In a letter posted on its web site, Apple issued an apology for the problems experienced by users of its new “Maps” program.
Consumers who downloaded the new iOS 6 operating system or purchased an iPhone 5, found they were routed to the wrong destination in some cases, and experienced other mishaps.
Apple CEO Tim Cook admitted, “With the launch of our new Maps last week, we fell short on this commitment. We are extremely sorry for the frustration this has caused our customers and we are doing everything we can to make Maps better.”
He noted that users have already searched for nearly a ½ billion locations on the new Maps program. “The more our customers use our Maps the better it will get and we greatly appreciate all of the feedback we have received from you.”
Apple’s maps program is so riddled with mistakes that The New York Times said, “ It may be the most embarrassing, least usable piece of software Apple has ever unleashed,” in a review by David Pogue.
Some problems he pointed out: “The closest thing Maps can find for ‘Dulles Airport’ is ‘Dulles Airport Taxi.’ Search for Cleveland, Ga., and you’ll wind up right smack in Cleveland, Tenn.”
Cook explained, “We launched Maps initially with the first version of iOS. As time progressed, we wanted to provide our customers with even better Maps including features such as turn-by-turn directions, voice integration, Flyover and vector-based maps. In order to do this, we had to create a new version of Maps from the ground up.”
His letter concludes, “While we’re improving Maps, you can try alternatives by downloading map apps from the App Store like Bing, MapQuest and Waze, or use Google or Nokia maps by going to their websites and creating an icon on your home screen to their web app.”
Source: Apple
