It’s been a long wait, but Apple Watch finally gets Google Maps, which is good news for most people who have been sorely disappointed by Apple’s version of a map guide.
- Apple Maps first appeared in 2012, and was subjected to harsh criticism
- Google Maps is now available on the iTunes store for Apple Watch
When Apple Maps made its way to the iPhone in 2012 on iOS 6, it was quite clear that it was not the equal to Google Maps. Even the most loyal of users could note the discrepancies between the service, with Apple getting the worse end. It did not stand shoulder to shoulder with Google’s app in any category.
Apple Maps lacked the content, ease of use, functionality, and had been deemed to have laughable accuracy.
In fact, the joke has spread widely across the internet, with various users displaying the highly troubling details of their app. Ranging from incorrect roads leading to bodies of water or odd representations of the terrain, it was obvious to most that Apple Maps could not replace Google Maps.
The app received multiple updates throughout the years that have deemed it as mostly a decent product, but Google has been updating their app at an almost constant. They have added new features, detailed representations, and many more. It has become the number one service users go to when in need of directions.
Google Maps surprisingly didn’t arrive with the huge update for watchOS 2, but instead is now available in the iTunes store. The interfaces is certainly much simpler than it is on a smartphone or computer screen, but it works flawlessly when synched to your phone.
For the moment, it’s unclear if Google Maps will feature the same voice directions that Apple Watch users have seen in Apple Maps. However, that might be something to consider for the next update.
Instead, it offers turn-by-turn directions, with both Home and Work as marked places on the app. You can see directions for recent journeys, estimated time through various transportation means, and a few other key features. It certainly does not reach the full potential of Google Maps, but it might be preferred to the alternative.
Even iPhone users have been said to more frequently resort to Google Maps, and Apple Watch customers are finally given that option as well. It’s simpler and presents mostly the basics, but it’s also likely to be better.
There have been no confirmed updates after version 4.11.0 of Google Maps, but if the company’s track record is taken into consideration, there will always be more to tweak.
Image source: mashable.com
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.