Apple Maps is getting better, even beating Google Maps in an informal race between Silicon Valley reporters -- but any improvements are yet to reach the rest of the world.
Like a kind of geektastic Cannonball Run, tech expert John C. Dvorak raced Leo LaPorte, Lisa Kentzell, and Glenn Rubenstein from The Week in Tech to Apple's California headquarters, each using different maps apps.
Apple Maps and Google Maps took on Waze, which came in third. Dvorak complains that Google Maps is "getting a little ragged", with rerouting during your journey causing problems. Ultimately, the driver using Apple Maps arrived at their destination first.
Great -- Apple Maps now works within a couple of miles from Apple's offices. Good work, Apple. Now how about the rest of the world? Australian police and firefighters warn that Apple Maps can be dangerous, and even worse the other day the app tried to direct me to a pub that's been closed for more than five years.
The Apple Maps app launched with such inaccurate information and outdated data that Apple boss Tim Cook was forced to issue an unprecedented and humiliating public apology, even recommending rival apps.
Google Maps, the default map option on iOS devices before the advent of Apple Maps, returned to iPhones in December in the form of an app. But although there's an iPad version of Google Earth, there's still no iPad version of Google Maps.
Have you noticed an improvement in Apple Maps -- or a deterioration in Google Maps? Or do you refuse to go near Apple Maps full stop? Tell me your thoughts in the comments or on our Facebook page.
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Comments 9
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anonymous 8 March, 2013 14:10
I just bought me two Nexus 4's for me and wife. Had a 3GS then got me an S2, never looked back.
anonymous 8 March, 2013 14:39
apple needs to prove it self first before people trust it again like they used to. they no longer the company that cant do no wrong, they got few more strikes left before they go stale like blackberry. i cant believe they employ so many people n they cant come up with refreshed iso after so many years
Peter Hudson 8 March, 2013 15:12
"they no longer the company that cant do no wrong" I may have been permanently damaged by the facepalm I just did.
anonymous 8 March, 2013 19:02
Snap onon 14:10 just got me & mrs two nexus 4's end of feb & they are brilliant phones. I was lucky to get tickets for the man u/madrid game & as arrived in manchester my daughter age 25 used her fantastic haha iPhone 5 to locate our hotel. After 20 mins, yes 20 mins the fantastic iPhone 5 was still not capable of locating the hotel. Now i'm no tech wizard but just typed into my nexus 4 phone the name of the hotel & within 30 seconds a turn by turn map appeared. I tapped the daughter on the shoulder & said shall we go. Her red face was a sight to behold as her much hyped phone had been beaten badly by a phone thats not even half the price. Thanks Google.
anonymous 8 March, 2013 21:52
apples and pears guv
anonymous 8 March, 2013 22:24
I've used apple maps in the uk a few times now and have had no problems with it
anonymous 9 March, 2013 01:11
If anyone was in any doubt about whether Google is an evil, insidious, creepy and dishonest collection of theiving criminals, learn about how much info they stole from scanning wifi in homes using their street view cars.
'Don't be evil'?
How ironic.
anonymous 9 March, 2013 23:04
Apple maps works better for me than Google Maps in may head to head comparisons. It is way more useable and does;t change the interface as much as Google making much more useable when driving.
I have used both recently in San Diego and Los Angles and all through Australia and Shanghai
The one thing Google Maps is still better at is finding things by name.
anonymous 11 March, 2013 22:08
I've not tried Apple maps recently, I stopped using it after having a few bad experiences with it putting shops I was trying to get to in the wrong place, but Google maps has a horrible habit of telling me which exit to take off a roundabout about 10 seconds after I've already left it. Could be bad reception or something rather than the app, but regardless, I've started to go back to good old fashioned sign posts as much as I can.