After integrating Google+ Local features into its Google Maps application, Google is planning to retire the Google+ Local app for iOS on August 7 and has already removed it from the App Store.
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The company sent out an email yesterday announcing the news:
Hello,
We're emailing to announce that the Google+ Local app for iOS will be retired on August 7th, 2013.
The good news is that all features in the Google+ Local app are now available in Google Maps for Mobile on iOS devices.- Search by categories of places, like “restaurants” or “coffee shops”
- Read place information, including written reviews, average price, address and Street View (where available)
- See what people in your Google+ circles have to say about their favorite places around the world
- Rate and review places you've been to
- Share places, locations and businesses you find
According to the email, users of the app will no longer be able to access content within the app as of August 7, though reviews and ratings that have been made will be available via Google+ profiles and in the Google Maps iOS app.
Google Maps is a free app that can be downloaded from the App Store. [Direct Link]
Top Rated Comments
While I agree with the sentiment behind your comment... at least this is a case where combining the features actually made some sense. And, unlike most Google+ related news over the past two years, the move went the other way. Usually they shut down some useful app/project and declare "but you can now do the same thing (sort of) in Google+!"
Of course Google Maps is probably something they can't afford to screw up - but I'm sure the idea of sucking it into Google+ in an attempt to make the latter more relevant has at least been discussed...
"Okay, but what G+ app do I download?"
"Oh yeah, just download the Google Maps app"
"..."
How so? I found it to be useful for finding restaurants nearby that are open.