Agreed! This happens with my own app as well! Apparently the app title, even when an exact match to your search query, is no longer considered important.
If there is one thing Apple truly fails at, it is search.
My best results for search appear when the App Store auto suggests terms that others have entered. So "docs to..." suggests "Documents to Go(r) by DataViz" or something of the sort. I think that Apple could learn a thing or two from Google's search-intent capabilities.
I remember when Android's market had a similarly terrible search for years, which I thought was funnier considering it was Google and all (although I think their usual algorithms don't work nearly as well for apps that don't really have natural links).
Frankly, Tim Cook should shut down the entire Apple Maps division. Who in their right mind is going to use Apple Maps at this point?
Try searching "Pier 39 San Francisco". The query can't be any more specific, and it's the most iconic location for tourists, and Apple Maps will bring you to a pretty shady area of town, only a mile or two away from Hunter's Point, one of the more violent areas of SF.
Edit: somehow I screwed up my response, should be a response to @kjackson2012.
Apple's main issues are with their location information from TomTom. If apple is able to partner with a company with better data, these types of problems should not be nearly as bad.
Here's where Apple's maps product is better... The maps are vector based so there is not such a huge dependence on a data connection. I live near the pine barrens in NJ and google maps is mostly worthless when I venture into that abyss. Apple maps has worked flawlessly for me there. Locations where data connections are poor, apple maps will probably be a better solution. Plus, Apple maps look nicer, but that is hardly a critical feature.
To say apple should just give up is silly. I've used google navigation since the first day the alpha was leaked. It has only been in the last year that nav has gotten so good (used to have maddening ui problems with the zoom going crazy). Apple's initial maps release is much better and more refined than what google initially release. Fortunately for apple, I think they'll get their data issues mostly fix in 2013 and have a very nice alternative to google maps.
No, you're wrong. It's not with the data. It's with Apple's ability to search. Like I said below, look up "Pier 39 San Francisco". This is a dead simple query, extremely specific, and they point you to a really bad area of SF. This isn't Tom Tom data, it's how Apple resolves this query to something useful.
Search is Google's domain expertise. Apple needs to basically start from scratch and figure out how to create a search engine that will return relevant data based on queries.
It's the same thing with Apple's App store search, it's also terrible. But because we have no choice, we are forced to use it, and hopefully it will improve. But because Google's is so nearly perfect and getting better all the time, why would someone go ahead and use Apple's terrible search engine to help them improve their search?
> If apple is able to partner with a company with better data, these types of problems should not be nearly as bad.
There is none. As far as I know, there are two major providers for map data. One is TeleAtlas, which is now owned by TomTom. The other one is Navtec from the US. TeleAtlas is considered slightly better in terms of quality, as far as I know.
Google Maps used to use a combination of both providers. However, now they also have their own data from street view cars in many places.
If you want to try out some other vector based map system there's Open StreetMap. I have no idea about how functional the iPhone apps are but OsmAnd for Android is able to cache all map data for Sweden in 200MB.
It is then able to do routing on that data for both walking and going by car, both from search and random positions pointed at on the map. Not to mention that it has information about resturants so that you can plan where to stop for lunch when going on longer trips, all of which without a data connection.
> I've used google navigation since the first day the alpha was leaked. It has only been in the last year that nav has gotten so good (used to have maddening ui problems with the zoom going crazy)
Really? I thought maps was better in iOS 3 than iOS 5. Maps in 3 was optimized to be quick even over EDGE and never let go of a set of directions mid trip if network was flaky. iOS 3 maps was actually faster and more reliable. (Still had my original iPhone)
I'ved used Android's "Navigation" app on different older phones without a data plan (only WiFi) and they've been surprisingly good about setting up a route and letting me follow it.
(I can't change my route mid-trip, which was maybe what you were saying.)
Also gmaps (for android at least) allows you to download map data for offline/online use. So to say theres a huge dependence on data connection is not true.
How many startups just said "ah fuck it!" now that Google Maps is back on iOS? Back when Apple removed Google maps I thought there would be four stages to this fiasco:
1. Apple Maps are introduced and nobody likes them. Google Maps are nixed and some bullshit reason is given for not letting them back into the ecosystem for a while.
2. A bunch of people see an opportunity to create something that Apple will buy. They drop everything and get busy.
3. 3-6 months later Google Maps are allowed back into the ecosystem. 99% of the newly minted startups go bust.
4. A year later Apple actually makes Apple Maps usable in iOS 7. The rest of the startups go bust.
Actually I think Apple won here. Google was refusing to release a turn by turn direction update to their apps. By developing an Apple Map App with turn by turn, they kind of forced GooG to provide it on iOS platform. Also, it is very difficult for google to ignore ios users.
