Nearly 3 months after the embedded app for Google maps was given a farewell by Apple, Google decided it was time they gave the iOS users (only iPhone and not iPad) an early Christmas present. So if you own an iPhone and are planning a trip somewhere you haven't been and you feel a little edgy using the iPhone' version of map especially after what happened to motorists in Mildura; cheer up. The Santa Google is here with a native app of their Google maps version for the iPhone users. iPad version still no where in sight and no news as of now.
Before we move on if you are really excited about getting the app. We won't keep you waited, you can come back here after you get your Google maps app for the iPhone on iTunes. While it's been the news doing rounds since the iOS6 went without Google maps support, the point of main concern that is the voice navigation part which seemed like was the highlight point of why Apple thought to do away with search giant version of the maps and instead choose their own in house developed version has been included in this version of Google maps for iPhone. Head straight o iTunes page for more details on what the app brings for all the iPhone users. The app has been released yesterday for all users to use and is already sitting pretty with impressive and sigh-of-relief reviews on Apple store.
There are a few things that misses out on this version and we are surprised on their exclusion just as you would be. The list include; offline mode, biking directions and indoor maps. According to Daniel Graf, director of Google Maps for mobile, the team has built it from scratch and you could see it from the wonderful UI that greets you right from the word go. The Android version of the app was far better than the one we saw before iOS6 launch. Now it seems with this app the gap has been bridged and Apple users will have a chance to experience nearly all the features they would otherwise see on the web version of Google maps. This includes a vector based version of the maps with the 3D view of them. The turn by turn voice guided navigation has just provided the things that missed from the earlier versions and we are sure the users will love it.
Looking at the app it isn't a surprise Apple' CEO Tim Cook made a mention in his apology, telling the users to refer to Google maps web version on the browser till Apple is fixing the issues with the Apple maps. And Google isn't done yet, with the app they also released the Google Maps SDK for iOS so now iOS app developers can use it while developing their app for iPhone(s) and iPad(s). If the timing was right or it's just a coincident that the app comes just at a time when Apple is finding it tough with their version of maps, the giants will only know!!
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