I’ve been poking around with iOS 6 maps on both my fourth-generation iPod touch and on Jennifer’s third-generation iPad. My initial impression is that the app is fast and renders streets quickly, and turn-by-turn directions seem to be okay in practice. The satellite imagery comes from different sources than Google’s and in some areas is actually higher resolution than what Google offers. There’s a lot of missing data though: searching for local bank branches while we were in Ottawa this weekend, for example, was an exercise in futility.
More analysis from around the Intertubes:
- Ars Technica: Transit app developers see iOS 6 Maps as a chance to shine
- Counternotions: Apple Maps: The FAQ
- Forbes: Why Apple had to do maps: a mobile engagement analysis
- Jean-Louis Gassée: Apple Maps: Damned if you do, Googled if you don’t
- And some smart stuff from TeleMapics’s Mike Dobson.
The Next Web reports that Apple’s satellite imagery only shows China and Taiwan when viewed from China. TechCrunch reports that Apple is recruiting former Google Maps staff and points to weirdness that ensues when Apple Maps links are used on the desktop.