Months after it was booted out of Apple's iOS platform, Google Maps finally returned to the iPhone via a new Google Maps app optimized for iPhone 5, the latest iteration of Apple's popular smartphone.
Google Maps' return came amid continued criticism of Apple for its glitch-ridden iOS 6 Maps solution, which comes pre-installed on its iOS 6 operating system.
"Navigate your world with Google Maps, now available for iPhone. Get comprehensive, accurate and easy-to-use maps with built-in Google local search, voice guided turn-by-turn navigation, public transit directions, Street View and more," read the Google Maps app's description in the app store for iOS.
It said iPhone owners can use Google Maps to "discover great places to eat, drink, shop and play, with ratings and reviews from people you trust."
While the app is optimized for the iPhone 5, Google said it is compatible with the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation and up) and iPad, and requires iOS 5.1 or later.
Tech site CNET lauded the new Google Maps for iOS for a brilliant interface, turn-by-turn directions, and Street View; accurate location search; and extensive points-of-interest.
However, CNET also noted there is no dedicated iPad app, and the 3D satellite view requires switching to the Google Earth app.
Still, it said Google again "sets the standard for what mobile navigation should be and more."
"Absolutely, it runs circles around the much-lampooned Apple Maps. Yet, it's also vastly improved over not only the Google Maps we had back in iOS 5, but also the version accessible through the iOS browser," it added.
Google said the app's features include:
Also, Google said its Street View and imagery allow 360-degree panoramas of places around the globe, along with high-resolution satellite imagery of locations around the world.
Google Maps' return came amid continued criticism of Apple for its glitch-ridden iOS 6 Maps solution, which comes pre-installed on its iOS 6 operating system.
"Navigate your world with Google Maps, now available for iPhone. Get comprehensive, accurate and easy-to-use maps with built-in Google local search, voice guided turn-by-turn navigation, public transit directions, Street View and more," read the Google Maps app's description in the app store for iOS.
It said iPhone owners can use Google Maps to "discover great places to eat, drink, shop and play, with ratings and reviews from people you trust."
While the app is optimized for the iPhone 5, Google said it is compatible with the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation and up) and iPad, and requires iOS 5.1 or later.
Circles around Apple Maps
Tech site CNET lauded the new Google Maps for iOS for a brilliant interface, turn-by-turn directions, and Street View; accurate location search; and extensive points-of-interest.
However, CNET also noted there is no dedicated iPad app, and the 3D satellite view requires switching to the Google Earth app.
Still, it said Google again "sets the standard for what mobile navigation should be and more."
"Absolutely, it runs circles around the much-lampooned Apple Maps. Yet, it's also vastly improved over not only the Google Maps we had back in iOS 5, but also the version accessible through the iOS browser," it added.
App features
Google said the app's features include:
- Find addresses, places and businesses around the world with Google local search.
- Discover places to eat, drink, shop and play, with ratings and local reviews.
- Sign in to sync your searches, directions, and favorite places between your computer and your phone.
- Voice guided, turn-by-turn driving directions.
- Find your way by train, bus, subway or walking directions.
- Access live traffic information in cities across the world.
Also, Google said its Street View and imagery allow 360-degree panoramas of places around the globe, along with high-resolution satellite imagery of locations around the world.
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