Google has recently introduced their Maps app for the iPhone with lots of fanfare recently. Google’s release note stated, “People around the world have been asking for Google Maps on iPhone. Google Starting today, we’re pleased to announce that Google Maps is here—rolling out across the world in the Apple App Store.”
While this might be very pleasing for many Apple users, you can be sure that this did not go down well with Android vendors. In this very competitive smartphone market, vendors are looking for every opportunity to differentiate from rivals.
Apple’s mishap with their Maps app was one of those rare opportunities for companies like HTC and Samsung to boast that their devices have a better Maps apps that than found on iOS devices. And given the current uses of smartphones, having a great Maps app is a ‘must have’ for consumers.
A recent incident in Australia underscores the importance of having a good Maps app on your device. Apple’s Maps (and Google) were criticized for providing incorrect information to users, which could put their life at risk.
And ever the opportunist, Samsung’s PR people in Australia jumped at the chance of snagging iOS users disenchanted with their iPhone. The sign below was spotted in Australia soon after the Victoria Police issued their warning about the safety risk Apple’s map poses.
Now if you are Samsung, what’s the last thing you would want to happen here?
Yes, Not to have Google hand back the initiative to Apple. However, this is just what happened. By releasing their Maps on iOS, Google has given Apple a ‘get out of jail’ card. An Samsung’s PR people in Australia were left with eggs on their faces.
Writing for Wired, Ryan Tate explained why Google had no other alternative but to release a Maps app for iOS.
This is what Tate had to say:
[quote] By releasing new versions of Google Maps and Gmail for iOS this month, Google helped make the iPhone the best mobile phone on the planet. Why is Google, the owner of Android and Motorola, helping its ostensible rival?
The answer boils down to advertising. Google’s smartphone operating system, Android, has always been incidental to Google’s ad business, the source of virtually all the company’s profits, and Google’s Motorola handset division is, for now, a similar sideshow. Google doesn’t particularly care what operating system you use to view its ads or engage with its sites; it just wantsto pull you in. Google pumps money into Android mainly to ensure that companies like Apple and Microsoft can’t push its properties off of smartphones.[/quote]
I concur to some extent with the point Tate made in his piece. Some may argue that iOS and to some extend the iPhone does not have as much features as competing devices. And this may result in many Android users putting forward very strong arguments as to why his/her device is better.
However, if you are looking for stability and great Apps selection, iOS is second to none. And at the end of the day, smartphones are all about Apps and how well these Apps work.
Consequently, iOS users can remain loyal to Apple because there is nothing on competing mobile operating systems that they should be envious of, especially if Google continues to bring their best Apps to iOS.
