Google Maps vs. Apple Maps: Google Chairman Would 'Really Like' Apple to Return to Google Maps

The criticisms about Apple Maps may have eased, but Google's chairman still believes the Cupertino-based company should return to Google Maps.

Google Chairman Eric Schmidt, while attending a conference organized by AllThingsD, did not elaborate on why Apple strayed away from Google Maps, but still has hopes and is pushing Apple to utilize their mapping service as the primary navigation tool on the iOS platform.

Schmidt said, "We would still really like them to use our maps. It would be easy for them to take the app in the store and put it as their basic one."

He also did not specify on how those talks are progressing.

Apple launched Apple Maps in time for the iOS 6 and iPhone 5 last September, but the service, unfortunately, was met with strong criticism.

For a reviews roundup of Apple Apps, click here.

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

The fiasco eventually led to Apple CEO Tim Cook apologizing to Apple costumers and the dismissal of Apple Maps executives.

"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 provided recommendations to Apple Maps, which can be found here.

Google Maps did launch for the iOS in mid-December, leading to 10 million downloads in two days. Google has since provided an update to their navigation app in early March.