Google Maps for iOS in Alpha Testing, Partial Screenshots and Details

Apple received significant criticism when it replaced Google Maps in iOS 6 with its own custom mapping solution. Google has since been said to be working on releasing its own standalone version to be released in the iOS App Store.

App Map [iTunes Link] developer Ben Guild has posted some early details and partial screenshots from Google's upcoming Maps application for iOS.

googlemaps iphone 3
According to Guild, the standalone version of Google Maps for iOS is presently in alpha testing, but has some promising improvements over the old Google Maps. Guild reports that the new Google Maps is vector-based, has two-finger rotation to any angle, is "super fast" and supports the taller iPhone 5 screen.

screenshot2
The released partial screenshots aren't particularly revealing, but do seem to show that work is actively being done on the product. An early report claimed that Google may be targeting release by Christmas of this year. Meanwhile, Apple has been making improvements to its own Maps over time.

Top Rated Comments

ThunderSkunk Avatar
149 months ago
I just drove 12,642mi cross country (2x) using the iOS6 maps app on the iPad as my only source of directions, and didn't have a single issue. I really expected chaos, but it's been fine. Doubt I'll bother with a second Maps app.
Score: 44 Votes (Like | Disagree)
unobtainium Avatar
149 months ago
This just shows that Apple did the right thing.

If they had stuck with the old, outdated Maps app, iOS users would still be stuck without turn-by-turn and vector graphics.

Now we will be spoiled for choice. Apple Maps will continue to get better, and if for some reason it continues to bother you, there's going to be choice. There are benefits to having so many choices for apps...it's still Apple's greatest advantage.
Score: 38 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gmanist1000 Avatar
149 months ago
Charge $.99 for it and they'll make some serious money.
Score: 37 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GroundLoop Avatar
149 months ago
I was wondering if they were going to add turn by turn navigation just to piss Apple off. ;)

GL
Score: 36 Votes (Like | Disagree)
andyjam Avatar
149 months ago
So they were able to take a few small photos of tiny blurred details, but couldn't get a photo of the entire screen...

Hmmmm...
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nfl46 Avatar
149 months ago
Submitted on Christmas Day
Appears in App Store during Summer 2013


:eek:
Score: 30 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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