Cloud To Go

Apple Maps have you lost?

September 20, 2012 , 0 Frank Gurnee

Apple’s latest version of its mobile operating system iOS6 hit the market yesterday. With many people boasting about the new features, speedier interface, and overall release, there are a large number of people unhappy with the new OS. Apple in a move to separate itself from Google removed the long-lived Google maps program built into the operating system.

Apple decided to create its own mobile maps platform that would provide turn-by-turn navigation, provide directions, and pinpoint places on the device. The company partnered with Tom Tom and Waze to develop the platform and the feature was highly anticipated by users.

Upon utilizing the service, streams of people have been complaining about inaccuracies, lack of functionality, and completely missing places. Check out some of the fails at this Tumblr site.

It is a bold step to completely remove a trusted application from an operating system, especially one so many people rely on. Apple in a previous release changed the default search capability but continued to allow users to make Google the default search in safari on the mobile platform. This would have been a better scenario where they defaulted Apple Maps but allowed users to choose Google if so desired.

Google had previously stated that an app would be available for users but this has not yet been released. Considering the amount of users upset, it would be in Google’s best interest to come out with an App soon. Even though it would be easy for them to hold out to try to boost Droid adoption I can’t see users moving just over this issue.

Another disappointment with the Apple Maps solution is the fact that turn-by-turn is only available on the 4S and above devices. This was a highly anticipated part of the new OS and considering APPS like Navigon, Waze, and Tom Tom can provide this functionality on older devices the feature should have been available on 3GS devices and above.

No word has come out from Apple with regards to the Maps program, and as users anticipate the Google App we can only hope that Apple updates the program soon.