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Google Maps for iOS is so much better than Apple’s attempt at a replacement that it will make you giggle. But you can’t grasp just how much better—almost perfect—iOS Google Maps is unless you see it in action.
The app is exactly what it should be, aside from being the comforting Maps we used to know on our iPhones. It beats the hell out of the last version. Google Maps isn’t just back, it’s better than it’s ever been—the best map app, period.
- It’s fast. Your neighbourhoods will load very, very quickly.
- It’s accurate. No stupid erroneous listings.
- It’s beautiful. Cleanly designed.
- It’s easy to use—you can quickly swipe menu options in and out of view.
- It has public transit.
- It has Street View.
You won’t find yourself frustrated, lost, or yearning like you might’ve been with Apple Maps. You probably won’t have any complaints at all, unless you miss Siri giving you directions.
This is the map app we should have had all along, and you should download it right now if you haven’t already. This is as good as tech dénouement gets.
Apple Maps vs Google Maps: A Side by Side iPhone Comparison
The Definitive Comparison of Google Maps vs Apple Maps In One Single Image
Google Maps Vs. Apple Maps: A Side By Side Comparison
OK I think we get the picture now…. does there need to be THIS many articles saying the same thing?
Definitely. As much Apple Maps bashing as possible is needed to save lives…
yes it is when it’s about apple being shit.
How many articles do we get when Apple release a new product that laud it to the skies for a minor spec bump over last years version? At least by having as many when Apple fucks up they are showing some balance.
True true. Balance is nice.
I still don’t quite get it….. maybe a few Gifs will clear things up
only if they are of Kim Jong Un.
This is looking a lot like the side by side video’s of Siri v Googgle Voice Search ie, a total whitewash. I find it amusing that Google, so long looked down upon for launching “beta” products, is kicking the crap out of Apple who used to have a “user experience is paramount” reputation
It’s why Googles method will almost always win in the very long run – call it a beta test, throw lots of stuff at the wall and see what sticks. Evolution. Short-term Apple-esque “bubbles” of popularity will come and go. Creationism.
“all of this has happened before and all of it will happen again”
People moan when there are loads of articles relating to Apple rumours/launches, people moan when there are loads of articles bashing Apple.
You just can’t win sometimes.
This too peeved me earlier on in the year, so i wrote an open letter to Gizmodo, you can find it about 3 quarters down the page here:-
http://www.gizmodo.co.uk/2012/06/you-wont-believe-how-dumb-these-ios-6-maps-mistakes-are/
It is a masterful piece of writing, why do you not work for Giz?
Hey, come now, thats two compliments in one week, people will talk
Let them talk. I believe in praise where it is due.
Do you use Google Plus?
Yes
There’s a Gizmodo Public Circle, we have about 50 or so of us and we chat and meet up from time to time, you should join in if you like? Search for Spatchmo and you should find me, Darrell will put you on the Gizmodo Public Circle.
It’s an open invitation to anyone who would like to join in.
If that comment was done this week you would have left no room for competition.
Cheers Marcelo, if they had a relevant post or one that i could have shoehorned it into i may well have been tempted re post it, but no, i believe in playing by the rules.
It would be interesting to see if this competition made any difference to the Stats and by how much.
Just get it over with gizmodo guys and shoot your loads over it, we all know you want to.
Of course the real test for any mapping software is any location OUTSIDE of New York.
Also, if there was ever a case of software plagiarism it would be between Apple and Google maps. Google have spent years perfecting the Maps interface. Apple seem to have stolen whole chunks of it wholesale, even down to almost identical icons for absolutely everything.
Unlike Apple, Google does’t sue over the use of standard icons.
That must be it. I have to say, Google doesn’t seem to have got around to employing anybody to work in their Sales & Marketing department.
Do they need new people in sales and marketing?
I believe Google site (5 billion daily searches), Youtube (3 billion daily video views) and android phones (75% of smartphone market) are all doing fine as are Maps and other services, they are market leaders that are way past a saturation point. Don’t confuse smart low key marketing with bad marketing. What is a new marketing team going to do? Find new users in deep space? Because other than that it would be a total waste to spend big on marketing, also considering they own what must be the biggest advertising network in the world!
I can’t believe anyone would think Google is doing bad marketing!? They own Internet marketing:
“A whopping 96 percent of Google‘s $37.9 billion 2011 revenue came from advertising…”
Haha, OK all fair points.
I’m fully aware of Google’s domination of various markets, but I just don’t think they come across as aware or as ruthless as Apple when it comes to promoting new products.
I really want to see them do well in the phone hardware market because, frankly, I think they deserve to after the success of Android, and it would only benefit consumers who don’t want to be locked into Apple’s ecosystem but want a pure, crapware-free phone.
I’m a little annoyed at the moment because I’m still waiting for my Nexus 4 due to the stock situation, but I’m not sure if the demand for the phone was foreseeable.
@Sam Biddle,
Most of the things you mentioned above sound about right except this one “It’s beautiful and cleanly designed”, it is but not compare to Apple Maps?