Google is said to be putting the finishing touches on a new standalone Maps app for iOS devices, which it hopes will replace the now standard Apple Maps on iOS 6 devices.
A source close to the Google camp reported to The Wall Street Journal that the company was finalising its own standalone app for iOS, and it’s currently being tested in the field by a group of individuals.
Google Maps for iOS will offer a very similar set of features to Apple Maps, with turn-by-turn navigation, pedestrian and vehicular navigation and much more.
Apple ditched Google Maps when it launched the iOS 6 update earlier this year, much to the disappointment of many users. It replaced the long-standing solution from Google with something it developed in house, and the resulting Apple Maps app lead to something of a debacle with users reporting numerous inaccuracies and problems.
Since the Apple Maps fiasco blew up we’ve been hearing rumours of a standalone app from Google that will bring Google Maps back to iOS. While this would be something we’re sure Apple wouldn’t allow into the App Store for obvious reasons, it appears Google is pressing ahead with a solution.
Google’s YouTube app was also ditched by Apple upon the launch of iOS 6, forcing them to create a standalone app that can be downloaded from the App Store. At present the app is only available on iPhone and not iPad, which is something that frustrates many Apple fans.
The search giant seems to be putting a lot of effort into making its presence felt on iOS once more after being shown the door by Apple, despite also competing with its own Android platform for smartphones and tablets.
Let us know your thoughts on our comments below or via our @Gadget_Helpline Twitter page or Official Facebook group.
Via: WSJ