Google Maps For iPhone And iPad Update Released: Download the First Big iOS Update Since December Launch

Nearly three months following its (re)launch, Google Maps has received an update on Apple's mobile operating system, iOS.

Google Maps first came to the iOS in mid-December following heavy criticism of Apple's new maps app - Apple Maps. The critiques of Apple's new venture went so far as to prompt Apple CEO Tim Cook to issue an apology and recommend other map apps for the iOS.

"With the launch of our new Maps...we fell short on this commitment, Cook wrote. "We are extremely sorry for the frustration this has caused our customers and we are doing everything we can to make Maps better."

The debut of Google Maps led to the app to be downloaded more than 10 million times within 48 hours.

For a reviews roundup of Apple Apps, click here.

For a slideshow of Apple Maps' mistakes, click here.

Now in March, Google has issued their first update for Google Maps on the iOS 6.

In addition to the voice guided turn-by-turn navigation, public transportation directions, and Street View, version 1.1 adds the following:

- Search your Google Contacts: sign in to have your saved addresses show up when you search for friends and family by name;

- Quickly search for local places by selecting popular categories such as restaurants, bars, cafes, gas stations, etc.;

- Choose between Kilometers or Miles for your preferred distance units.;

Note that some features may not be available in all countries.

Google Maps version 1.1 launched today and is compatible for the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 5, iPod Touch fourth and fifth generation, and iPad. The version is suited for the iOS 5.1 or later.

To obtain the Google Maps update, click here.