Google's dead proud of its new Maps app for iPhone, boasting that the long-awaited app hit over 10 million downloads in its first two days in the App Store.
Taking to Google+, the big G's Jeff Huber says, "We're excited for the positive reception of Google Maps for iPhone around the world", confirming that the app hit the significant milestone in less than 48 hours.
The app will have been hungrily snapped up by iPhone owners who updated their mobiles to iOS 6, only to find that Apple's Google-excluding new Maps app was the stuff of nightmares -- filled with dodgy satellite pictures or incorrect, out of date information.
Google's alternative, released last week, is much more palatable, thanks to street view, a cleaner interface and public transport information. It's not perfect -- there are no offline maps for example -- but its a country mile better than Apple's shonky effort. If you haven't downloaded it already, you can do so here.
Shortly after its release, Google's app was the toast of the town, rocketing to the top of the App Store chart and garnering rave reviews from relieved smart phone owners who'd given the app a try.
Google will certainly be feeling smug having been originally given the boot from Apple's iOS operating system. Here's hoping the search giant doesn't waste that goodwill and updates its new app with sparkly fresh features soon.
The Maps app proves that what Google does best is search and software. It's not so hot on retail however, struggling on another front to handle demand for its dirt-cheap Nexus 4 smart phone.
Do you like the new maps app? Let me know in the comments or on our Facebook wall.
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shauney3 18 December, 2012 12:44
Really pleased with Google maps on iOS. Miles better than Apple Maps. Shame Apple blocks them from making it the default Map App - typical. Hoping they will port over the look and feel to Android as I am upgrading to my Nexus 4 which has finally shipped yesterday!! Whooo!
billfred 18 December, 2012 18:57
Yeah as good as the Android version is, the new iOS app so damn brilliant!
anonymous 18 December, 2012 21:44
The Android version won't be upgraded for a while yet.
This new iOS app is the latest and most advanced version of Google Maps to date; but there is no offline mode just yet.
Google clearly had to prioritise and get back the lost iOS customers, because they make more mobile income from them than any other platform.
Jason Alexander 19 December, 2012 19:47
Lets not get carried away!
I've downloaded it three times, it's a better than Apple Maps and 10 million downloads is great, but Apple has managed to get its own maps on (and Google Maps off) 200 million plus iOS devices. It's also got Google to update its map app, making it better than it is on Android, for free!
Not to mention spending three months highlighting every other location/navigation/map app in the AppStore.
LLS