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It’s been a curious thing, wondering why Apple dropped Google Maps in iOS 6 in favor of its own, half-baked mapping system. According to AllThingsD, the answer could be pretty simple: Turn-by-turn voice navigation.
According to AtD’s sources, basically, the deal with Google never included turn-by-turn, even though Android has had that feature for years. It put the iPhone at a huge disadvantage in that regard, and Apple couldn’t stomach Google calling the shots.
There was a chance things could have been worked out on turn-by-turn, but only if Apple gave up some control of iOS to Google, like what went into the feature set of iOS Maps. Obviously, that was never going to happen.
Clearly the decision to change over from Google Maps was a little more complicated than just voice navigation, but AtD’s sources make it clear that it was the main detail:
“There were a number of issues inflaming negotiations, but voice navigation was the biggest,” one source familiar with Apple and Google’s negotiations told AllThingsD. “Ultimately, it was a deal-breaker.”
So there you go. Apple has crappy maps because it couldn’t stand not having a killer feature. [AllThingsD]
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Not a bad reason really. Having turn-by-turn is fairly big for a smartphone.
Turn by turn only works if you’re turning toward the right location.
I don’t buy a coffee for the chocolate sprinkles…
The turn by turn is surprisingly good, it’s most likely TomTom are doing all of the turn by turn stuff. It directs you past traffic and shows everything very clear. The maps aren’t too bad in most places, just the odd few people keep going on about.
I’d give the Maps a good 3 – 5 years before it can contend with today’s Google offering, but the Turn by Turn (from what I’ve used) is very good – easy – clear.
Never used Androids turn by turn so I’m not comparing.
Well you’d get to the Apple stores just fine
“the deal with Google never included turn-by-turn, even though Android has had that feature for years” – But the iOS contract for Google Maps Pre-dates the launch of Android and certainly the launch of Turn by Turn on Android (2.1 I think), thus to get TbT Apple would have had to negotiate an addition to this contract. Whatever the sticking point was I doubt it was purely a refusal to allow TbT on iOS by Google. Aside from a licencing fee Google gets shedloads of data from iOS users, Given that there are already other TbT options on iOS, it’s not like refusing to give TbT is a major bargaining chip as its not like the platform desperately needed it.
I guess it may be that most people use the turn by turn already on the phone when you get it, most average consumers (if there is such a thing) probably don’t want to go and find that feature and expect it to be already on the phone when they get it. That may be why they felt like they had to make their own Maps app, but I hope a Google Maps app is out soon anyway so people have the choice, Apple just needs more time to get the maps sorted using the feedback from users.
And that’s Apples next problem. If Google get their Maps into the App store soon, people will be deserting Apples offering in droves. Google needs the data from Apple users to power its advertising business and improve it’s maps product, Apple needs that data far more for the latter than the former, if people switch back, Apple Maps will never stand a chance of catching up.
Well I think customers will try Apple’s Map app, if they don’t see too much of a problem they won’t go looking for the Google Maps app. But Apple will have to work on their app either way, Google Maps could be seen as an alternative option for customers until it is improved. In terms of the consumer, they’ll have both options then if they get the Google Maps app out, if Apple don’t allow it, it would put some customers off so they don’t really have too much of a choice in my eyes.
But this is based on what I would do personally, I don’t really know what other people’s opinions will be, I would start using Google Maps if I needed to and check back on the Maps app from Apple to see if its up to scratch yet. Plus they could entice users back after by adding more features in their Maps update, just an idea
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Well, now it has to stand having turn by turn on a shit iOS maps app. Control freak.
I also wonder if they’d have been happy with turn-by-turn not being part of Siri?