Yesterday Apple made some announcements about software and hardware. There's some cool stuff in what they announced, and you should search out technology news websites to explore the new features if you're interested.
One of the new features was a new Maps application - which kicked Google out of the role of providing Maps on iOS. The Google Maps application for iOS is excellent. But Apple and Google are at war, and to Apple this means they must erase every last byte of Google's presence on iOS. Which also means bye-bye to the Google Maps application.
One feature in that application I use a lot is to get directions for pedestrian and mass transit routes.
The iOS 6 Maps application does not have those directions. It now has turn-by-turn DRIVING directions. Nothing for anything other than DRIVING.
You can go here to barrage Apple with tweets and facebook messages: http://www.walkscore.com/change/
I guess it also doesn't have height / altitude? I use my Magellan for GPS coordinates mostly for elevation to find highest points for Mtn topping . I had a Tom tom and got a Garmin instead so I now use two GPS and most of the time give 2 different directions. So I will wait on Apple to come up with a better~er system. I need elevation and not turn by turn. I have to check and if there is an App for my iPod touch then for elevation.Or even my MacBook Pro? Apple does have so much and now Mtn Lion for new MacBook computer.
KB1UKU
It looks like nobody at Apple (or my state's public-transit slashing governor) understands that the new generation of young urban USAns are not nearly so enamored with the automobile as us old farts in the whitebread suburbia were. And I also assume the guys at Apple don't know much or care much about their European or Japanese market.
I'm no fan of Google, but I applaud the integration of transit routes and schedules into Google maps as well as walking directions - and I have yet to discover an error in the bus or trolley stops or times either.
Guys, three things to remember:
This is Apple's first release of a maps app, having purchased several mapping companies. The first release always leaves out some features due to time pressure, and those features often come back in with later releases.
Google isn't gone yet, they are almost certain to release their own Maps application for iOS. They want the data that comes with the users, and they have already announced enhancements to their own maps code. The only question is will Apple allow the all into the Apple app store, and the probably will.
Lastly, you don't need a native app in order to get to google maps, they have a mobile web version that runs just fine in Safari. It won't integrate with other apps on your phone as well, but should be perfectly fine for giving walking/transit navigation guidance.
As to priorities, I think Apple knows they are losing features by moving away from Google, but they are willing to accept that loss in the short term. It's not about not caring for people without cars, Apple is also losing street view, which is a huge feature to get rid of. When visiting a new location, lots of people check out the street view so they know what to look for. I'm sure Apple is going to work to get these missing features back, it just takes time and money. A set of mapping data for the whole country is expensive to build, and one that has an added overlay for walking/bicycle/transit is hard to find.
My electric vehicle: CuMoCo C130 scooter.
Just ran across this. Apparently, pedestrians and transit users are not screwed at all:
http://grist.org/news/why-the-rumors-about-the-iphone-ditching-walking-public-transit-are-wrong/
My electric vehicle: CuMoCo C130 scooter.
Dang Mike - stop being so reasonable. I'll have to put down my pitch-fork and stop brandishing my flaming torch.
I was talking to an iOS developer and he expects that a native iOS Google Maps will be forced off the platform as soon as is reasonably possible and won't be allowed in the app store. Apple already prefers to not sell competing apps to what they provide (they claim it's to protect the consistency and integrity of the user experience - but we all know it's a cash grab).
So, while I can't quite muster up a mob to storm Cupertino I do think that Apple will once again try and use it's muscle to restrict choices on their products. Oh well.
On a happier note Apple's overly aggressive patent war seems to be being thrown out by the courts. The judge's basic argument seems to be "stop whining, you've made several billion and your markets are growing - so get over it you weren't hurt by this". (OK, that's just a slight paraphrasing - but you get the gist!)
John H. Founder of Current Motor Company - opinions on this site belong to me; not to my employer
Remember: " 'lectric for local. diesel for distance" - JTH, Amp Bros || "No Gas.