Google Maps hits iOS – again

Google Maps has long been the preferred choice when it comes to digital directions – and now you can access the popular service once again via your iPhone.

In September, the previously pre-installed Google Maps app was removed from iOS with the launch of Apple Maps in iOS 6. Apple Maps didn’t quite live up to users’ expectations, with no voice navigation, and was plagued with bugs and errors.

CEO Tim Cook himself apologized for the faulty app, and mobile software head Scott Forstall and Maps manager Rich Williamson have both since been let go by the company.

But Google Maps lovers can now rejoice – the app is back in all its voice guided, user friendly glory.

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

“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.”

The app is now available on iTunes.

Will you be switching back to Google Maps? Share your thoughts below.