Google Maps may be the king of navigation.
Google Maps is back on the iOS platform. Apple, however, still has an app issue. Let go earlier this fall, Google Maps returned to the mobile platform as a standalone app on Thursday. Turn-by-turn navigation, public transit directions, a new integrated street view and an almost 3D Google Earth view are great improvements to the interface. Not to mention the app is FREE.
Apple Maps seems to fall short. Even Sri is jealous of the turn-by-turn navigation with voice. There is no dedicated iPad app for Google Maps, but millions of iPhone and Android users are good to go without the worry of getting lost. A login is required to access Google Maps; however, it shouldn’t pose as a nuisance. Once signed in, users can see previous searches and integrated custom maps, which helps frequent users. Other GPS systems and smartphone navigation can be a bit nerve racking, but the new Google Maps app if very user-friendly. The search location or address field is at the top of the screen, the main map is located at the center for optimum viewing and layers are clearly designated at the bottom right of the screen.
Pictures are improved as well. The street view is automatically at the bottom when you perform a search, and a light tap of the address will take you there without leaving the app. Of course Google Maps doesn’t give you the “flyover” feature Apple Maps does, but pedestrians will find it most helpful. Google Maps also takes advantage of all things touch screen activated. You can still zoom in or rotate maps with a tap here and pinch or slide there. When you’re out of town, finding local restaurants, businesses and landmarks is easier and more accurate. The location tool is similar to Apple’s in that it looks like an arrow; however, Google offers icons for directions and adding your home and work addresses. Going to the same place twice and don’t recall how you got there the first time? No worries when you have search history. Now you can hop on the road with confidence while Tom Tom collects dust on the dashboard of your car. Happy trails everyone.