At the WWDC 2012 keynote, Apple presented the new Map app for iOS 6.0. This new Maps will replace the default iOS Map from Google. In what appears to be the last step of cleansing ritual, Apple completely rids itself of its dependence on Google technologies. Don’t get it wrong, Google apps are still available on the iOS platform, but as third party downloads, and not as a first class citizen that comes bundled with the OS!
How does the new Maps compare with Google’s iOS Maps? Well, it is unfortunate that I cannot provide full details of the new Maps due to Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA), I can, however, provide you with my comments based on information about the Maps that are available on the internet.
First, the way maps are presented is quite different. In Google Maps, you are immediately provided with a full detailed map at the default zoom level. Zooming in enhances those details more. In contrast, Apple’s Maps provides a clean map with details that are relevant at a particular zoom level. Zooming in provides more detail. Frankly, I prefer the way Apple did it -- it is simple, clean and makes more sense. You don’t need that much detail when you are zoomed out, right?
Second, accuracy is ruled by Google. Google is miles ahead of Apple in mapping technology. The map databases of Apple probably pales in comparison with Google. However, Apple’s Maps is still in beta, so we do not know how much it will improve in the next three months, but it will surely improve. I hope that Apple also gives importance to maps outside of the USA.
Google Maps on iOS does not have Turn-by-Turn navigation. I am not sure if this is a Google decision or an Apple limitation. However, Apple’s Maps is designed to have this feature. I have used Turn-by-Turn on Google Maps on Android and comparing it against Apple’s Maps, Apple’s Maps has better presentation. The large signs and arrows are easier to read, even at a distance, which is important specially when you are driving. In addition, Apple’s Maps has Siri (only for iPhone 4S and new iPad) that speaks each twist and turn to you.
Google Maps has Street View, which Apple Maps doesn’t have, but Apple Maps has Flyover (3D rendering), which Google Maps is rapidly adding to its arsenal. Google and Apple are trying to provide the best Maps for the consumers. Google, however, has a huge advantage of being in the business longer than Apple. However, with Google Maps getting booted out of iOS 6 (with no standalone Google Maps iOS app available on iTunes App Store), Apple Maps has an upper-hand here. Considering how fast iOS users take in new iOS versions, it will not take long before Google Maps will be reduced to a memory on the iOS platform (though I am sure that Google will be releasing a Google Maps app soon). And oh, did I tell you that Apple is also leveraging technologies from other mapping companies such as TomTom and Waze? Pretty cool, eh?
So - wait around 3-4 months and we will see iOS 6 out (along with the new iPhone). Only then can we determine if Apple Maps is as useful to us outside of the USA as Google Maps.
source: mb.com.ph
