Apple is all set to cut its ties with Google by ditching Google Maps from iOS 6. The company announced its own mapping service on the opening day of the WWDC for its next mobile operating system that will be replacing Google's mapping service.
iOS devices have been loaded with Google Maps service since 2007. But now a new Maps app is coming out this fall with iOS 6, featuring real-time traffic conditions, Yelp integration, 3D flyovers, vector graphics and turn-by-turn navigation. Users with an iOS device can expect to get this app on their hands as most of the currently popular iOS devices are going to receive an iOS 6 upgrade. This new Maps app was presented at Apple WWDC's keynote address on Monday. This app features a lot of new features mixed with some old features.
One of the noticeable new features of the latest iOS Maps app is its visual redesign. The app uses vector-based graphics that will be drawn by the device instead of bitmap images. As the device will draw vector graphics based on instructions, users can pan across a map faster. They don't have to wait for new map images to appear.
The Maps app also features turn-by-turn navigation with real-time traffic information. Integrated Yelp reviews will be included with local information. The 3D flyover feature will be photo-realistic and this feature will be for major metropolitan areas across the world. Google's 3D flyovers are based on actual images where this latest app will feature computer-generated lifelike models.
Another noticeable feature of this Maps app is Siri integration. Actually, Siri was already integrated with Maps in iOS. But the latest integration will give users directions to the place they want to go with turn-by-turn navigation instead of telling them just the location of the place. It's not confirmed whether Google's Street View will be gone from iOS too but there are strong possibilities that it will.
