By now you must have heard about Apple's severely flawed maps app. It was introduced last week with the release of iOS 6. What's bugging many Apple fans is the fact that Google Maps is nowhere to be found as an alternative. Contrary to popular belief, Google never developed the Maps app for previous versions of iOS. Apple actually did with the API's. With iOS 6, they decided to go a different route and make their own Maps app utilizing data from TomTom.
A lot of Apple fanboys are hoping that Google will release a full fledged Maps app to bail them out, but it doesn't look like it will happen. While speaking to reporters in Japan during the Nexus 7 launch event, Eric Schmidt said “We have not done anything yet” He also went on to say, “”We think it would have been better if they had kept ours. But what do I know? What were we going to do, force them not to change their mind? It's their call.”
Of course there's still the question on if Apple and Google will remain partners on search, and Eric had this so say, “I'm not doing any predictions. We want them to be our partner. We welcome that. I'm not going to speculate at all what they're going to do. They can answer that question as they see fit.”
source: reuters
The thing is, when did Apple think about the customer before to take this decision?
Apple just decided take out Google Maps for proud instead to offer a better product and experience to customer.
They’re trying to save money. Google charges for heavy API usage now. Apple definitely didn’t test it enough to realize it needed another year of work at least.
couldn’t happen to a nicer company LOL
Google should shut the door on ANY apps for the icrap. Let apple use Bing lol…
I posed the question several months ago who would win a war if Apple and Google went at it full bore. Apple certainly has a lot of money and a lot of power. But so does Google, and any differences there would not determine the outcome of such a war. My thought several months ago was that Google has more influence in more areas, and has its hands in more aspects of the technology area, that Google could certainly match anything that Apple might do, and that Google could very well exert more muscle and strength. This map thing is an example. Apple decided to “go it alone” without Google maps. That seems to be a disaster, at least for right now. Google can say to Apple: “Google is not going to provide you with Google maps.” That leaves Apple with a problem, and a lot of unhappy iPhone owners.
Google has a better model IMHO. Apple’s is just like old Microsoft but with better marketing.
The “chickens are coming home to roost” from Apple’s decision to wage thermonuclear war against Android. Apple did not adequately think through the consequences of attacking Android, which includes not only Samsung, but also Google.
If Apple allowed Google to make map app for them, Apple would be slapping itself in the face. They already denied Google Maps, so adding it now would be hurtful to their reputation. The only thing they can do is try to make theirs better. I Hope sales of Android jump because of this
It’s not about Apple letting Google make an app. Google never made an iOS version of Google Maps. Yet, Google could make one if they want to.
Gag… surely Apple must rue the day.
How long before Apple sues Google for copying the idea of putting a map on a phone?
nice burn
Apple’s decision was misdirected (sic). It’s their own fault and it is clear they didn’t put the customer first here. So, the damage is done BY and TO Apple…not Google. Good decision Apple…what did you do follow advice from RIM?
Apple said no, so it’s not Google place to make a map app then.
Just to API usage, Google can still make an app if they want to.