tech

Apple kicks Google Maps off iPhone, adds Facebook

48 Comments

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

48 Comments
Login to comment

Would be nice if we could choose the apps we want and not what they want.

18 ( +21 / -4 )

Can you install google maps if you want? I hate that apple has decided to make this choice for everyone better or worse, I hope it blows up in their face.

12 ( +12 / -2 )

Yet another reason to ignore the iPhone and get a Nokia or an Android phone.

9 ( +14 / -7 )

aww damn. I really hate facebook. Being too connected is a big concern of mine.

As a web developer and designer Im always using mac products. I have an iphone, ipad, macbook and imac. But in saying that. I definitely prefer Google over mac. They are just so amazing. They offer so many awesome free services. Translate, converter, maps, earth, gmail, calendars, docs... the list goes on. Their motto is "dont be evil" .. that in it self is why google is better than Apple.

I wish Apple and Google weren't rivals.

8 ( +9 / -0 )

Looks like Apple have made some serious errors here.

First, Facebook has peaked and will soon start to decline in popularity. Maybe Apple will follow them?

Second, Apple hardware is good, but their software is poor (iTunes won't play my FLAC files, QuickTime won't play my video files, their office suite doesn't support OpenDocument formats etc etc). Based on this, I expect their Maps program to be fairly useless. Google Maps is far better than other alternatives, why ditch the best and replace it with some third-rate rubbish? Talk about cutting off your nose to spite your face.

Third: No ethernet port on the new MacBook is a terrible decision. Now I need to carry an ethernet adapter, a VGA adapter and the power adapter when I travel? And all because Apple can't be bothered to use standard ports. Are they trying to emulate Sony with their weird choice of non-standard ports? They will soon be emulating Sony's massive losses if they carry on like this.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

I think Apple is deluding themselves if they think they can provide better mapping data and technology than Google, which has spent tens of millions of dollars on the effort. Apple will have to go to third-party sources for its map data, and with Google pushing ahead with new layers, new views, new GPS technology on many fronts, anything Apple chooses to provide in place of Google Maps is bound to fall short of the mark.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

Apple - what do you need them to do before you realise they are rotten to the core.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Don't use Facebook and don't have an iPhone so no effect on me but does Apple really think they can find something better than Google Maps? Good luck with that!

3 ( +4 / -1 )

You don't have to use Facebook or Twitter on IOS6. Just don't sign into them in the settings. They are just integrated if you want to use them and not nessessary to use the phone. Google said that an IOS vernon of Google maps will be available at their Google Maps presentation last week. More competition means more befits for the consumer.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

WAHHH!!!! They're THREATENING me! I'm not going to play with them anymore! WAHHH! I'd like to say Steve jobs is rolling in his grave, but he was the master at this sort of B.S. He's probably taking a break from licking his master's cloven hooves in order to applaud his successor's non-wavering pursuit of EVERY DOLLAR IN THE WORLD for his stockholders.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

@ johninnaha

Nope. Not telepathic at all, but I have used crApple products before (owned an iPhone and iPad, and worked with many Macbooks) and they have all proven themselves to be 100% pieces of unreliable garbage as soon as a 'new' (extremely mildly improved replica) is pushed out of the company's bunghole, at which time a mandatory (previous model incompatible) iOS update is forced out. iTunes has forever been a thorn in my side and has NEVER worked efficiently (can you say... LAG?). With all due respect (for you, not the aforementioned company spawned from hell) If they can't even get their music app / program to work properly, I honestly don't think they can get geomapping right either.

2 ( +7 / -5 )

ps. as an avid gamer and PC enthusiast (made my first PC when i was 13)... Just making the decision to purchase apple products hurts my soul.. but they are so good for working on its crazy. Urgh.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

there had better be a way to download and install from the App Store!

1 ( +3 / -2 )

I have found that google maps have gotten not user friendly. I just want an arial view when I zoom in. The stupid thing keeps changing to street view. Can anyone tell me what I am doing wrong?

Also, can we take out twitter and FakeBook?

1 ( +3 / -2 )

I have found that google maps have gotten not user friendly. I just want an arial view when I zoom in. The stupid thing keeps changing to street view. Can anyone tell me what I am doing wrong?

I was all set to answer, when I realized I don't use Google Maps, I use Google Earth. I DO know that the little yellow guy just above the zoom settings is the Street View icon. I suppose if you went up too far it could be kicking Street View in on you. I couldn't get it to do what you describe.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I have a MacBook Air and thought the lack of Ethernet would be a problem. Actually in my experience it hasn't been. I haven't visited a hotel in the last couple of years that doesn't have WiFi. Maybe if I was going off the beaten track I'd pop a USB adaptor into my charger bag.

