It is well known that maps are one of the most useful features of smartphones. I still see a very good amount of unexploited potential in maps. And I believe this is also the reason why Apple decided to develop a version of their own.
But I am surprised to see Apple delivering the new products with such poor and buggy maps. I not surprised to read Cook's official apologies. I am a little surprised by Cook recommending, in the same letter, to use competitors product. I would have expected a link to a different page listing alternatives.
I am sure Apple had very good reasons to deliver the phone in September even if map were clearly not ready. As I am assuming they knew the new maps were not classic Apple-quality, I cannot stop wondering if this would have happened with Jobs in charge.
Anyhow, customers are always lining up for iPhones and I am sure Apple will fix and work on the maps to make them amazing. Still, I find what happened very Apple-unusual… and I guess Cook felt it too if he delivered the official Apple iSorry.
Meanwhile - maybe also because of the new potential competitor? - Google keeps improving Google Maps:
- Google Maps, Now With More High-Res Satellite And 45° Aerial Imagery
- Google Maps Goes Diving, Provides “Seaview” Of Great Barrier Reef, Hawaii and Philippines
- Google Brings Its Indoor Maps To France