How is that a win? Apple got egg on their face from all the bad press. They had to shell out a ton of money for 2 map companies they bought, money for all the map data they are buying, plus all the engineering resources to create the product.
Google Maps lets google have full branding on the iphone and can gather all the data they want from users. And they can have all the branding on the Maps that they want.
If I remember right, some of the reasons Apple and Google didn't agree on maps is that Google wanted more branding and to gather more data. And I also believe Apple wasn't too happy about paid advertisements appearing for map search results.
Apple engineered a process that tarnished a major iOS release, broke a key function on the iPhone as smartphone competition started heating up, prompted the departure of key leaders and basically ceded control of mapping.
In exchange, they got Google to release their own maps app, which included features that Google refused to license to Apple previously, and gave Google a platform to sell ads and make money. So users get good maps + transit + turn by turn navigation at no cost.
> Google was refusing to release a turn by turn direction update to their apps.
Your choice of wording here is rather misleading. Apple wrote the old Maps app. Google refused to allow Apple to add turn-by-turn to the old maps app. We will never know the true reasons, but it was likely due to Apple refusing to relinquish control of what was displayed to the user.
Between this and the gmail release recently I think that some interesting times are ahead for apple. After I told my wife that Google Maps was available in the app store she sent me a text with a screenshot of her phone and the message "I'm pretty much using an Android phone!"
Her mail client is Gmail, she uses Google maps, and she browses with Chrome. If google went all out with a Google Calendar app I bet she'd use their client too.
What does it say for Apple when an iphone user has apps for all of their big use cases provided by a direct competitor?
Apple did not put beta on its app, and it eventually apologised and also fired a VP who was not willing to sign the apology .
google launches a map with beta warning and everybody going gaga on it, yeah their data set is better.
"Google Maps Navigation is in beta. Use caution.
Please keep your eyes on the road and obey applicable laws. Do not manipulate this application while in motion. Directions may be inaccurate, incomplete, dangerous, or prohibited.
Traffic data is not real-time, and location accuracy cannot be guaranteed"
I would love Apple to build self driving cars and display projecting to retina and bring it to market, instead of just announcing them like what google does
I'll admit it, I am one of the 4-star raters. I took it down a notch for not at least including a "zoom out" button. I can double-tap to zoom, but I sure as hell can't pinch to zoom out. I think that UI flaw is one of the most ignored in all that exist in iOS.
Now Apple has major map services from all mobile platforms with a full-featured Google solution. Plus they have an in-house solution that will become better over time. Removing an image-based Google Maps app developed by Apple from iOS was a great decision.
Oh hell yeah, I just ditched my old Android for an iPhone and the lack of bus routes on its maps app was one of the major things I was missing. I was sort of getting along with HopStop but it was an awkward multi-step kind of thing. DOWNLOADING NOW.
[+] [-] tharris0101|13 years ago|reply
As a developer in the App Store, I really hope they do something to fix the abysmal searches in it.
[+] [-] wes-exp|13 years ago|reply
If there is one thing Apple truly fails at, it is search.
[+] [-] nikcub|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] walru|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] ivankirigin|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] hiddenstage|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] dkokelley|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] ibrahima|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] seanp2k2|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] coob|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] kjackson2012|13 years ago|reply
Try searching "Pier 39 San Francisco". The query can't be any more specific, and it's the most iconic location for tourists, and Apple Maps will bring you to a pretty shady area of town, only a mile or two away from Hunter's Point, one of the more violent areas of SF.
[+] [-] bstar77|13 years ago|reply
Apple's main issues are with their location information from TomTom. If apple is able to partner with a company with better data, these types of problems should not be nearly as bad.
Here's where Apple's maps product is better... The maps are vector based so there is not such a huge dependence on a data connection. I live near the pine barrens in NJ and google maps is mostly worthless when I venture into that abyss. Apple maps has worked flawlessly for me there. Locations where data connections are poor, apple maps will probably be a better solution. Plus, Apple maps look nicer, but that is hardly a critical feature.
To say apple should just give up is silly. I've used google navigation since the first day the alpha was leaked. It has only been in the last year that nav has gotten so good (used to have maddening ui problems with the zoom going crazy). Apple's initial maps release is much better and more refined than what google initially release. Fortunately for apple, I think they'll get their data issues mostly fix in 2013 and have a very nice alternative to google maps.
[+] [-] kjackson2012|13 years ago|reply
Search is Google's domain expertise. Apple needs to basically start from scratch and figure out how to create a search engine that will return relevant data based on queries.
It's the same thing with Apple's App store search, it's also terrible. But because we have no choice, we are forced to use it, and hopefully it will improve. But because Google's is so nearly perfect and getting better all the time, why would someone go ahead and use Apple's terrible search engine to help them improve their search?
