As we noted in our iOS 6 overview last week, customers and critics have been up in arms over Apple's new maps application and the reports of inaccuracies and misplaced cities and towns continue to flow.
The software, which runs on the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, was created using data from navigation firm TomTom, and replaces the popular Google Maps service. Once users upgrade to iOS 6 (or purchase the new iPhone 5), they are effectively forced to use Apple maps. There is currently no Google Maps app available in the App Store.
In the most severe examples of inaccuracy, Apple's new software has been found to be unable to locate entire towns or places destinations in entirely incorrect locations. Users have also reported landmarks such as museums appearing in the middle of rivers, and entire areas of satellite imagery being obscured by cloud cover.
Apple's response to the situation has been somewhat muted. "We launched this new map service knowing that it is a major initiative and we are just getting started with it," Apple spokeswoman Trudy Muller told AllThingsD. "We are continuously improving it, and as Maps is a cloud-based solution, the more people use it, the better it will get.”
The Maps issue has certainly struck a chord with iOS users and this is not the last we'll hear of what many are now cleverly referring to as the “Navigate” scandal. While Google’s Maps is still available using Safari, we'll have to wait and see on the appearance of a dedicated Google Maps App as well as any updates Apple makes to its service.
Source: BBC
Apple rushed a beta version of the maps to the masses. Chalk up a gigantic miss on the scoreboard.
This quote explains why people are seeing clouds instead of cities. Arrogant Apple strikes again.
Upgrades are for improvements, taking away functionality is a slap in the face of the consumer. Still lost me Apple.