A new and updated Google Maps is back on the iPhone, following a three-month absence after it was removed as a pre-installed app from iOS 6 and customers were forced to use Apple’s own brand of mapping technology.
The map app isn’t just back, it’s markedly different (at least for iPhone users). The version is similar to what’s available for Android phones, reported the Los Angeles Times.
Google Maps, which is available in the Apple App Store, now has voice-guided turn-by-turn navigation–the one feature Apple was pushing for. Other features include more map on screen, 2D and 3D views, live traffic jam conditions, public transit information, street view and photos inside some businesses, said Google in a blog post.
The new Google Maps app is available for the iPhone and iPod Touch 4th generation iOS 5.1 and higher. The search engine giant also is releasing the Google Maps SDK for iOS and a URL scheme to help developers use Google Maps when building their own apps, the company said.
Apple’s maps have endured loads of criticism and poor reviews since September. Motorists in Victoria, Australia were even warned by police to be careful when relying on Apple’s maps after a number of drivers became stranded.
Photo: Google
