Apple recently replaced Google Maps on their iOS devices with Apple Maps, which has come under a fair bit of criticism for not being as good as Google Maps. Users have reported various issues, including inaccuracies in location data, lack of detailed information, and missing features that were previously available in Google Maps. In response to this, Google promised to bring some new features to the web version of Google Maps on iOS, aiming to provide a more robust and user-friendly experience.
One of those features was adding Street View to the web-based version of Google Maps on iOS. Last week, Google announced that Street View would be available ‘within weeks,’ and now it looks like Google has managed to add Street View to the iOS web version of Google Maps earlier than expected.
The Importance of Street View
Street View is a crucial feature for many users as it provides panoramic views from positions along many streets in the world. This feature allows users to virtually explore neighborhoods, check out landmarks, and even plan trips more effectively. For businesses, Street View can be a valuable tool for showcasing their location and surroundings to potential customers. The absence of Street View in Apple Maps was a significant drawback for many users who relied on this feature for various purposes, from casual exploration to professional needs.
It took Google just a week to get Street View on the web version of Google Maps for iOS, as it is now available from today. You can access it from the Safari browser on your iOS device. This quick turnaround demonstrates Google’s commitment to providing a comprehensive mapping service to iOS users, even when their native app is not the default option on the platform.
How to Use Street View on iOS
Using Street View on your iOS device is straightforward. Here are the steps to access it:
1. Open the Safari browser on your iOS device.
2. Navigate to the Google Maps website.
3. Search for a location or drop a pin on the map.
4. Tap on the Street View thumbnail that appears at the bottom of the screen.
Once you enter Street View, you can navigate through the streets by swiping on the screen, just like you would on the desktop version. This seamless integration ensures that users can enjoy the full functionality of Google Maps, even without a dedicated app.
The addition of Street View to the web version of Google Maps on iOS is a significant improvement, but it’s not the only feature that users miss from the Google Maps app. Features like offline maps, detailed transit information, and integration with other Google services are also highly valued by users. While Apple Maps has been improving steadily, it still has a way to go to match the comprehensive feature set of Google Maps.
The early addition of Street View to the web version of Google Maps on iOS is a welcome development for users who have been missing this feature since the switch to Apple Maps. It highlights Google’s agility and dedication to maintaining a high-quality user experience across different platforms. As both Apple and Google continue to enhance their mapping services, users can look forward to even more innovative features and improvements in the future.
Source Engadget
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