Google – it appears that the internet behemoth has pervaded and influenced every domain of our life; from online search engines to self-propelled cars and from advertising to software. It’s no wonder that even technology majors like Apple have been lured by their wares.
Speaking of Google software and Apple, the newly released Google Maps GPS software for the all-new iOS 6 version has drawn instant comparisons with the software’s Android version, especially since the latter version is Google’s own product. If you’re keen to know how these two versions stack up, please navigate to the next paragraph.
1. Similarities
Both Google Maps on Android and Google Maps on iOS possess some shared facets, as listed below:
- Vocal turn-by-turn guidance.
- A comprehensive database of establishments allowing you to use the data in your search. You can be guided to a particular avenue, address, or meeting point.
- Usage of “Zagat” listings for enhanced search.
- Display of compass and 360-degree avenue views.
- Specific navigational tools to aid drivers, pedestrians, and public transport users.
- Facilities to preserve current and frequently covered routes for speedier travel.
- Display of real-time traffic conditions.
- Predictive text search.
- Complimentary use of Google apps related to Google Maps.
2. Dissimilarities
This is where the battle really intensifies. Let’s conduct an area-by-area comparison:]
User Interface
Google Maps on Android:
- Uses an icon-based initial search functionality located at the bottom of the screen.
- Displays a list of establishments by activating icons located at the screen’s bottom.
- Yet again icons are utilized to clear a displayed map and preserve a map for offline use.
- Three-way control (common with iOS) activates the “settings” and “help” menus as well as the map clearing and map preservation options.
- Facilitates access to “Places” resources and “Hotpot” suggestions.
- Allows you to use Google’s advanced “Mobile Labs” attributes.
Google Maps on iOS, meanwhile:
- Uses a simple search box located at the top of the screen.
- Displays a list of establishments by activating a tab menu.
- Does not possess the facility to process offline maps at all.
- Three-way control (common with Android) activates information related to traffic, public conveyance, satellite views, and the Google Earth app.
- Does not grant access to Google Maps’ advanced features.
- Is, however, more pleasing to look at and comes with an easy login option via the search box.
Navigation
Google Maps on Android:
- Uses the native Google functionalities to provide core navigation.
- Utilizes the “Latitude” feature to help locate your Android-using friends in your vicinity. The feature is entrenched in the main software itself.
- Has a specific tool to assist bicycle riders.
- Provides voice commands to aid walkers.
On the other hand, Google Maps on iOS:
- Uses, besides the native functionalities, the fresh “Siri” application to enhance navigation.
- Utilizes the “Find My Friend” application to help locate other iOS users close to you. The app is available as a free add-on.
- Does not provide voice navigational aids for walkers.
- Has, regrettably, no tool as yet to assists bicyclists.
Other Aspects
Google Maps on Android hosts advertisements on Zagat-generated search results and additionally comes with Wikipedia access.
Google Maps on iOS, for the time being, doesn’t display commercials on Zagat search results. Wikipedia access too is conspicuously absent.
The Bottom-line
If you’re an Android user, you’ll definitely gain with more features while if you’re an Apple aficionado, you’ll profit from a slicker, more attractive user experience.
About the Author: Nathan Brown of buyatt.com, a site that offers savings and current information on att bundle and att uverse availability.
