They didn't mention offline support for maps/turn-by-turn. Considering Google's recent announcement I think they would've made a point of mentioning it if the feature was there. While Apple's own map product looks great, lacking the offline navigation functionality coming soon to Google's maps puts it a step behind - exactly as Google expected, it would seem.
Can't wait to see both products' 3D maps side-by-side!
Estimates are that Apple paid Google about $100 million for the use of their maps in 2011. I imagine that if that was calculated on the number of iOS devices sold, it would have been a lot more this year.
Even with the purchase of three mapping companies, it's going to cost Apple a lot less to do this themselves going forward.
$100 million over 4 quarters is pocket change for apple. Having control over maps has much more meaning than such a minor amount of money: think service integration, advertising, additional services...
At the end of the day all Apple software is still a vehicle to sell premium hardware at good profit margins... Not sure how getting heavily invested in something like this helps them in the long run.
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Souka - Monday, June 11, 2012 - link
Will you need a 4s for this to be even usable? Probably....Knowing Apple..it'll "run" on a 4s...but a iphone 5 will be recommended....
bensulli - Monday, June 11, 2012 - link
They didn't mention offline support for maps/turn-by-turn. Considering Google's recent announcement I think they would've made a point of mentioning it if the feature was there. While Apple's own map product looks great, lacking the offline navigation functionality coming soon to Google's maps puts it a step behind - exactly as Google expected, it would seem.Can't wait to see both products' 3D maps side-by-side!
SydneyBlue120d - Monday, June 11, 2012 - link
When no direct Apple mapping is availble who is providing the maps? Same old Tele Atlas by TomTom as Google Maps? TnxUpSpin - Monday, June 11, 2012 - link
According to older reports they're using OpenStreetMapmelgross - Monday, June 11, 2012 - link
Estimates are that Apple paid Google about $100 million for the use of their maps in 2011. I imagine that if that was calculated on the number of iOS devices sold, it would have been a lot more this year.Even with the purchase of three mapping companies, it's going to cost Apple a lot less to do this themselves going forward.
name99 - Monday, June 11, 2012 - link
That's not even the most important point.Google's ToS for Maps kept restricting what Apple can do, even as competitors and Android maps are not so restricted.
Obvious examples are
- Apple could not provide turn-by-turn instructions
- Apple could do very limited caching of data
SetiroN - Tuesday, June 12, 2012 - link
$100 million over 4 quarters is pocket change for apple.Having control over maps has much more meaning than such a minor amount of money: think service integration, advertising, additional services...
Impulses - Monday, June 11, 2012 - link
Wonder how far they'll go to continue severing ties with Google, and whether it really helps them significantly.Impulses - Monday, June 11, 2012 - link
At the end of the day all Apple software is still a vehicle to sell premium hardware at good profit margins... Not sure how getting heavily invested in something like this helps them in the long run.Bateluer - Monday, June 11, 2012 - link
Apple invented the Map, after all. Amiright?name99 - Monday, June 11, 2012 - link
Really? You're proud of yourself with that comment?Well done sir. You are truly a master of both wit and business insight.