Credit: Apple Inc.
Apple shoots itself on the foot—again. This time they launched its new Maps service with glaring errors. Customers say the new app is problem ridden, has glitches and doesn’t offer as detailed information as Apple Maps app competition like Google Maps. The faulty Apple Maps app have left many wondering if Steve Jobs would have allowed this unfinished software to be released to the wild. I would like to point out that Steve Jobs had his own Antennagate when he allowed a faulty iPhone to be launched. Now Cook has his Mapsgate. Is Apple losing its search for excellence?
Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, wrote an “extremely sorry” letter of apology to its customers. This is what he said:
“To our customers,
At Apple, we strive to make world-class products that deliver the best experience possible to our customers. With the launch of our new Maps last week, we fell short on this commitment. We are extremely sorry for the frustration this has caused our customers and we are doing everything we can to make Maps better.
We launched Maps initially with the first version of iOS. As time progressed, we wanted to provide our customers with even better Maps including features such as turn-by-turn directions, voice integration, Flyover and vector-based maps. In order to do this, we had to create a new version of Maps from the ground up.
There are already more than 100 million iOS devices using the new Apple Maps, with more and more joining us every day. In just over a week, iOS users with the new Maps have already searched for nearly half a billion locations. The more our customers use our Maps the better it will get and we greatly appreciate all of the feedback we have received from you.
While we’re improving Maps, you can try alternatives by downloading map apps from the App Store like Bing, MapQuest and Waze, or use Google or Nokia maps by going to their websites and creating an icon on your home screen to their web app.
Everything we do at Apple is aimed at making our products the best in the world. We know that you expect that from us, and we will keep working non-stop until Maps lives up to the same incredibly high standard.
Tim Cook
Apple’s CEO“
What’s missing from Cook’s letter is any explanation about why Apple would knowingly publish a beta product that frustrates customers and causes Apple to send out a note to customers saying “I’m sorry we fumbled with the ball and lost a touchdown.” While this is happening, Google is laughing all the way to the bank with a better product. The technological war between Google and Apple continues. Good Day.
Source:Â Apple CEO apologizes for Maps flaws, recommends rivals – Yahoo! News
They did state why they left Google and that was because the Google agreement did not allow “turn by turn” voice.
I really don’t consider the map problem to be all that great. In Panama, Wase is a very good app and the one I use. I have just installed Bing and while it doesn’t give turn bu turn, it looks good.
Whether Apple maps improves to the point that I use it really has no real importance in my decision to use or not use Apple or it’s products.
I have thrown my Garmin car unit out in favor of iPhone and the advantages that Wase provides. when you consider the cost of a Garmin unit and Kindle (Android based) you could buy an iPhone at full price and have more function.
Google has turned into the piranha of the digital industry. I personally am weaning myself from all Google based products. I personally hope Windows 8 can gain some traction and start reducing some of the Android monopoly.
I have upgraded my iPhone 4S to IOS 6 and love it.
Hi Don:
I really don’t care for Apple Maps since I have a Garmin GPS which works very well in my car. With all the changes being made to the highway in Panama City, I don’t know if I’m going or coming. Never thought I would be a stranger in my own city. El Cambio is going strong in this country and more is on the way before this current President is done.
When my old Chinese Apple clone cellphone dies, I’m thinking of coughing some money for an Apple smartphone. But my ole gadget is still working fine. No need to hurry.
The war between Google and Apple will be interesting to watch. Microsoft has lost its mojo as well as Rim and Nokia. The two remaining Masters of the Universe are these two juggernauts. A share of Google is worth almost $800 ($754.50) and Apple is following close behind ($667.10).
I recall when the world was owned by Microsoft and Intel; the duo was called “Win-Tel”. Technology moves so fast it’s almost impossible to keep pace.
I have a reminder on my iPad to upgrade to iOS 6, but have read controversial comments about its performance. I’ll wait a few days more until the dust settles. I’m still reading the owner’s manual. Again no hurry. Most of my work is done with my faithful HP desktop which already has seven candles on its birthday cake.
Regards,
Omar.-
How often is Garmin updating their maps? Are the updates free. Are you using Garmin’s or someone else’s maps. Personally, I like WASE because it is interactive and users tell you were the problems are as well as speed traps. Besides it is free and up to date.
The IOS 8 update went easy and I like it. I think it is faster than before.
Are you using the iPad for books now or still using the Kindle?
Hi Don:
When I purchased the Garmin GPS, I also purchased the Garmin Panama map which came in a mini SD card which is easily inserted on one of the sides of the gadget. I understand the SD card with the Panama map is provided to Multimax by Garmin.
The salesman told me the software is updated automatically the satellite. I’m amazed of how exact the map is. Everywhere I’ve driven in Panama City is exactly shown on the gadget’s screen. I don’t trust it enough to use it in the speedways, but eventually I will do it on a Sunday or National Holiday when the traffic is slow. So far so good.
I haven’t used the iPad to download books from Apple. For that function I’m using Amazon’s Kindle Fire. It is easy to carry around due to its small size (7 inches diagonal) and less heavy than the iPad. The Kindle Fire is almost the size of an ordinary book, plus the clarity of the screen is almost like reading from real paper. So far it is my default gadget for reading books.
I’m currently using the iPad to stream Live TV from CNN and Netflix movies. It works just fine and the sharpness of the colors on the screen is stunning.
I know that I have a lot of territory to cover; but that’s okay, I’m in no hurry. I’m retired with plenty of time to learn.
Regards,
Omar.-
“Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.”
Henry Ford