Apple’s new Map App seems to be coming under a lot of criticism since it was released with iOS 6 last Wednesday, and now it looks like Google and Motorola are trying to capitalize on criticism of Apple Maps.
Motorola, which is now owned by Google, posted the following photo to their Google+ page, showing Apple Maps on an iPhone next to Google Maps running on the new Droid Razr M, the description under Apple’s iPhone came with the hashtag ‘iLost’.
“Looking for 315 E 15th in Manhattan? Google Maps on DROID RAZR M will get you there & not #iLost in Brooklyn.”
Google and Motorola are obviously hoping that people will want to buy an Android device so that they can use the Google Maps app rather than the new iPhone 5.
The Initial Reception of Apple Maps
When Apple Maps was first introduced, it was meant to be a significant upgrade and a direct competitor to Google Maps. However, users quickly found numerous issues with the app, including incorrect location data, lack of public transit directions, and poor satellite imagery. These problems led to widespread frustration among iPhone users who had come to rely on the accuracy and reliability of Google Maps.
The hashtag ‘iLost’ quickly gained traction on social media, symbolizing the collective disappointment of users who found themselves lost or misdirected by the new app. This public outcry was a stark contrast to the usually positive reception of Apple’s products and services.
Google and Motorola’s Strategic Move
Google and Motorola saw an opportunity in Apple’s misstep. By highlighting the shortcomings of Apple Maps, they aimed to position their own products as more reliable alternatives. The photo posted on Motorola’s Google+ page was a clever marketing move, showing a side-by-side comparison of the two mapping services. The caption, “Looking for 315 E 15th in Manhattan? Google Maps on DROID RAZR M will get you there & not #iLost in Brooklyn,” was a direct jab at Apple Maps’ inaccuracies.
This move was not just about promoting the Droid Razr M but also about reinforcing the superiority of Google Maps. By doing so, Google and Motorola hoped to sway potential iPhone buyers to consider Android devices instead. The timing was perfect, as the new iPhone 5 had just been released, and many consumers were still undecided about their next smartphone purchase.
Apple’s Response and Improvements
In response to the criticism, Apple took several steps to improve its Maps app. Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO at the time, issued a public apology, acknowledging the app’s shortcomings and promising improvements. Apple also encouraged users to try alternative mapping apps available in the App Store while they worked on fixing the issues.
Over the next few months, Apple Maps saw significant updates, including more accurate location data, better satellite imagery, and the addition of public transit directions. These improvements helped to restore some of the lost trust among users, but the initial damage had already been done.
The Long-Term Impact
The Apple Maps debacle serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough testing and quality assurance, especially for a company with a reputation for excellence like Apple. It also highlights the competitive nature of the tech industry, where rivals are quick to capitalize on each other’s mistakes.
For Google and Motorola, the incident was a win, as it allowed them to showcase the strengths of their own products. For Apple, it was a learning experience that ultimately led to a better product, but not without some initial setbacks.
The release of Apple Maps with iOS 6 was a rocky start that provided an opening for competitors like Google and Motorola to highlight their own strengths. While Apple has since made significant improvements to its Maps app, the initial criticism and the clever marketing by Google and Motorola remain a notable chapter in the ongoing competition between these tech giants.
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