Google Maps goes back to iPhone

Google has announced the release of a standalone app for iOS Maps, returning to the iPhone after a three month absence.

With internet rumours reaching fever pitch, the internet search giant took to their official blog to break the news.

"People around the world have been asking for Google Maps on iPhone," said Google, removed from the iPhone in September.

"Starting today, we’re pleased to announce that Google Maps is here—rolling out across the world in the Apple App Store.

"It’s designed from the ground up to combine the comprehensiveness and accuracy of Google Maps with an interface that makes finding what you’re looking for faster and easier.

"The app shows more map on screen and turns mobile mapping into one intuitive experience. It’s a sharper looking, vector-based map that loads quickly and provides smooth tilting and rotating of 2D and 3D views.

"The search box at the top is a good place to start—perhaps by entering the name of a new and interesting restaurant.

"An expandable info sheet at the bottom shows the address, opening hours, ratings and reviews, images, directions and other information.

"At the heart of this app is our constantly improving map of the world that includes detailed information for more than 80 million businesses and points of interest.

"Preview where you want to go with Street View and see inside places with Business Photos to decide on a table or see if it’s better at the bar.

"To get you there, you’ve got voice-guided, turn-by-turn navigation, live traffic conditions to avoid the jams and if you want to use public transportation, find information for more than one million public transit stops."

Google's re-introduction to the iOS mapping scene comes after Apple fired maps chief Richard Williamson because of a poor showing following the release of the iPhone 5.

Senior vice president Eddy Cue is believed to have acted in a bid to win back trust from users disappointed with the programs flawed debut since September.

The mapping errors forced CEO Tim Cook into a public apology, with Scott Forstall also ousted after refusing to sign a letter apologising for the heavily criticised app.

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