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Google Exec comments on iOS 6 Maps [Video]

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Google UK Marketing Director Dan Cobley briefly spoke with Bloomberg TV today on Apple’s decision to remove Google Maps from iOS 6, but the most intriguing part about his statement concerned how people could continue to use Google Maps after updating.

Cobley noted folks on iOS 6 can still “use Google Maps by downloading them or going to the Google Maps website.” This is an interesting comment, however, as there is no Google Maps-related app from Google available in the App Store aside from the Google Earth app. It features 3D layers, including roads, borders, places, photos and more, but it is not an adequate Google Maps replacement. There is also no existing option to download a map from Google Maps in mobile Safari.

Therefore, it is currently unclear what Cobley meant by “downloading them.” SearchEngineLand asked Google today when iOS would get a new Google Maps app, though, and if it would feature turn-by-turn navigation. Google replied:

We believe Google Maps are the most comprehensive, accurate and easy-to-use maps in the world. Our goal is to make Google Maps available to everyone who wants to use it, regardless of device, browser, or operating system.


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Scott Forstall says that Australian ‘turn by turn’ in Maps is in qualifying stages

For Australians wondering why turn-by-turn is not turned on in iOS Maps, or when it will turn on for that matter, a forwarded email from Apple Senior Vice President of iOS Scott Forstall may shed some light. The email is in response to the question of whether or not turn-by-turn “will be switched on for us Aussies in the near future?” Forstall responded:

Australia is definitely important to us. We first need to make sure our data is exceptional and qualified before turning on turn-by-turn.

Forstall’s reply seems to indicate it will pop up very soon.

Update: Luke Hopewell from the Aussie Giz has the same email and some additional local color.
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TomTom turn-by-turn gets optimized for iPad

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iPad Screenshot 3

If you are the type that likes a 10″ display for driving navigation, TomTom just updated its $59.99 iOS turn-by-turn navigation app to be universal and optimized for the iPad. You’ll of course want to have a 3G version of the iPad/iPad 2 or be tethered through an iPhone that can share GPS.

TomTom also hints that a new version with some interesting features is on the way:

iPHONE 3G USERS: THIS IS THE LAST VERSION OF THE TOMTOM APP FOR iPHONE THAT WILL FULLY SUPPORT YOUR DEVICE. You will be able to download and use the next version of the TomTom App but new features will not be available to you.

More screenshots and full description below (thanks Caleb!):


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