As for maps? I think people on this forum may be surprised. Apple have obviously dropped Google maps so that they can add their own features. Who says Google will always be a leader in maps? Competition is good.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

As a mac fan, have to admit, don't know if bailing on google is a good thing. I would never buy anything else, however, the lack of having an Ethernet, the new MacPro not having a dvd drive and only 512GB configurable to 768GB (a steep price tag of $3.300.00 yipes!) also, just wish Apple would take a customer survey worldwide and ask customers what they would like to see or not in an app. That should be their first and overall goal to satisfy the customer and NOT spoon feed what THEY think the customer should have. Don't care about the rivalry between Apple and Google, just keep the google maps to appease the customer. pie in the sky, I know, but one can dream...

1 ( +2 / -1 )

the Apple Maps (devs) are saying it is much better that Google Maps.

are they now, Apple app devs saying their product is better? of course they are. Apple maps might be decent in the USA but don't expect it to be good in Japan, don't expect street view.

F.Y.I In Japan the best maps aren't even google the best maps in Japan are Yahoo Japan maps (on the regular internet that is.)

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Apple should give customers the ability to uninstall Facebook Maps and Twitter if they don't use them nor want them. The problem with Apple's iPhone or Android and their carriers install bloatware and won't let the owner uninstall them when the owner pays out between $200-350 on a contract or full price for the phone. Apple, Android, and the carriers have more control of the phone than the owner overall.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

only good for MACniac...

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I like the macbook pro.. everything, but the price...

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Hope google returns fire and makes Google Maps a paid app in iTunes. Turn Apples decision against them as users flock to google maps, in turn making money for Google

0 ( +1 / -1 )

"Those who dont want to use Wi-Fi to connect to the Internet will have to buy an adapter "

Typical Mac approach, of form over function. The LAN jack is biggish and thus disrupts the thin design, so ditch it. I've had to connect on ethernet several times at hotels, friend's house, etc., due to weak, faulty or absent wi-fi. Glad I didn't have a Mac at the time.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Haha! Android gets more apps, more developers jumping the crApple ship, and the minor addition of Instagram. How does crApple respond? By dropping apps and making the 'garden' even smaller for iSheep! Nice move! Hahahaha!

0 ( +5 / -5 )

I would buy a retina macbook for the display but the lack of wired ethernet is a deal-killer for me.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

shirokuma, i definitely agree. I wonder if Apple will come out with their own StreetView vans.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I think the only times I ever plug my macbook into an either net cable is when I'm travelling .... hotels and such. To be honest I think it would be a pain to carry an adapter everywhere if you are doing short business trips.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

No disc drivers and no Ethernet ports. Not sure if they are moving forward or taking a retro step.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

@Scrote Great post. I agree 100%. When I first saw the retina MacBook I just about ruined a pair of pants, but with no Ethernet port and the price I'm not sure. If they had a retina display in a cheaper model, I'd get it in a heartbeat, tho. To any doubters, just try using a craptacular low res display tablet after reading on the new iPad. Feels like you're working on a machine designed to look like an 80s 8-bit game.

But it's like you said. Mac had awesome hardware but garbage apps. My 3 year old Mac is still fine for nearly everything without ever upgrading memory or anything, except from day 1 until now the slowest, laggiest apps have always been iTunes, iPhoto and Safari.

Tho one thing people are forgetting: the new map app in iOS 6 is by TomTom, I believe. So it may not be able to do some things google maps can, but it should work well enough.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Super High res display Macbook display.....looks nice but cant be used at its full size!, most software and apps are not compatible, it will have to run at scaled down sizes. Wait a while if you want one, wait until it works properly. It's Odd as Apple don't usually don't send half baked goods out. As for Apple maps? brave move, I have a feeling google maps will be the number one most downloaded app from the app store soon. Apple cutting off their nose to spite their face.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I'm thinking there will be an Apple Maps pro so that Apple can squeeze more money out of people.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Most of you are misinformed: people who has had access to the the Apple Maps (devs) are saying it is much better that Google Maps.

The reviews I've read doesn't say it's way better. There's basically two major differences: Apple maps will get turn-by-turn navigation but it will not have public transport information. Other than that it's basically a clone of Google maps.

