Why is Google Maps better on iPhone?

[Deleted User]

(If this has been posted before, I'm sorry. I searched and found nothing.)

I don't understand how Google Maps is better on the iPhone than Google's own OS. That's like Microsoft making MS Office better for Mac!

I know people who have the iPhone and the maps seem so much more intuitive than on the G1 as of now. They can search up a restaurant or address, and just press on a button to enter street mode and view the location (very quickly). On the G1, you can't simply type in an address and view it in street mode. You have to enter street mode and estimate the location before tapping on the screen, and usually the location isn't directly on the address, so you have to move around before you actually see what you want.

Why is this? Is there any word about updates to make Google Maps at least at par with the iPhone's? It seems strange that Google would have a phone released with software that's inferior to the iPhone's equivalent which is developed by them as well!

Thanks,
Gerard

 

[GODMODE]

From what I understand - the iphone mapping system is not "google maps" its just maps. They are using Googles mapping software, but its an Apple application itself. Apple created apps that are intuitive and that require the least amount of learning curve.

The only problem I have with the G1's maps is its not very accurate - if it works at all.

Also, when you are tracking, the DOT moves.. it should always be in the center, and the maps move.

When the dot finally reaches the edge of the screen, it has to redraw the entire next section, while if it was centered always, it would just be ticking along. I believe this is hows apple maps software works.

Regardless, Google has left the details (it seems) up to the dev community to tweak apps, and make some alternatives. Its only been out there for a few months... give it time.

 

[Deleted User]

From what I understand - the iphone mapping system is not "google maps" its just maps. They are using Googles mapping software, but its an Apple application itself. Apple created apps that are intuitive and that require the least amount of learning curve.

The only problem I have with the G1's maps is its not very accurate - if it works at all.

Also, when you are tracking, the DOT moves.. it should always be in the center, and the maps move.

When the dot finally reaches the edge of the screen, it has to redraw the entire next section, while if it was centered always, it would just be ticking along. I believe this is hows apple maps software works.

Regardless, Google has left the details (it seems) up to the dev community to tweak apps, and make some alternatives. Its only been out there for a few months... give it time.

I get it now. I was under the impression that Google made the app for the iPhone. I haven't tried tracking yet (I might get frustrated enough to break my brand new G1). The street view thing is what angers me the most though.

 

[slave1]

Also, when you are tracking, the DOT moves.. it should always be in the center, and the maps move.

When the dot finally reaches the edge of the screen, it has to redraw the entire next section, while if it was centered always, it would just be ticking along. I believe this is hows apple maps software works.

Arn't we downloading less data by moving the dot and not the map, which in turn is probably using less battery?

 

[DarkTLRrider]

I for one would rather have the dot stay centered. When I am on the freeway trying to figure out where I am and make sure that I am not the jerky causing the 10 car pile up I want to focus my eyes on the center of the screen at a glance and get my eyes back on the road, not have to scan the whole screen and analyze it to see where I am and then try to recenter the screen while driving cause where I am going is now off the screen.

 

[kaykordeath]

On the G1, you can't simply type in an address and view it in street mode. You have to enter street mode and estimate the location before tapping on the screen

Is this entirely accurate?

I've used the "search" feature on the Maps menu to search for a business name and had it come right up as a flag on the map....with the ability to touch and instantly call the business or go to their website...

 

[Deleted User]

Is this entirely accurate?

I've used the "search" feature on the Maps menu to search for a business name and had it come right up as a flag on the map....with the ability to touch and instantly call the business or go to their website...

Yes, you can call them or visit their website, but you can't press a button to view it in street mode.

 

[freedomflyer]

Although the iPhone version of maps blew me out of the water it was so cool, (I owned an iPhone for a year) I really have to say that now that I've switched to my handy dandy G1, that I've had a better experience with maps in general. For some it all seems faster, the built in GPS seems more accurate, and searching is a ton easier. The nice thing about it all is that you have a FULL SCREEN google map experience, without Apple trying to cram all of the necessary buttons in. Add in backgrounding (so I can change a podcast playing or answer a text message), and come right back to the same map, and you definitely hae a winner.
This isn't just because I'm now a G1 fanboy - I really and truly believe maps is an improvement over the iPhone. Now, as for MEDIA, the iPhone currently puts Android and the G1 to shame