Google Maps native iPhone app launched on Apple's store

By Leo Kelion

Technology reporter

Google has released a native version of its Maps app for the iPhone.

It follows Apple's switch to its own map software which stopped Google powering the handset's default app.

The move was widely criticised after numerous mistakes were found in Apple Maps's search results.

Full story: http://www.bbc.co.uk...028#TWEET444135

-- BBC 2012-12-13

Finally!

Wow, it looks like they've added everything to this app - includes voice navigation and street view.

I guess they figured losing 100M customers wasn't worth it... kudos Google. And thankyouverymuch, Google maps is the best at the moment, there's no question.

Downloaded already.

Edited December 13, 201213 yr by nikster

Seems like Apple's decision to prematurely dump Gmaps worked out for the best as far as "the rest of us" are concerned.

Now we've got a Google maps app that's WAY better than before. And an Apple maps app that's very pretty and hopefully will be improved so it can someday compete with Gmaps.

anyone know if a version for the ipad is imminent?

or does the phone version run on the ipad? i'm not in an area where i can connect iDevices at the moment and am curious to know ....

iPad version is imminent, I've heard. Have not tried so don't know.

iPhone apps always also work on the iPad but in scaled up 2x pixel mode so it doesn't look as good.

Finally!

Wow, it looks like they've added everything to this app - includes voice navigation and street view.

I guess they figured losing 100M customers wasn't worth it... kudos Google. And thankyouverymuch, Google maps is the best at the moment, there's no question.

Downloaded already.

Nikster. Does navigation work in Thailand??

If yes you get it on Apple before they make it available on Android (Thailand map navigation) weird

sent from my Q6

I can't get the navigation to work here only the preview works..

Am I the only one with this problem?

Looked on the net and it said that the navigation was beta does that just mean its in the US for now?

Sent from my iPhone using ThaiVisa app

I believe Navigation is unavailable for Thailand, and many other countries. It can be hacked in the Android world to work here in Thailand - I've done this and find it superior in most regards to my Garmin nuvi.

It seems like Google Maps is better on the iPhone than on Android.

-----------------

Google Maps for iPhone Returns Better Than Ever

Google's GOOG +0.04% rich, reliable Maps app is back on the iPhone, and that means iPhone users can stop relying on the flawed, fledgling Apple AAPL +2.90% maps app that replaced it as a built-in feature in September. Apple's version is still bolted into the phone, and the new, free Google app must be downloaded from Apple's app store. Google says the app was downloaded 10 million times in just its first two days of availability last week.

The reappearance of Google Maps on the iPhone closes a big advantage Google's own Android phones had gained when Apple's replacement turned out to lack some key features, such as labeling of buildings and businesses, street-view photos and public-transit routing. It also offered too much inaccurate location data.

However, the biggest news here is that the new iPhone version of Google Maps isn't just better than Apple Maps. For now, at least, Google Maps is better in most respects on the iPhone than it is on Android phones. It has been redesigned with a cleaner, simpler user interface that makes it easier to use. Google officials say they took the sudden need to build a new iPhone version as an opportunity to rethink the popular app from the ground up.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324907204578187360502871352.html

^ I have not tried navigation so I'd go with the response above. Guess not...