This is a discussion thread for the "Opinion: The Importance of Maps" story posted on the front page.
Excellent write up - I agree, the issues pointed out with maps show a definite weakness, however, it will get better for sure. It'd be nice to have continuous updates as you mentioned, outside typical iOS releases. Apple maps are no way as good as Google yet, but only time will tell too see whether they are going to be good enough to be hailed "king of maps".
This is much more worthy to be on the front page. A good article. Google Maps: 8/10 Apple Maps: 3/10 One day Apple will catch up but they will always be that one step behind. I can't see Apple providing a better mapping service than Google
Awesome write up. Seriously. You did a great job of putting this into perspective. People have been complaining about the lack of innovation, and even I have been wondering where the new innovations are, but this is an excellent spin to see that there are many behind the scenes revolutions happening with Apple and their products. Maps being one of them. I'd like to see this pulled off.
I don't think Apple maps will ever become as good a Google maps. Google has set the bar too high. Apple really doesn't realize how much every product relies on Google so they keep trying to shut them out.
This is a pretty good reading and i agree with the conclusion (bieng a litle bit hasty and strong though...) but its correct. If Cook does this he will mark the post-jobs era ( "cook era"? ) but lets not forget that the day iphone 4s was unveiled he talked with cook about a "new product" could this be it? Even though jobs passing first anniversary is next month he still continues to amaze me, he is my idol.
Maybe they want to shut them out but thats not the main reason apple wants their devices to be capable to relie on their own company, there is a say of an administration school that says "by eliminating unessesary moves you can become more productive. And in the matter of the "google's high bar in mapping solutions" you may want to reconsider that there are more than 1 way, lets hope apple changes the game into a different direction. Im really excited to see where de 3d maps go (apple's or google's)
They've could have easily solved this by sticking a Beta tag on it like Siri. Or keep Google Maps for a year and have an open-beta available to access via Apple created app.
Great writeup, you analyzed both sides of the argument. In my opinion apple never had to make their own mapping solution. Google Maps was doing it fine and they could've spent the time and money on something new. But I suppose since their rolling in money why not
