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Google said Wednesday its popular Maps service is finally making its way to Apple's iOS 6 platform, providing a long-awaited alternative to the many iPhone users who are frustrated with Apple's own bug-ridden mapping software.
"People around the world have been asking for Google Maps on iPhone," Google wrote in its company blog Wednesday. "Starting today, we’re pleased to announce that Google Maps is here -- rolling out across the world in the Apple App Store."
Google Maps became the top free App Store download within just hours of its launch. It currently has over 10,000 user reviews and a rating of four-and-half out of five stars.
[Related: Apple Hires Former Microsoft Researcher, Strengthens Security Team]
Google Maps, an application that used to be included natively in Apple's iOS mobile software for the iPhone, was stripped from the platform with the release of iOS 6 in September and replaced with Apple's own Maps App software. But, Apple's mapping service largely flopped among users, who found the software to be buggy and inaccurate.Apple CEO Tim Cook publicly apologized for the software's shortcomings on Apple's website just over a week after the new software launched. "We are extremely sorry for the frustration this has caused our customers and we are doing everything we can to make Maps better," Cook wrote.
Google Maps for iOS 6 is said by Google to be faster and "sharper looking" than its previous Maps releases. In addition, Google said there is a new expandable "info sheet" at the bottom of the app that displays information about stores and restaurants, including hours of operation, rating and reviews, directions, and pictures.
Google's app also provides 2-D and 3-D map views, turn-by-turn navigation, live traffic updates and information for over 1 million public transportation stops.
PUBLISHED DEC. 13, 2012