[+] [-] acchow|13 years ago|reply
On Android, you can select regions of the map to save for offline use and the file sizes for entire cities are only a few MB.
I don't believe a "save for offline use" option is available for Google Maps for iOS yet.
[+] [-] ma2rten|13 years ago|reply
There is none. As far as I know, there are two major providers for map data. One is TeleAtlas, which is now owned by TomTom. The other one is Navtec from the US. TeleAtlas is considered slightly better in terms of quality, as far as I know.
Google Maps used to use a combination of both providers. However, now they also have their own data from street view cars in many places.
[+] [-] Rovanion|13 years ago|reply
It is then able to do routing on that data for both walking and going by car, both from search and random positions pointed at on the map. Not to mention that it has information about resturants so that you can plan where to stop for lunch when going on longer trips, all of which without a data connection.
[+] [-] lawdawg|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] warfangle|13 years ago|reply
At least, on Android.
[+] [-] stcredzero|13 years ago|reply
Really? I thought maps was better in iOS 3 than iOS 5. Maps in 3 was optimized to be quick even over EDGE and never let go of a set of directions mid trip if network was flaky. iOS 3 maps was actually faster and more reliable. (Still had my original iPhone)
[+] [-] unknown|13 years ago|reply
[deleted]
[+] [-] danielweber|13 years ago|reply
(I can't change my route mid-trip, which was maybe what you were saying.)
[+] [-] angryasian|13 years ago|reply
Also gmaps (for android at least) allows you to download map data for offline/online use. So to say theres a huge dependence on data connection is not true.
[+] [-] Tycho|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] unknown|13 years ago|reply
[deleted]
[+] [-] ececconi|13 years ago|reply
[deleted]
[+] [-] numbchuckskills|13 years ago|reply
[deleted]
[+] [-] IgorPartola|13 years ago|reply
1. Apple Maps are introduced and nobody likes them. Google Maps are nixed and some bullshit reason is given for not letting them back into the ecosystem for a while.
2. A bunch of people see an opportunity to create something that Apple will buy. They drop everything and get busy.
3. 3-6 months later Google Maps are allowed back into the ecosystem. 99% of the newly minted startups go bust.
4. A year later Apple actually makes Apple Maps usable in iOS 7. The rest of the startups go bust.
[+] [-] hpagey|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] kyrra|13 years ago|reply
Google Maps lets google have full branding on the iphone and can gather all the data they want from users. And they can have all the branding on the Maps that they want.
If I remember right, some of the reasons Apple and Google didn't agree on maps is that Google wanted more branding and to gather more data. And I also believe Apple wasn't too happy about paid advertisements appearing for map search results.
Google really seems as the winner here.
[+] [-] Spooky23|13 years ago|reply
In exchange, they got Google to release their own maps app, which included features that Google refused to license to Apple previously, and gave Google a platform to sell ads and make money. So users get good maps + transit + turn by turn navigation at no cost.
Yup, sound likes an Apple win.
[+] [-] acchow|13 years ago|reply
Your choice of wording here is rather misleading. Apple wrote the old Maps app. Google refused to allow Apple to add turn-by-turn to the old maps app. We will never know the true reasons, but it was likely due to Apple refusing to relinquish control of what was displayed to the user.
[+] [-] jgw|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] jgon|13 years ago|reply
Her mail client is Gmail, she uses Google maps, and she browses with Chrome. If google went all out with a Google Calendar app I bet she'd use their client too.
What does it say for Apple when an iphone user has apps for all of their big use cases provided by a direct competitor?
[+] [-] takeda64|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] kyriakos|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] MalphasWats|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] seiji|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] walru|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] isabre|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] diminish|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] senthilnayagam|13 years ago|reply
google launches a map with beta warning and everybody going gaga on it, yeah their data set is better.
"Google Maps Navigation is in beta. Use caution.
Please keep your eyes on the road and obey applicable laws. Do not manipulate this application while in motion. Directions may be inaccurate, incomplete, dangerous, or prohibited.
Traffic data is not real-time, and location accuracy cannot be guaranteed"
I would love Apple to build self driving cars and display projecting to retina and bring it to market, instead of just announcing them like what google does
[+] [-] twakefield|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] mrilhan|13 years ago|reply
Right now, touching any addresses you have saved under a contact will open up Apple's Maps app.
[+] [-] topbanana|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] btucker|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] netcan|13 years ago|reply
Edit: accidentally wrote 'pr android.'
[+] [-] wahsd|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] bla2|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] trendnet|13 years ago|reply
[+] [-] egypturnash|13 years ago|reply