Android's map is still better but on the iPhone, Apple's map will be slightly better than Google maps.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Hahaha, so Facebook would be even more ubiquitous on Apple products! Anyhoooooo.........

At least Apple is finally building-in turn-by-turn directions and voice-launch 3rd-party apps, which other smartphones already have, though it still needs to improve on its alert system where it's still playing catch up to Android. And maybe a larger screen too. Now they just need to open up and let other web browsers in, instead of acting like a Microsoft monopoly against Netscape, and upgradeable data storage - with micro-SDHCs becoming cheaper nowadays, there's no reason not to. And with phones becoming slimmer as well, there's really no reason to keep the humongous 30-pin connector occupying such huge real estate (hopefully replaced by industry-standard micro-USB connector) to instead free up space for other additions (internally and externally).

And Macbooks are actually getting the newest Intel Ivy Bridge chips soon after the PCs, instead of months later as previously, though the Macbook Air is now playing catch-up to ultrabooks even though Air came first. Retina Display is excellent, though hopefully with 16:9 ratio too, as most videos and TVs nowadays are. And oh, HDMI too finally! That's just been a standard for TVs for years! Now they just need to also put it on the next iPad and micro-HDMI for iPhones also, like the other smartphones already have.

Hopefully iTunes gets much needed update too, especially with better browse/search capabilities for once - with already 650,000 apps, that's been a constant issue among its users and difficult discovery of new apps.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

just looked at screen shots. Looks exactly like my old iPhone 3 os, wow what a marketing scam.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

incredible use of space and frustrating - you cant remove nor replace the battery - its glued in! the RAM is soldered on, you cant touch or modify anything or repair it yourself. Un-upgradeable.

IT repair guys in companies will be ripping out their hair if their workers are macbook pro users.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

"Users will be able to update their Facebook status by talking to their phones, and “like” movies and apps in Apple’s iTunes store, Apple executive Scott Forstall said."

Wow... these are the alternatives being put in to replace such a useful app as Google maps? While some of the other new features coming out with the new OS (including Apple maps), sound pretty good, for once I've got to say it seems like Apple's not thinking too much.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Eventually they may well turn on Facebook and redlist them as well. No skin off my nose, but those who buy Apple products for such functions had best beware.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Have a look inside the new MacBook.

Incredible use of space:

http://guide-images.ifixit.net/igi/wjQEMuXtw61X1ZHI

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

You dont have to be telepathic to assess this change now. As an Apple developer I could download the IOS6 beta now and try it, but I prefer not to since I'm targetting IOS5, and dont want to bugger my phone up if the beta has issues.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

No disc drivers and no Ethernet ports. Not sure if they are moving forward or taking a retro step.

Next thing we'll hear they will be dropping USB ports

@JapanGal, it's not just Google Maps.. Gmail has gotten pretty awful too with the new interface. And don't forget how they screwed up YouTube when they changed the UI and removed groups. Many users still can't forgive that. Those drones at Google need a lesson in logic and user friendliness.

I've never liked Facebook either, BTW... talk about overexposure. I do hope Google Maps comes back as a paid app.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

Most of you are misinformed: people who has had access to the the Apple Maps (devs) are saying it is much better that Google Maps. Just make a search over the net, you won't find any negative review of it. I agree that buying a MacBook is only for people who can dare a little, it's my case. Waiting for iOS6, the Nano IPad and the next iPhone.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Google just wants to sell advertising space, beyond that it doesn't really care.

Like LostinNagoya, I'm waiting for iOS6 - and Mountain Lion too.

I don't know how or on what hardware people who complain about iTunes try to run it, but it's not slow, even on my ancient Titanium Powerbook and plenty fast on my three year old iMac. It's got some great features. Genius, for example, is excellent. And I have WiFi in the whole apartment, so that I can switch speakers, change songs/playlists, adjust volume etc., from an iPhone, iPad or iMac.

And there is NOTHING to touch iPhoto. Someone tried to turn me on to Picasa once. It's horrible.

What's the beef about Mac apps?

Everything works, fits together beautifully and I haven't seen a crash since MacOS 9.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

It's amazing to see so many negative comments from people who haven't even seen or used the iOS6 Maps.app.

What are you all, telepathic, or what?

-4 ( +4 / -8 )

Who says you can't choose the apps you want?

If you're talking about Gatekeeper, it's completely configurable.

-5 ( +4 / -9 )

Does that mean iPad too?? How will I avoid all those traffic jams in Tokyo??

-7 ( +1 / -8 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites