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The problem Apple has is that Google Maps is awesome and they somehow have to top that. When Google Maps came out there was nothing to compare it to, it was so

by pan69 14y ago

The problem Apple has is that Google Maps is awesome and they somehow have to top that. When Google Maps came out there was nothing to compare it to, it was so far ahead and so much better than anything else. I think Apple has a difficult task ahead to "reinvent" maps. Also, do maps need reinventing?

ryandvm 14y ago
That's an astute observation; and quite amusing since it is exactly the opposite of how Android/iOS played out for them. Apple revolutionized the mobile phone experience with an astounding product and Google spent the following 4 years iterating on a copycat until they just recently closed the gap.
- kapitalx 14y ago
  The browser, maps, and email were the core functionality and appeal of the smart phone. Two were provided by google (maps and gmail native) and the third had google search set as default.
deleted 14y ago
[deleted]
ghshephard 14y ago
Apple didn't have to top Google, or even equal them. All they had to do was come out with a competent product. There were several options: 1) Realize that they weren't ready, suck it up, and negotiate with Google to keep their map as the primary product, until they were ready. 2) Decide that, strategically, they couldn't go with Google, so they would use some other third party - Bing, for instance, has some nice maps - but I'm sure those who know more than me could identify the partner would have been appropriate. They could have used this time to develop their mapping platform. But, they decided to go with the third option: 3) Try to build a mapping platform before they were ready to, and deliver an inferior product to their customers, albeit with some flashy "3D building" touring. They put the icing on the cake before the substances was ready. Now, ironically - I'm personally in no way effected. Living in the Bay Area, everything that I want from a mapping product right now is there. I quite like the IOS 6 product. But, it doesn't stop me from noting that Apple delivered a sub-optimal product, when they had the choice to do otherwise. It seems to be the blind-spot in their DNA - they are able to build great physical products, and competent operating systems - but web services continue to be a challenge for them to bring the same fit and finish to.
- trhtrsh 14y ago
  Does Bing have a mobile solution for 3rd parties?

by pan69 14y ago

ryandvm 14y ago

That's an astute observation; and quite amusing since it is exactly the opposite of how Android/iOS played out for them. Apple revolutionized the mobile phone experience with an astounding product and Google spent the following 4 years iterating on a copycat until they just recently closed the gap.

kapitalx 14y ago
The browser, maps, and email were the core functionality and appeal of the smart phone. Two were provided by google (maps and gmail native) and the third had google search set as default.

deleted 14y ago

[deleted]

ghshephard 14y ago

Apple didn't have to top Google, or even equal them. All they had to do was come out with a competent product. There were several options: 1) Realize that they weren't ready, suck it up, and negotiate with Google to keep their map as the primary product, until they were ready. 2) Decide that, strategically, they couldn't go with Google, so they would use some other third party - Bing, for instance, has some nice maps - but I'm sure those who know more than me could identify the partner would have been appropriate. They could have used this time to develop their mapping platform. But, they decided to go with the third option: 3) Try to build a mapping platform before they were ready to, and deliver an inferior product to their customers, albeit with some flashy "3D building" touring. They put the icing on the cake before the substances was ready. Now, ironically - I'm personally in no way effected. Living in the Bay Area, everything that I want from a mapping product right now is there. I quite like the IOS 6 product. But, it doesn't stop me from noting that Apple delivered a sub-optimal product, when they had the choice to do otherwise. It seems to be the blind-spot in their DNA - they are able to build great physical products, and competent operating systems - but web services continue to be a challenge for them to bring the same fit and finish to.

trhtrsh 14y ago
Does Bing have a mobile solution for 3rd parties?