Apple fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief when it comes to the iOS 6 maps app.
"Google Maps is now available for iPhone."
That is the headline from Google's official blog on Wednesday night which led to Google Maps for iOS 6 to Twitter trend worldwide, even against competition from the 12-12-12 Concert for Sandy Relief.
Previously, Google Maps was a preinstalled app for Apple devices until the launch of the iOS 6 in September. Google Maps was replaced by Apple Maps, which was met with heavy criticism.
For a slideshow of Apple Maps' mistakes, click here.
The quick and early backlash from iOS 6 users led Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook to issue an apology.
"At Apple, we strive to make world-class products that deliver the best experience possible to our customers," wrote Cook. "With the launch of our new Maps last week, we fell short on this commitment. We are extremely sorry for the frustration this has caused our customers and we are doing everything we can to make Maps better."
Cook also took the time to recommend other map apps, form Bing, MapQuest, and Wave.
Dismissals also took place from those involved in Apple Maps, including Apple Maps Manager Richard Williamson, a decision made by Senior Vice President for Internet Software and Services Eddy Cue, according to the New York Times.
According to Bloomberg, Cue recently took the position after Scott Forstall departed from Apple, rumored to be for several reasons but ultimately the comments on Apple Maps proved too much for Apple.
Even Google Chairman Eric Schmidt commented on Apple's decision to remove Google Maps and YouTube from iOS 6.
"It's always been on and off [with Apple]. Obviously, we would have preferred them to use our maps. They threw YouTube off the home screen [of iPhones and iPads]. I'm not quite sure why they did that," said Schmidt.
But at last, Apple has approved the latest update for iOS 6, in fact, it is compatible with iOS 5.1 users and later.
According to Google Maps for Mobile Director Daniel Graf, their new maps app is "designed from the ground up to combine the comprehensiveness and accuracy of Google Maps with an interface that makes finding what you're looking for faster and easier."
Google noted additional features, or reminders, for those interested in downloading the free maps app:
- Find addresses, places and businesses around the world with Google local search.
- Discover places to eat, drink, shop and play, with ratings and local reviews.
- Sign in to sync your searches, directions, and favorite places between your computer and your phone.
- Get voice guided, turn-by-turn driving directions.
- Find your way by train, bus, subway or walking directions.
- Access live traffic information in cities across the world.
- View 360-degree panoramas of places around the globe with Street View.
- See inside more than 100,000 businesses worldwide.
- View high resolution satellite imagery of locations around the world.
- An entirely new Google Maps experience on your iPhone.
- Newly designed and streamlined interface for even easier navigation of your world.
- Use gestures to explore the map and browse results.
The Google Maps app is compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod Touch 3G to 5G, and the iPad.
"We believe this delightful new experience is a great starting point-and we'll continue to improve Google Maps for you, every day," added Graf.
To download the app, click here.
Stay tuned to Latinos Post as we'll provide online reaction to Google Maps' return to iOS 6 users.
For a reviews roundup of Apple Apps, click here.
For a slideshow of Apple Maps' mistakes, click here.