Ever since Apple replaced its previous default Google Maps App with its own Maps App on iOS 6 the web has been flooded with jokes on just how big a dud Apple has delivered. Now in an interview to Wall Street Journal , Google’s Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt has said maybe Apple could have gone on for some time with their Maps application. He has also remained non-committal about whether Google will put out an App for iOS 6 devices.
Despite all the criticism, some of the more prominent commentators on technology say Apple’s move to launch its own Maps is a long-delayed one. With a lot of information and transactions happening via the mobile interface, Apple has entered the fray late. But better late than never, a lot of people point out. The move to broad-base its own Maps and Siri across devices is being seen as Apple’s check to the virtual monopolistic growth of Google in search business.
From an Indian perspective, at this point of time at least, iPhone users might do well to hang on to iOS 5 if they depend on the Maps on their phone to show them the way around.
Android Jelly Bean coming to smartphones
Samsung is reportedly working to bring Android 4.1 to its premium smartphone range, including the recently- launched successful Samsung Galaxy S3. Android users have experienced problems with their vendors not upgrading their devices with the latest iteration of the mobile OS which prevents them from experiencing the latest technology. This has been one of the biggest grouses against Android devices, because Apple takes an aggressive approach on this front. According to reports, already there are 10 million Apple mobile devices running the latest version of the operating system iOS 6 whereas in Android ecosystem the OS version 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) contributes to less than 10 per cent of 400 million devices activated worldwide.
Android 4.1 is expected to roll out for devices starting October.
