Google Maps for iOS is now available for download
Despite rumors that Apple would leave Google’s rumored maps app for iOS lingering in app approval purgatory, the app went live yesterday and should be a god-send for anyone who has been less than thrilled with maps in iOS 6.
Notably, Google’s new maps app for iOS features turn-by-turn directions, something Google has only previously implemented in the Android version of the application. What’s more, Google Maps includes public transit directions, a feature Apple’s own maps app conspicuously lacks.
In David Pouges review of the app, the former Macs for Dummies author notes that Google Maps enables users to read restaurant reviews via their acquisition of Zagat and even book reservations. Of particular interest is that Google readily admits that it’s maps app for iOS is better designed than its Android counterpart with Google’s Daniel Graff telling The Verge that “Google Maps for iOS is the best-designed maps app on any platform.”
As of now the app is only compatible with the iPhone but an iPad version may soon be forthcoming.
Google adds:
To complete the Google Maps ecosystem, we’re also releasing the Google Maps SDK for iOS, and a simple URL scheme to help developers use Google Maps when building their beautiful and innovative apps. The new Google Maps app is available for the iPhone and iPod Touch (4th gen) iOS 5.1 and higher, in more than 40 countries and 29 languages, including Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish. Please note some of the features mentioned in this post aren’t available in all countries.
via Google
