Revamped Google Maps Finally Available On iOS

hcs_$reboot writes "After the disastrous Apple Maps replacement over Google Maps in September, Google has a Maps app on iOS approved and released by Apple today. The app includes turn-by-turn directions, vector-based graphics and live traffic data. It's available from the Apple Store for iPhone and iPod touch (and iPad — iPhone format)." Adds reader snowtigger: "It's a sharper looking, vector-based map that loads quickly and provides smooth tilting and rotating of 2D and 3D views. Google also released the Google Maps SDK for iOS, and a simple URL scheme to help developers use Google Maps when building their beautiful and innovative apps. The new Google Maps app is available for the iPhone and iPod Touch (4th gen) iOS 5.1 and higher, in more than 40 countries and 29 languages." SlashCloud points out that Apple's own maps will be forced to improve as a consequence: "Directions will become more accurate, major towns and landmarks will appear in their proper places. But now that a free, standalone Google Maps app is available for download from Apple’s App Store, will iOS users even give those improving Apple Maps a chance?"

WTF were they thinking?!

[slashmydots]

Seriously, what were they thinking? Everyone had a solid, universal reason to not buy an iPhone 5 and Google, maker of Android, ruined it. Is a couple thousand dollars in app money really worth failing to crush Apple even worse? Well, regardless, Apple has less than a year left on their lease their maps database and interface. I don't know if a 3rd party app like this counts or not but regardless, this is beyond stupid. I bet their contract didn't say they had to design an entirely new app for them. I certainly would have left them hanging. That or made a total troll map app where the third direction is always "Lol @ Apple, we're only getting you this far. Try Apple maps for the rest of the directions. Try not to drive off a cliff into the ocean."

Re:ontrack

[slashmydots]

It labeled the US as Australia in most views. What planet are you using it on?

Re:ontrack

[slashmydots]

You must only be using it to go between your house and the Apple PR department office then.

Hahaha - check out this funny review on iTunes

[Andy Prough]

"I almost died in Australia, thank god this is out." - 5 stars from Reed Morse

Re:ontrack

[Anonymous Coward]

It's not really a useless anecdote: apple maps led him to slashdot, tho he had asked to go to uselessanecdote.com.

I've seen this before.

[RivenAleem]

BARON
        iOS, iOS... I place you in charge
        of Maps. It's yours to squeeze, as I
        promised. I want you to squeeze and
        squeeze and squeeze.
                (massaging in rhythm)
        Give me spice! Drive them into utter
        submission. You must not show the
        slightest pity or mercy... as only you
        can... Never stop!
                (releasing him)
        Go.... Show no mercy!

                iOS
        Yes, my lord Baron.

iOS leaves just as Google steps out of the shower.
The Baron turns to him lovingly.
--
                        BARON
                (to Google)
        And when we've crushed these people enough
        I'll send in you Google... they'll cheer you
        as a rescuer... lovely Google... really a
        lovely boy.
                (suddenly he smiles and screams)
        Where's my doctor?

Re:Opportunity

[Psiren]

I tried using a TomTom device for a few weeks in the UK this summer and TomTom quite frankly just sucks...

This is clearly made up nonsense. We didn't have a summer in the UK this year.