X
Tech

Google Maps for iOS message: What Google really meant to say

Google's blog post on the Google Maps for iOS launch has a series of jabs in it. Here's a between the lines reading.
Written by Larry Dignan, Contributor

Google has launched its native Google Maps app for iOS and the world can rejoice---and stop driving into ravines, oceans and other things trying to follow Apple's ill-fated map effort.

googlemapsios

The effort by Apple to boot Google and develop its own maps only to flop and later apologize to customers highlights the ongoing mobile battle between the two companies. The maps flap also illustrates the two companies core competencies---Apple does design and hardware and software integration and Google does data and cloud.

Overall, it seems more likely that Google will get the design chops before Apple gets this cloud and data thing right.

The upshot here is Google's blog post on the Google Maps for iOS launch has a series of jabs in it. Here's a between the lines reading:

Google officially says:

People around the world have been asking for Google Maps on iPhone. Starting today, we’re pleased to announce that Google Maps is here—rolling out across the world in the Apple App Store. It’s designed from the ground up to combine the comprehensiveness and accuracy of Google Maps with an interface that makes finding what you’re looking for faster and easier.

What Google really meant to say:

Those silly kids at Apple thought it could do maps better than we can. Good luck with that. People have been asking for Google Maps on iPhone because Apple maps suck. Ha!

Earlier: Google Maps for iOS now available | Google didn't just release an updated Google Maps for iOS, it's Google Maps Navigation Beta | Apple's Map apology: Humble, plugs other services, good enough

Google says:

The app shows more map on screen and turns mobile mapping into one intuitive experience. It’s a sharper looking, vector-based map that loads quickly and provides smooth tilting and rotating of 2D and 3D views. The search box at the top is a good place to start—perhaps by entering the name of a new and interesting restaurant. An expandable info sheet at the bottom shows the address, opening hours, ratings and reviews, images, directions and other information.

What Google meant to say:

We do data as organizer of the world's information. We'll dress that data up too. But you can't put a pretty face on crappy data and expect to get much.

Google says:

At the heart of this app is our constantly improving map of the world that includes detailed information for more than 80 million businesses and points of interest. Preview where you want to go with Street View and see inside places with Business Photos to decide on a table or see if it’s better at the bar. To get you there, you’ve got voice-guided, turn-by-turn navigation, live traffic conditions to avoid the jams and if you want to use public transportation, find information for more than one million public transit stops.

What Google meant to say:

We have such a ridiculous lead on Apple on mapping we're not even sure why they try. And yes, we're going to take this map thing and tie in business advertising---since that's what we do.

Google says:

The world around us is constantly changing and, thanks to feedback from you, we make tens of thousands of daily updates to keep Google Maps accurate and comprehensive. Here’s a helpful hint for the new app: if you see something off, simply shake your phone to send us feedback.

What Google meant to say:

We just wanted to reiterate that we do data and can integrate feedback since Google Maps will be ridiculously popular and we have that Android market share.

Google says:

To complete the Google Maps ecosystem, we’re also releasing the Google Maps SDK for iOS, and a simple URL scheme to help developers use Google Maps when building their beautiful and innovative apps.

What Google meant to say:

Since Apple tried to eradicate us once on maps we're going to get developers on our side. One nice perk of this effort is that these developers might become Android converts from iOS.

Google says:

The new Google Maps app is available for the iPhone and iPod Touch (4th gen) iOS 5.1 and higher, in more than 40 countries and 29 languages, including Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish. Please note some of the features mentioned in this post aren’t available in all countries.

Visit the App Store today and download the new Google Maps app. We believe this delightful new experience is a great starting point—and we’ll continue to improve Google Maps for you, every day.

What Google meant to say:

Apple can't keep up with us on maps and has other things to do. Maps aren't a hobby for us.

Editorial standards