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As a long-term Apple user/fan, I'm both incredibly disappointed and intensely optimistic with this change. I've been using iOS6 since the first beta and saw th

As a long-term Apple user/fan, I'm both incredibly disappointed and intensely optimistic with this change. I've been using iOS6 since the first beta and saw the backlash coming. I think "Street View" is Google Maps' killer feature and no amount of "3D View" is going to replace the ability to virtually drive your route (or see the storefront, the turn you need to make, etc.). On the other hand, Google has a habit of releasing amazingly disruptive products (maps, gmail, etc.) and then the pace of innovation of each app slows dramatically. What was the last "innovation" gmail did? Priority inbox? Buying Sparrow? I'm optimistic this is the start of an arms race in the mapping area (Apple: please tackle email next); this needed to occur sooner rather than later. We don't know the circumstances of the switch (it seems equally likely that Google precipitated the change as Apple did) but given Apple's knack for taking a MVP and continually, doggedly improving it, I think the future is bright for iOS Mapping.

mburshteyn 14y ago
Do you think Apple would have any chance in an arms race over Search with Google? If the answer is no, why do you think Apple has any chance in Maps?
- MattRogish 14y ago
  On the desktop? No. On iOS devices? Absolutely.
w1ntermute 14y ago
The issue here is that maps is about data, not about UI or hardware, or any of Apple's core competencies. Whereas Apple doesn't know anything about data, it's Google's bread and butter. Sure, there are a few things you can do with the UI, but ultimately the new "wraparound" feature when you go around a corner in Apple Maps is worthless when you're driving, since your eyes should be on the road. But ultimately, creating a good maps product requires year after year of intense data collection and sorting, something that you can't just rush through. > On the other hand, Google has a habit of releasing amazingly disruptive products (maps, gmail, etc.) and then the pace of innovation of each app slows dramatically. What was the last "innovation" gmail did? Priority inbox? Buying Sparrow? Sounds a bit like everyone's favorite mobile OS from Cupertino. What was the last "innovation" in iOS? Siri? Barely works in real life, regardless of what they might claim in TV ads. Notifications that actually work? That was in Android for years before Apple copied it whole hog. Copy and paste? Are you shitting me?

mburshteyn 14y ago

Do you think Apple would have any chance in an arms race over Search with Google? If the answer is no, why do you think Apple has any chance in Maps?

MattRogish 14y ago
On the desktop? No. On iOS devices? Absolutely.

w1ntermute 14y ago

The issue here is that maps is about data, not about UI or hardware, or any of Apple's core competencies. Whereas Apple doesn't know anything about data, it's Google's bread and butter. Sure, there are a few things you can do with the UI, but ultimately the new "wraparound" feature when you go around a corner in Apple Maps is worthless when you're driving, since your eyes should be on the road. But ultimately, creating a good maps product requires year after year of intense data collection and sorting, something that you can't just rush through. > On the other hand, Google has a habit of releasing amazingly disruptive products (maps, gmail, etc.) and then the pace of innovation of each app slows dramatically. What was the last "innovation" gmail did? Priority inbox? Buying Sparrow? Sounds a bit like everyone's favorite mobile OS from Cupertino. What was the last "innovation" in iOS? Siri? Barely works in real life, regardless of what they might claim in TV ads. Notifications that actually work? That was in Android for years before Apple copied it whole hog. Copy and paste? Are you shitting me?