Google reportedly putting finishing touches on native iOS maps app, Eddy Cue going hands-on with iOS 6 maps

While many folks have started to notice iOS 6 Maps improving as of late, there is still plenty of customers out there who don't think Apple's new solution is anywhere nearly as good as the old, Google-powered one. If you're one of those, the lost and disillusioned, then good news. The long-rumored standalone Google Maps app may soon see the light of day (read: App Store). That, according to the Wall Street Journal:

Google has distributed a test version of its new mapping app that will work on Apple's iPhones to some individuals outside the company, said a person with direct knowledge of the matter. Google has been putting the finishing touches on the app before submitting it for approval to the Apple iTunes store, this person said, though it's unclear exactly when that will happen.

Apple, for their part, has refused to comment on the matter citing the fact they don't dicuss apps that haven't been submitted for approval. Those 'finishing touches' mentioned by the unnamed source are surely what most folks will be interested in.

It is expected that Google will include turn-by-turn navigation built right into the app, compared to when Apple was using Google Maps and Google reportedly refused to provide it unless Apple included Google's Latitude service as well.

While some stories have alledged Apple might reject or "pocket veto" Google Maps, delaying or refusing entry, given the scrutiny Apple faced over Google Voice a few years ago, and given that Google Search was approved, although with a suspiciously long delay, Apple likely has no choice but to approve Google Maps. Eventually.

Also, according to the WSJ, newly appointed yet of Maps, Apple senior vice-president of internet and services, Eddy Cue, hasn't wasted any time getting his hands dirty.

Apple has continued to work to fix the bugs in its mapping software. The maps team is now under senior vice president for Internet software and services, Eddy Cue, who also oversees products like iTunes and iCloud. Mr. Cue has been hands-on with the maps team and participates in regular meetings to fix the product, according to a person familiar with the matter.

In any event, Google Maps for iOS has yet to arrive on the Apple App Store so we'll have to wait this one out and see what, exactly happens here. If Google does manage get it released, are you ready to give up on iOS 6 Maps?

Source: WSJ

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