers.
Don't worry allenbf, just another Apple apologist.
Yeah, and Beef Jerky is a game that you can play with yourself!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rogifan
Doesn't take much these days for AAPL to drop. Google's the Wall Street darling right now. They'll come back to earth eventually too.
Buying opportunities. Isnt Apple great!!
Quote:
Originally Posted by MJ Web
So now that Cook & Co tipped its strategy that there "is no there, there" until an unspecified date in Q3, Google has decided to bend Apple over and uh -- oh, you get the picture. A few Google blurbs and AAPL drops 10% in 2 days in a up market... A great CEO Tim Cook surely isn't!
At least Tim Cook can write a legible statement.
What ever you are trying to say here with all the combating cliches, rude remarks and mixed metaphors it certainly didn't come across.
No idea what you're talking about.
Quote:
Originally Posted by allenbf
So you're saying Google Maps are better but they stole from Apple? I don't follow the logic.
I use both Google and Apple maps, there are things I like about either one. Competition is great for consumers.
It might be too early to tell, but I think the poster was implying (based on the artwork accompanying the article), that Google has stolen Apple's "look" for it's map product.
I tend to agree, but AppleInsider is notorious for bad and ripped off artwork or putting pictures in stories that are barely relevant to the topic or imply something about the article that's not in evidence etc.
1. Remember previous searches.
2. Remember interface settings. For example: I want NORTH UP. ALWAYS. STOP RESETTING IT.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SpamSandwich
Let's face it, Google still makes a more complete mapping solution. They'll continue to get better even as Apple's maps continue to get better.
Thank you. Glad to see not everyone's egos are too big here to admit that. Apple is still better at just about everything else.