Thursday, December 13, 2012

In what could be termed as a major relief to Apple's iOS 6 and iPhone 5 users, Google has finally managed to push its Maps into the iTunes App store.

In an effort to take over all mapping activity on the Apple's products, the search giant has also launched the Google Maps SDK for iOS, thereby allowing coders easy access to its platform and add the mapping data into their software.

However while the Google Maps app is available for download in the iTunes store in the United States and 50 other countries but is yet to reach the iTunes store in the United Arab Emirates. In the GCC it is only available in Kuwait.

Earlier the Google Map app kept appearing and disappearing from the App store as soon as it was launched on Wednesday evening. Many who tried to download the app were directed to a broken link. The issues was rectified soon and its now available for download at the Apple's iStore in the US.

Making the announcement, Google said on its blog, "People around the world have been asking for Google Maps on iPhone. Starting today, we're pleased to announce that Google Maps is here--rolling out across the world in the Apple App Store. It's designed from the ground up to combine the comprehensiveness and accuracy of Google Maps with an interface that makes finding what you're looking for faster and easier."

The app shows more map on screen and turns mobile mapping into one intuitive experience. "It's a sharper looking, vector-based map that loads quickly and provides smooth tilting and rotating of 2D and 3D views. The search box at the top is a good place to start--perhaps by entering the name of a new and interesting restaurant. An expandable info sheet at the bottom shows the address, opening hours, ratings and reviews, images, directions and other information," the note adds.

Google also tweeted about the availability of its new app saying, "It's here. Google Maps for iPhone. Voice navigation, local search, Street View, transit & more. Get,"

Users too have been taking to the social media to express their relief.

"Hallelujah! Christmas has come 12 days early! GOOGLE MAPS ARE BACK! (It's a little different, but it really works!)," says a tweet from @JonathanHaynes

"Finally, a maps app that understands when you search for obscure places like 'Oxford Circus'," says another tweet by @rchrd_h

"Google Maps is now in the App Store. Unfortunately, I tried to find the App Store using Apple Maps and now I appear to be in Minas Tirith.,"  says yet another tweet from @ChrisHewitt.

Apple users have been highly critical of its decision to ditch Google Maps, replacing it by its own substandard mapping application.

Earlier this week police in Victoria, Australia, issued a warning discouraging iPhone users from relying on Apple's map app after many users were stranded in the wilderness, when they tried to follow the directions from the map.

Announcing the launch of its SDK to developers, it said, "To complete the Google Maps ecosystem, we're also releasing the Google Maps SDK for iOS, and a simple URL scheme to help developers use Google Maps when building their beautiful and innovative apps."

With the Google Maps SDK for iOS, developers can feature Google maps in their applications on the iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad. Also, the SDK makes it simple to link to Google Maps for iPhone from inside your app, enabling your users to easily search and get directions.

The SDK features vector-based maps that load quickly, allowing users to easily navigate 2D and 3D views, rotating and tilting the map with simple gestures inside your app. Developers can also change the Google maps view to include information such as traffic conditions, and control camera positions in 3D. Access to API keys is being progressively rolled out to developers who register interest.

Any iOS app can also launch the Google Maps for iPhone app using a URL scheme. This allows Google Maps for iPhone to be launched to complete a search, show a map or Street View imagery, or to see and navigate walking, driving and transit directions easily.

© Emirates 24|7 2012