Apple Dropping Google Maps, Making its Own
What with all the squabbling, we’ve known this was coming, but its still nice to hear it confirmed. Apple will be dropping Google Maps from iOS in version 6 of the operating system, relying instead on a home-grown solution.
What’s more, the system looks like it will be quite impressive, hosting immersive 3D thanks to C3 technologies, a mapping company it bought last year (check out this impressive video of the Hoover Dam as rendered by their tech).
This is a rumor, but so far it is a rumor that has been confirmed independently by two sources with excellent Apple track records: 9To5Mac and All Things D. Apparently, the 3D effect is going to be a “tent-pole” feature, one that will “blow your head off,” according to All Things D. So expect the 3D effect to be impressive.
It is about time that Apple did something greater with mapping on iOS. the product hasn’t changed much since it was introduced in 2007, and Apple hates Google. Having to rely on what they think of as despicable thieving competitors surely was something that drove them near insanity. Apple already moved off of Google Maps in iPhoto for iOS, opting for OpenStreetMaps instead. But that was likely a temporary move to wean the company off of Google dependency, something that a great number of companies have been trying to do lately.
If Apple managed to implement a compelling maps service like what C3 is able to offer, well, they will have a serious advantage. C3 has truly compelling tech. While I probably won’t switch from Android as long as Google is promising Google Glass, well, a good mapping product is a major differentiator.
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