Google is updating its mapping service to include 3D image and offline usability in order to show that it is still ahead in the game against Apple, who plans to build its own in-house map and ditch Google Maps as its default service on its iOS-equipped devices.
Apple is announcing an update to its operating system for mobile devices, namely iOS 6, at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) tomorrow. It is very likely that a new mapping service will be part of the iOS 6 package.
Until now, Apple had been using Google Map as its default mapping service on its iOS-equipped devices. According to Gene Munster, a financial analyst at Piper Jaffray, Apple’s iOS platform generates 40 percent of Google’s mobile revenue, which equals $1.6 billion.
But as Apple attempts move away from Google products, the search engine giant is trying to show who is the boss.
Google has demonstrated a new 3D mapping service to its Google Maps product. The new 3D service will make it seem as if you were “flying in your own private helicopter”. Rafe Needleman from cnet who witnessed the demonstration said most buildings looked “close to photorealistic”.
While it may be as cool as it sounds, it may not be enough to differentiate Google Maps from Apple’s new mapping service. Last October, Apple purchased C3 Technologies, who has the ability to turn aerial photos into 3D images. We don’t know exactly how soon Apple will come out with its own map, but many are expecting the big announcement to happen tomorrow at WWDC.
What could be more practical and useful would be the offline feature, where Google will let users download the map and use without any internet or data connection. You could download the map and explore the area without having to have to worry about finding fast WiFi connection or eat up your data plan. This could be even more useful if you are travelling outside of the country and have roaming charges.
Could Google upset Apple for ditching their amazing new map product? Or is Apple going to come out with a bigger surprise tomorrow? We shall find out at Moscone Center in San Francisco.