…while Google muscles in on its turf with iPhone maps app
GOOGLE yesterday released a version of its mapping software for Apple devices, following widespread criticism of the iPhone maker’s own service.
Apple replaced Google’s software with its own as the iPhone’s default maps application in September. However, the service was riddled with errors, leading chief executive Tim Cook to issue an uncharacteristic apology.
The service had put landmarks in the wrong place and sent tourists off course. Police in the Australian city of Mildura had warned travellers not to use the app this week after reports of it sending people to a national park 45 miles away.
The fiasco led Cook to fire Apple executive Scott Forstall, who was in charge of software.
In a blogpost announcing the software, Google’s director of mobile maps, Daniel Graf. highlighted Google’s focus on accuracy.
“We make tens of thousands of daily updates to keep Google Maps accurate and comprehensive,” Graf wrote.