App Store navigation applications have flourished on iOS because of the lack of good navigation functionality in Apple’s stock Maps application. In iOS 6, Apple appears to have finally stepped up their game to something more useable. Google Maps is a terrible way to navigate yourself, as it is dangerous to look at the iPhone screen and calculate your destination on a soundless Google Map.
With iOS 6 Maps, iOS finally gets native turn-by-turn navigation support. The interface is equally as beautiful as it is functionally great. We see in the turn-by-turn mode everything that we would expect in a GPS application. Miles to go, large banners telling us what road we are on, traffic conditions, estimated time of arrival, and a live visual of where we are moving. Turn by turn navigation means voice – YES VOICE! – telling us exactly where to go so we don't have to calculate our destination by ourselves.
Apart from turn-by-turn navigation, Maps doesn’t appear to use Google Maps for its standstill views anymore. According to Apple’s Web site, the new Maps uses Apple-designed mapping technology that looks great, uses high-contrast saturated colors, and maintains that professional, simple look that Apple is known for. With it, it is easy to see the landmass you are on with surrounding highways.
The biggest update to the Maps application is the Flyover view. This view seems to take advantage of that virtual reality view that was rumored so long ago. With it, you can see places in high definition detail from up above. It allows you to see great cities from where you would never expect to see them. The new view is equally as beautiful as it is powerful. With it, you can get a better understanding of an area and learn your way around without ever leaving your home.
Without a doubt, the Maps application was recreated from scratch and then dipped in gold. It will make navigation easier by helping us around our local neighborhoods with turn-by-turn navigation, allow us to use a nicer-looking map, and see our location from birds-eye view in high definition. If this isn’t easier than watching a blue dot move around on a Google Map and potentially not paying attention to traffic, then we aren’t sure what could make the Maps application any better!
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