The highly anticipated iPhone 5 is finally here (Apple fans rejoice!) - and it appears to be well worth the wait. However, some early adopters have been surprised to find that the pre-installed Google Maps application has been replaced by Apple's own mapping app. This isn't exactly news, Apple made the announcement at the World Wide Developers Conference back in June. What's surprising is that the decision has resulted in a user experience that falls well short of Apple users very high expectations.
♬ iPhone 5 I love you, but your bringing me down(town) ♬
Let's face it. Good directions are essential to a smartphone. You might not need it every day, but when you need to get somewhere you've never been - it's nice to have a tool you can rely on. Apple's mapping app has been called 'pretty' but that's about the biggest compliment we've heard thus far. The app has been plagued with bugs and while Apple has been proactive in working to correct these issues, they've got a long way to go. Here are a few notable shortcomings:
Directions
The most important part of any mapping application is it's ability to provide accurate & efficient directions. Apple's new app has not yet mastered these essential tasks. Many destinations are not found or mistaken for near-matches - and the suggested routes are seldom the quickest. In extreme cases, you may be taken hours out of your way or directed to drive into inadvisable and potentially dangerous situations. Public transportation has also been omitted, making city travel difficult.
Even Apple maps gets lost in Soho...
Why take a 28 minute ride over a bridge when ferries are so quaint?
Display Issues
Apple has done away with Google Street View, and in it's place has a problematic 3D view. The 3D view suffers from severe image ribboning, which can cause buildings, roads, and landmarks look as if they're melting in the hot summer sun.
Watch out for bumpy roads!
Apple users should stay clear of the Hoover Dam
Landmarks
If you find that you're always in need of a gas station, you're in luck. Apple's software mislabels many landmarks as gas stations, air ports, and other incorrect locations.
In Houston, many downtown buildings appear to have gas stations on their roofs.
Why mess with success?
It's no secret that Google and Apple aren't quite besties, but this appears to be a move on Apple's part to seek independence from the search juggernaut - and for good reason. Google's Android operating system boasts over 500 million devices and counting (at a rate of about 1.3 million devices per day). Apple won a recent billion-dollar lawsuit against Android device maker and South Korean rival Samsung over patent infringement, and is now seeking further damages. Apple will clearly go to great lengths to protect their well-earned impact on the mobile device market. Competing with Google Maps is clearly not an easy task, but with 20 billion in cash and short-term investments, Apple has the resources to make it happen - it just may take some time to get it right.
So what do I do when I get lost?
Google has submitted an iOS Google Maps app to Apple for inclusion in Apple's App Store. It's up to Apple whether to allow or deny the new application - we're not holding our breath.
For the time being, you can still go to maps.google.com on your iPhone to get your mapping fix.
The Bottom Line
Apple's new mapping application is a work-in-progress - and they're not likely to throw in the towel. While they're getting up to speed, your travels are likely to be fraught with complications from incorrect destinations, in-efficient routes, and incorrect landmarks. If mapping is a consideration in purchasing your iPhone 5, we say "go for it" - just be sure to go to Google's website when you need directions.
For more information on the Apple's new mapping application and it's hilarious shortcomings, visit:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2206280/iOS-6-maps-fail-iPhone-5-users-fury-dodgy-directions-melting-bridges.html
