How's this for timing? While Apple is embroiled in one of its biggest foul-ups to date over its mapping software, Google has rolled out a batch of updates to its own navigation aid.
Google Maps now has 45-degree imagery for 51 cities around the world, including our very own Newcastle. So that means you can get an eyeful of the Gateshead Millennium Bridge and its surroundings as if you were in a passing helicopter. Pisa in Italy has been given the treatment too, so you can take a look at the famous Leaning Tower.
The new angle is available in 37 US cities, and 14 international locations, Google announced on its blog. It could well have developed the feature after hearing about Apple's Flyover option, which lets you adjust your viewing angle. Though I doubt Google is too worried about Apple Maps at this moment in time.
So what else is new? Aerial and satellite imagery has been updated for 17 cities and 112 countries, for both Google Maps and Google Earth. And again, Newcastle is on the list. Those lucky Geordies.
Google recently brought underwater panoramas to its Street View service, giving a glimpse of what life is like under the sea.
Apple, meanwhile, introduced a handy section in the App Store to help your find a decent maps app. This comes off the back of Tim Cook's apology, where he admitted the company hadn't kept to its usual high standards with Maps. I'll say. Anything that prompts a Tumblr in its honour has to be a bad thing, if you're Apple. Cookie's recommendation? Try an alternative while it tinkers with Apple Maps and gets it good and ready.
Have you tried the 45-degree angle in Google Maps? Let me know what you make of it on our Facebook page, or below in the comments.
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anonymous 30 September, 2012 12:31
This is like rubbing salt into the wounds lol
anonymous 30 September, 2012 15:49
I have google maps .How do I download update. to 45 degree image version
Late8 30 September, 2012 16:41
Doesn't seem to be available on Google maps on my phone either. Nor on Google earth on both android and iOS. (30th sep)
anonymous 1 October, 2012 11:15
I gave it a try on an app called Street Viewer from the BB App World on my bb Playbook and it must be said, I Iuuuuuurve iiiiiit! (muttley the dog impression)... You don't have to believe me, try it yourself. Thanks Joe S.
anonymous 5 October, 2012 18:17
Millions if IOS6 users want to revert to IOS5 but Apple has blocked them. The Maps problem is a 100 times worse outside the USA, where Apple Maps data is very poor. Unfortunately, most of us Apple users followed the 'nag' screen and upgraded to IOS6. When a free update is available to Microsoft Office etc., almost everyone updates; similarly, 150 million people have updated to IOS6.
Tens of Millions of the users who blindly upgraded and now want to go back to what they had paid for, but are now stuck without a downgrade path. Is it not illegal for Apple to block the capability to revert to IOS5?