It is no secret that Apple and Google are no longer partners as they once were and the rivalry between the two companies has been steadily on the rise. Consequently, Apple's recent acquisition of map software developers like PlaceBase and Poly9 to potentially replace Google Maps on the iOS are entirely along expected lines.
A recent communication between Apple and US federal legislators have unearthed some more interesting information on how Apple has been working to reduce its dependency on its rival.
In June this year, Apple made a number of changes to its privacy policy that led two federal legislators to question the company's motives. While Cupertino's response to the issue itself is nothing unusual, the letter makes note of a subtle change in the use of location databases. In the communication, Apple writes:
"To provide the high quality products and services that its customers demand, Apple must have access to comprehensive location-based information. For devices running iPhone OS versions 1.1.3 to 3.1, Apple relied on (and still relies on) databases maintained by Google and Skyhook Wireless (“Skyhook”) to provide location-based services. Beginning with the iPhone OS version 3.2 released in April 2010, Apple relies on its own databases to provide location-based services and for diagnostic purposes. These databases must be updated continuously to account for, among other things, the ever-changing physical landscape, more innovative uses of mobile technology, and the increasing number of Apple’s customers. Apple has always taken great care to protect the privacy of its customers."
As the letter notes, Apple customers who use older versions of the iOS will continue to make use of location databases provided by Google and Skyhook. However, Apple's use of an alternate in-house database in the newer versions mark an important strategic move to do away with the company's dependence on Google.
Also, location-based-services have seen an exponential growth in usage in recent times. Apple's acquisition of PlaceBase and Poly9 are an indication of the company's focus in this new area of business. From that perspective, Apple's use of its own location database in its iOS product is something that was very much on the cards.
This probably explains why we haven't still seen Google's free turn-by-turn Navigation app for iPhone and iPad, which has been available on the Android and advertised as one of the major features. Apple continues to use Google Maps for the Maps application that comes pre-installed on the iPhone, it will be interesting to see when Apple replaces it with its own app with turn-by-turn navigation as it seems to be the logical next step.
What do you think? Is Apple's latest move driven by the potential growth prospects in the LBS segment or do you think the company merely wants to do away with its dependence on Google? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
[via TechCrunch]
What's this mean to me the user? Is it faster? What exactly am I sharing with apple about my location?
please apple, leave google maps. they ARE the highest quality maps available, and unless you plan to engineer and launch your own damn satellites, don't let your users suffer for some petty love/hate affair you have with google
I had the misfortune to use my iphone 4 as satnav the other day it was completely useless the compass never worked well no I tell a lie it worked for like 1% of the time during a 2 hour journey. I wasnt expecting turn by turn guidance but at least to be shown the that I was travelling in the right direction as the ads show. So if this is the shape of things to come I would rather stay with google thanks apple.
The MapQuest app provides great turn-by-turn directions with spoken street names.
The magnetic field from the distributer of your car will make a compass like that go crazy, you cant drive and use the iphone compass at the same time
I second that.
Interesting because I use mine on 3.1.3 all the time while in my car and it doesn't have an issue.
Apple using their own maps would be great! Then Google could put their maps application in the app store and implement all map features instead of using the stripped down version that apple insist on. That is unless apple finds some flimsy excuse to block Google Maps like it did Google Voice.
Hey iPhone Hacks, I saw this video on youtube and downloaded the program, but I am scared to use it; can you please check what this is?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzEvHWZM3Jw
Google Maps and Navigation are not the most accurate..sometimes POIs don't exist but Google has them on their map. Apple's LBS will be centered around relevant recommendations for content, apps, services that Apple users want.
I don't think that I should have to
complete a survey and give out my
information to get the password to
use the file.
Just wait until the official release
you don't know what kind of bugs that
release has.
its not for iphone 4
i doenloaded limera1n from there and it did not work
is this going to be the only thing on here today??????
Why is it other companies like Adobe and Google can not get along with Apple? Makes me think about moving to another platform. One that works well with everyone instead of channeling its user in to only one way to do things.
AT&T Navigator works the best when comparing Google Maps on Iphone 4 and Droid Eris. Granted, you have to pay for AT&T Navigator but you get what you pay for…
It is a fake.Look at the top of the screen it just says home.It should say home-cydia
U can NOT sell apps that uses Google maps! This sucks and needs to be changed
hope that Terms of Use will be good to sell.
i agree with you
i would rather have google maps that android phone has then have to use something new thats not tried and tested and proven to work more often then naught. i really hope apple and google can get together and at least work that part out
and tomorrow
yea me too, on 3.1, 3.1.2, 3.1.3, and 4.0.1 (never had 4.0)
Apple satellites, designed California, built in China.
Does that mean it will remove turn by turn city metro bus? I always depend on apple map for turn by turn city metro bus all the times