Purported Google Maps App Pictures Show App in Alpha Stages

[Anthony Bouchard]

They’re not exactly the type of screenshot pictures that we would expect from someone with an iPhone, however it could be that the iOS developer testing the application, Ben Guild, needed to hide certain elements from the public.

These pictures supposedly display pieces of the Google Maps application that Google has been rumored to be working on for the App Store. The reason for Google working on such an application would be because of Apple ditching Google Maps in iOS 6 and users not being happy with Apple’s new iOS 6 Maps application and its features. Google also launched their own YouTube application through the App Store because Apple removed theirs in iOS 6.

The application is reportedly in early alpha stages and Guild was able to get his hands on a copy for testing. In the screenshots we see the obvious search bar at the top, a compass similar to the one in Apple’s iOS 6 Maps, and a symbol displaying a time estimate. Judging the appearance of the individual elements in the application, the design definitely looks like something of Google's making. The actual map on the other hand, looks a little suspect as it almost looks like Apple's, although this could just be because it's in alpha stages.

According to MacRumors, the application will support the iPhone 5’s 4-inch display and it uses vector images that are “fast,” and support two finger rotations at "any angle." There isn't an official ETA for Google's Maps to come to the iOS App Store yet, but this news seems to support that it is coming.

Will you be using Google's Maps application instead of Apple's?

Sources: MacRumors

[Charlymanson]

I will be using Google maps because of the transit information. The new Apple Maps does not give me any info on bus schedules and train times.

[MetallicaFan1991]

I miss Street View, wtf were Apple thinking getting rid of Google maps!

[Striknine]

Can't wait to get my google maps back.

[CrAcKzZZ]

I'm definitely using it. As much as i love using stock apps, Apple's Maps just isn't trust able. Maybe in a years time I'll use it, but for now Google is the way to go.

[Slimz]

I was just in NYC for meetings and for the first time since IOS 6 dropped, and let me tell you, I didn't like the maps, but it's poorly done. Google maps just had so many more POI's when trying to get around Manhattan. I had to borrow a nav unit.

[Mrteacup]

.. wow what a leak. they are making a google maps app. word.

anyway why do you all hate on apples maps app? Its been great for me

[xboxbml]

U should see apples idea of a left turn was a couple weeks ago...for some reason this app won't let me upload pic...anyway, it was quite comical...

[runey71]

I miss Street View, wtf were Apple thinking getting rid of Google maps!

If you do a bit of Googling you'll find why Apple ditched Google maps. Google dramatically altered the licensing agreement. Apple was not the only company to ditch Google maps because of this. Google also would not license out certain aspects. They chose to make Google maps fully featured on Android but crippled it, in comparison, on iOS and elsewhere. Which is fair enough. So really Apple had little choice on the matter. They still of could of done a better job of it though. Whilst I don't have the issues many are reporting Apple maps still feels as though it was rushed.

[Anthony Bouchard]

I miss Street View, wtf were Apple thinking getting rid of Google maps!

I don't think street view is anywhere near as helpful on the road as turn-by-turn navigation. I use it so much more.

At least you can visit the Web app in Mobile Safari to use street view.

[ssjbrolly]

.. wow what a leak. they are making a google maps app. word.

anyway why do you all hate on apples maps app? Its been great for me

The reason why so many hate apple's is because its way off and sometimes gives you direction to places that aren't even there! Some people are lucky and the apple maps works fine for them depending where they live, but for most it's horrible. I live near Washington DC and let me tell you, using apple's maps, so bad that I whooped out my paper map book at 1 point. Yesterday I was looking for a burger king and it took me to an old construction site that has been there for many years lol.

I would gladly use google stand alone app any day.

[Anthony Bouchard]

Some people are lucky and the apple maps works fine for them depending where they live, but for most it's horrible.

I think it goes the other way. There are far less people actually having the issues reported than people getting from point A to point B just fine.

I have not met anyone in person yet that has any problems with using the Maps.

[zplit]

I live in NY and use the iOS 6 map for the past 3 days here in NY and also NJ and works perfect. I don't miss good map at all. In my case is a big +.

[rcm]

How is it so hard to make the same app but with an extra .3 inches, i don't get why Google didn't have a backup plan since they knew with months in advance that apple was removing the app. If Google has the rights to the original maps, which are the same as the browser version, just fix the size for the iphone 5 and just name it Google Maps, and if there is any conflict with the Maps part, just use the M alone, of call it Google Roads, bottom line, this whole maps fiasco is just Google and Apple messing with us, in the end they are like step brothers, different parents but same family.

[thazsar]

I think it goes the other way. There are far less people actually having the issues reported than people getting from point A to point B just fine.

I have not met anyone in person yet that has any problems with using the Maps.

Agree!
-Is Apple Maps perfect? No.
-Is it good enough? Yes.
-Will it ever be as good as Google Maps? Prolly not; Google has put many more years into their maps service than Apple has.

I don't see what all the uproar is about, though. It'll get better in time and although it might never be as great as Google's, its not worth putting an unnecessary app on my phone just cuz it's not the same as before.

...my two cents

[Mrteacup]

Agree!
-Is Apple Maps perfect? No.
-Is it good enough? Yes.
-Will it ever be as good as Google Maps? Prolly not; Google has put many more years into their maps service than Apple has.

I don't see what all the uproar is about, though. It'll get better in time and although it might never be as great as Google's, its not worth putting an unnecessary app on my phone just cuz it's not the same as before.

...my two cents

agreed except the end. It will become better than google maps because it can actually be updated. Google maps has been the same thing for years. It works but it doesn't improve or add any features, apples on the other hand will constantly be improving and adding functions

[Silvio6]

Sure. I would use the browser version of Google maps instead of Apple maps on my iphone 4 and new ipad; I'm in Europe, Apple maps seems 20 years behind ..

[garfielgato2]

I don't have a complaint with apple maps, but this can be handy for those that travel a lot or are new to a certain place on the world

[kalpesh78]

I miss Street View, wtf were Apple thinking getting rid of Google maps!

I guess only time will tell. Apple has a new toy to sell. Maps. lets hope they patch an update soon.

[holyshnikes]

I think we're missing the fact that Google may be using Vector graphics to create for their map app. Yeah, no, Google never copies Apple...