Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) is working on a map service for iPhones and iPads, reports New York Times. This confirms speculation over the same after a swelling section of consumers complained about Apple’s in-house map service for the iOS operating system.
Well placed sources in Google’s task force noted that Google’s plans to launch a map app for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) devices were in the pipeline. The sources, who for obvious reasons remained anonymous, said that the app’s development would be completed by the end of the year.
Industry analysts note that Google’s map service is more likely to outshine Apple’s service. As earlier noted, the latter’s service has been on the receiving end of criticism after consumers complained about mislabeled landmarks and inaccuracies in addresses, among other mistakes.
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has however noted that its new service will improve over time.
Google’s map service for Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) devices has been a topic of prolonged debate. This is particularly so because Apple recently phased out Google map apps in favor of an Apple map service. Initially, an agreement between the two tech rivals compelled Apple to bundle Google’s map service with its devices. As such, Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) was caught unawares when Apple developed its own map service for its iOS operating system.
Rickety relationship
Complications in Google and Apple’s map app contract highlight the rickety relationship that characterizes these two tech heavyweights. This perhaps explains Google’s canny public approach towards the map service.
On Tuesday, Google executive Chairman Eric Schmidt noted that the company had not made any efforts towards submitting a map service for the iPhone. All the same, the unnamed sources within his stable beg to differ. As earlier noted these sources even went ahead and placed a timeframe for the project citing that the maps would be submitted by the end of the year.
All the same, there are several obstacles bottlenecking Google’s map service for the iOS. For instance, Google is still reviewing its work relationship with Apple in light of the unexpected launch of Apple’s own map service. Likewise, a person familiar with Google maps notes that Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) will face major challenges when creating a map service. This is because its map service will have to match Apple’s 3-D imagery, compelling it to change its base code.
Meanwhile, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) continues to fuel the undisguised rivalry between it and Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) in its continued headhunt for Google map’s staff. According to sources, Apple is in need of Google’s talent for the sole purpose of improving its map service.
