Seems that Apple cannot release a new version of iOS or a new iPhone without at least some controversy. This time it is the new Maps app. This Maps app, created by Apple and using a new map sdatabase owned by Apple, replaces the old app which used Google Maps data.
With the change comes a change in features. The big new feature is turn-by-turn spoken directions. The big missing feature is Google’s Street View.
Instead of Street View, Apple Maps includes Flyover — 3D renderings of buildings in major downtown areas. Apple Maps also ties in to Yelp for reviews but it lacks public transportation or walking directions.
The reason for the new app reportedly comes from Google’s reluctance to allow spoken directions in the old app, instead reserving that key feature only for rival Android phones.
Complaints about the new app include losing Street View, public transportation and walking directions, and inaccuracies in the new maps database. The Google maps database has been refined and corrected over a period of almost 10 years, while the Apple Maps database is just now being used by the public for the first time.
There are rumors of a coming new maps app from Google that iOS users can get from the app store. In the meantime, some of the features of Google maps can be accessed in iOS in the Safari browser. There are also a variety of other 3rd-party maps apps in the iOS app store.
“Who is this Sheila that is a VIP in your Mail app? And why am I not a VIP?”
Another relationship destroyed by a new OS X feature.
Wednesday was a busy day for Apple as it pushed out a new version of iOS, many updates to iOS apps, OS X 10.8.2 and updates to many Mac apps as well.
The iOS 6 launch held no surprises as the software has been tested by developers for many months now and Apple has listed and demonstrated the new features for a while. But this is the first time most people have had the chance to use the new Maps app, panorama photo mode, Passbook and new Siri features. Comments have been mixed, with some focusing on the differences between the new Apple Maps app and the old Google app.
This new version of OS X brings Facebook integration and enhancements to Game Center, Messages, Reminders and Notes. Overshadowed by many of the day’s announcements was the addition of shared Reminders lists, support for shared photo streams on the Mac, and an update to the iOS Cards app making it work better on the iPad.
The week will end with the release of the iPhone 5. Most of the initial shipments of the phone should arrive in mailboxes tomorrow, and in-store sales will begin, most likely with long lines.
“You’ve always had the power to go back to Kansas. You have an iPhone in your basket. Just ask Siri and with iOS 6 you’ll get turn-by-turn spoken directions.”
Tech news sources are running an article today over a guy suing Apple because when you ask Siri which is the best iPhone, it answers “The one you’re holding” and other such similar things. (Source)
I find this article and whole the idea of suing Apple over this interesting because I think it is all about a misunderstanding. If you ask Siri which is the best phone, you get the answer “The one you’re holding.” Obviously the person in this article take that to mean “the iPhone.” But that’s not what I think Siri means.
Ever ask a pro photographer which camera is best? They will answer “the one you have.” In other words, the best camera is the one you have on you when you need it to capture the shot. It is a very deep answer that speaks to getting a camera that is convenient, but also about not worrying so much about the best camera and instead concentrate on the shot itself.
I assume Siri means the same thing here. The best phone is the one in your hand because it is better to think about where you are and what you are doing. Otherwise, why doesn’t Siri say “the iPhone?”
It is a joke. It is a joke with a message, which makes it funnier and gives us something to think about.
The idea that this is “sponsored advertising” is ridiculous. What about the Apple logo on the back of the iPhone? Is that advertising too? The logos on cars and the Windows logo when you boot up a PC?
Of course the other danger here is what effect this will have on Apple and the rest of the industry. Someone at Apple was trying to be funny. They were trying to make a harmless joke. But now that person is in trouble. Now Apple will start to have to put all of their “funny” answers through the legal dept. They will most likely stop trying to make little jokes like this. Other companies will too.
This guy just made our world a little less fun.
Apple refreshed all of its small devices on Wednesday as well as giving us an official date for the launch of iOS 6.
The new iPhone 5 will come out on September 21, and will feature a taller screen, LTE connectivity, better camera and a new A6 processor. The new iPod touch will match the iPhone’s screen size and come out in October. The touch will also be able to use Siri for the first time. The iOS 6 update gives Siri to the new iPad as well.
The taller iPhone and iPod touch will have more vertical screen space that can be used by the interface and apps. Older third-party apps will still work on the new phone without utilizing the extra pixels. The improved camera can be used along with a special panoramic shooting mode to take even larger photos.
The new iPod nano also has a larger screen, and will give the iPod line back the ability to show pictures and video. It will not run iOS 6, but remain a simpler device like the previous iPod nano’s that came before it.
The Wednesday event was full of other surprises, like new in-ear headphones called EarPods, a new smaller dock connector on all devices, new iTunes 11 software across all platforms, and new colors for the iPod shuffle.
Announcing our new 342 B.C. Abacus! Now with 9 rows of stones and a hardwood frame.
“Why not 10 rows?”
“I liked the old frame better.”
“Is it compatible with my counting beads?”
The invitation to next week’s Apple press event all but confirms that it will be about the next version of the iPhone. The invite shows the date, a 12, leaving the shadow of a 5, apparently referring to the iPhone 5.
Rumors have been suggesting that this event will be dedicated to the next iPhone, although reports are all over the board about what new features may be included. Many agree that it will include a new, smaller, dock connector and a taller screen. It is also possible that this event will include the announcement of a matching iPod touch.
However, most believe that a second event in October will focus on other products, such as the possibility of a smaller version of the iPad.
“You tried to put a mountain lion in a 2008 enclosure? Didn’t you know they aren’t compatible!”
