During the past week we have established one thing for certain, everyone hates Apple Maps. The latest open criticism came from where it was most-expected, that is to say, Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG). The executive chairman of Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG), Eric Schmidt, cannot see any reasonable value in the new application. While talking to reporters, he commented, “In my opinion it would have been better to retain our maps,” WSJ reports. “It’s their decision, I’ll let them describe it.”
A couple of days ago Schmidt squashed the rumors that Google is preparing an app for iOS 6 to compete with Apple’s shoddy work. He said there are no such plans underway. It appears Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) is working a ‘let them burn’ strategy here. Meanwhile, a hacker wormed his way through the iOS 6 code and developed a way to use Google Maps on the iPhone 5.
Amid all the criticism, BusinessInsider looks at why Apple went for the maps application anyway. Of course, capitalizing on an oft-used mobile app was the the principle concern for Apple, especially when the app comes from a competitor, which is considered their arch nemesis. It is also known that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Google were in talks to increase the adaptability and functions of Google maps for the iOS platform and those negotiations were unsuccessful. Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) reportedly refused to give features like turn-by-turn navigation and vector based maps, which load faster, to Apple’s devices. This led to a hurried venture into the maps sphere.
The growing list of Apple’s critics include analysts , users, and predictably competitors. Nokia Corporation (NYSE:NOK) began with a jibe at Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) on its blog. Nokia criticized Apple on building assets with only advertising, and acquiring mapping content from third parties which in Apple’s case is location data from TomTom.
Nokia’s Corporation (NYSE:NOK) criticism was followed by Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) and Motorola. Both platforms are cozy with Android, and therefore, with Google maps. Motorola mocks Apple’s maps with a clever phrasing in its advertisement, “Google Maps on Droid Razr M will get your there, and not iLost in Brooklyn.” Interestingly Apple’s iOS 6 page claims the Maps to be “the most beautiful, powerful mapping service ever,” adding, “you won’t get lost.”
