We all know that the new Maps app in the new iPhone 5 is abysmal. In fact, it was so bad that many users are loudly wondering why did Apple even removed Google’s Maps app from iOS 6, which is working perfectly fine – and under Apple’s agreement with Google, they still had a year to use Google Maps on iDevices.
So why did they hastily pulled it out of iOS 6? Well, among others, the main point of contention was voice-guided navigation.
For years, Google Maps users on Android have enjoyed free turn-by-turn navigation. Google Maps on iOS does not even support it, meaning that iDevice users would need to look directly at their device for navigations, making it a hassle – and a safety hazard.
Further, not being able to have more say in the Maps app proved to be something unacceptable for Apple’s stringent control over its ecosystem. Both parties refused to back down in subsequent negotiations, resulting in Apple taking the plunge in developing its own mapping service.
Unfortunately, the only way to improve the service is by gathering real-world user data – which is why the app currently looks terribly half-baked.
(Source: AllThingsD)
(Photo Source: funmeme.com)
