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Google Moving Closer to Submitting Maps App for iOS as Eddy Cue Works to Improve Apple's Maps

Thursday November 15, 2012 1:10 pm PST by Eric Slivka
The Wall Street Journal reports that Google is continuing to make progress on a standalone mapping application for iOS, working toward submitting the app for inclusion in the App Store after Apple switched from Google to its own in-house Maps app in iOS 6.
Google has distributed a test version of its new mapping app that will work on Apple's iPhones and iPads to some individuals outside the company, said a person with direct knowledge of the matter. Google has been putting the finishing touches on the app before submitting it for approval to the Apple iTunes store, this person said, though it is unclear exactly when that will happen.
Unlike Google's Maps app that was included with iOS 5 and earlier, the upcoming version will indeed include free turn-by-turn navigation as has been available on Google Maps for Android and which Apple provides in its Maps app.

The report also notes that Apple is continuing to work hard on improving its Maps app, with Eddy Cue taking a very hands-on approach with regular team meetings since he took charge of Maps and Siri late last month.

Google's Maps app for iOS has been spotted in alpha testing, but some Google employees are reportedly pessimistic about its chances for acceptance in the App Store. But given the plethora of existing mapping apps and Apple's promotion of the web version of Google Maps as alternative to Apple's maps while it works to improve its own service, there may be little reason for Apple to reject Google's submission.

Tags: Eddy Cue, wsj.com
[ 417 comments ]


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ArchAndroid
88 months ago
The awkward moment when you realise you're dependent on Google to make your Apple phone functional.

:eek:
Rating: 58 Votes
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thelead
88 months ago
But what about the iPad YouTube app?
Rating: 49 Votes
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BvizioN
88 months ago

The awkward moment when you realise you're dependent on Google to make your Apple phone functional.

:eek:


It may be true, however I am enjoying every bit of my iPhone 5 without google maps. And i don't miss it the slightest.
Rating: 32 Votes
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btbeme
88 months ago
Alpha testing? Kinda like how Apple is alpha testing their own?
Rating: 29 Votes
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nuckinfutz
88 months ago
Google Maps?

No Thanks. Pass
Rating: 27 Votes
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jimsowden
88 months ago

What about it? There is one in AppStore.


You edited his quote to remove the part that makes you wrong.
Rating: 23 Votes
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newyorksole
88 months ago
I can't waitttt for this app. The web app just doesn't cut it for me and neither does Apple Maps.
Rating: 23 Votes
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JayLenochiniMac
88 months ago

Too bad it wont integrate fully with iOS anymore


Google's fault for not providing turn by turn in the first place.
Rating: 21 Votes
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Dookieman
88 months ago
Am I the only one who hasn't had major issues with the new Maps app? Everything I've needed to find has been where it's supposed to be.
Rating: 21 Votes
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Namjins
88 months ago
If Google includes turn-by-turn in their app now, why didn't they just do it before? Wasn't Google's refusal to include this feature, part of the reason Apple dropped their maps app in the first place? :confused:
Rating: 21 Votes

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