With the WWDC announcement of Apple maps, yet another battle has ensued between ever-combat-ready Apple fans and Google fans. With the same functionality to cater, the Apple maps do have a huge chip on their shoulder and they will have to do something very out of the box to win this round.
Though Apple maps do look very crisp and new (shown on the right side in the picture above) but a map is not judged by its newness rather by the information that it provides. Google maps (left half of the picture) do provide more information, zoomed in or zoomed out. Street names, street directions and even smaller milestones are visible in zoomed out view. Zoomed in view is further detailed. Google has managed to add quality information that Apple has ignored in favour of looking sleek.
Google and Apple both have excellent turn-by-turn direction, though Apple do have the advantage of enhancing the user experience with traffic updates using real time reporting by users. Which means in case of an accident on the route, alternate route is suggested promptly, also updating the ETA. Siri also gives Apple maps an edge over Google maps. The biggest thing in favour of Google maps here is the lack of public transit routes in Apple maps. And since this feature is heavily used, Apple will have to come up with a clever ploy by the time Apple maps are released.
Apple maps lack the street view function while Google’s street view is quite elaborate. Flyover is a nice, fancy feature but may be it’s only that. It seems more of a cosmetic touch than a functional one.
Both maps feature a local search functionality. Google claims to have more businesses, hence more info. While Apple argues the point that adding yelp will give users a better experience.
Although much cannot be said until Apple maps are finally released with iOS 6, but as of yet, Google maps are clearly winning the battle.
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