Search results for: “Apple Map”

Apple Maps Get Turn-by-Turn Navigation Support In India

Apple initially released the Apple Maps application back in 2012 replacing Google Maps as the default mapping service. But the application had limited users in India due to the absence of an important feature. Till now most iPhone users in India were forced to use Google Maps for navigation as it allowed turn by turn navigation in the country. Three years ago Apple set up a development center in Hyderabad which was focused on improving Apple Maps in the country. The latest update of maps offers detailed directions for both driving and walking.

Apple Maps Update

The latest Apple Maps update for India allows the users to navigate turn-by-turn to their desired location which was previously absent. Additionally, the updated application allows its user to book cab services like Uber and Ola from within the Maps application. This feature has been available on Google Maps for quite some time.

Like Google Maps, the updated Apple Maps service will also provide voice-guided navigation. In addition to the iPhone, iOS devices including the iPod Touch and iPad will also be able to avail the new maps features.

What’s Still Missing?

Although the Apple Map update brings key features that were previously unavailable, it still misses out on a few notable features. The Maps application still does not provide information about public transit which is critical for the last mile connectivity. Other features that are still missing after the update include the support for lane guidance and speed limits.

Also Read: Xiaomi Mi LED TV 4A Pro 43 Launched In India

All in all, the new update adds necessary features to the Maps application for Apple devices and the missing features are expected to be added in the near future as the company is continuously working to improve it.

January 10, 2019
Is Apple Maps a Better Choice Than Google Maps?

The company introduced Apple Maps in 2012 and ushered in a series of glitches which involved the Madison Square Garden, New York being labelled as a ‘park space’ because of the word ‘garden’ in its name. However Apple acted promptly, fixed these goof-ups and now three years later Apple Maps has overtaken Google Maps as the most used navigation app on iPhones.

Even though Apple Maps lacks many features which Google Maps provides, users end up using the former more because it is already installed on their devices. Even if the phone has third party apps, Siri and Mail automatically take the user to Apple Maps. This, along with Apple’s efforts to improve the over-all experience of the app, has helped them get more users to choose Apple Maps over other options.

Google Maps, on the other hand, has not lagged behind either in improving itself. Starting last month, it now allows users to store maps and data on their phones to refer to it even without internet access. It also includes search tools for landmarks and business listings, transit maps that cover more region than Apple and options to exclude highways and toll roads.

As more and more iPhone users switch to Apple Maps, do you think Google Maps could be a better choice?

December 8, 2015
Apple Maps Can Be “Life Threatening” : Australian Police

Australian police Monday, December 10, warned motorists about using the map system on new Apple iPhones after rescuing several people left stranded in the wilderness, saying the errors could prove deadly.

The warning comes after after a number of people trying to find the town (Mildura) of 30,000 people have become hopelessly lost in scorching temperatures.

One man was stranded for 24 hours last week in temperatures of up to 46 degrees centigrade, and at least three more have had to be rescued after following the directions given on Apple’s new maps, which locate Mildura far from its actual position.

Authorities said tests on the mapping system had confirmed that it lists Mildura, around 500 kilometers (310 miles) northwest of Melbourne, as being in the heart of the Murray Sunset National Park.

[quote] “It’s quite a dangerous situation, so we would be calling for people not to use the new Apple iPhone mapping system if they’re traveling from South Australia to Mildura.[/quote]

Apple dropped Google as its map provider in September with the launch of its iOS 6 software for the iPhone and iPad. But problems quickly emerged with the map detail. Apple received criticism over inaccuracies in mapping data like the mislocation in Victoria, which led to the termination of several people involved with the Maps project, including Senior Vice President of iOS Software Scott Forstall and Maps manager Richard Williamson.

December 10, 2012
iOS 6 announced at WWDC, launch apps with SIRI, Facebook integration, Apple Maps (PR)

Apple at the World Wide Developer Conference 2012 has unveiled a new revision to their most popular OS, calling it iOS 6. Siri has been updated with more ability, most notably Siri will now launch Apps, talk about sports, restaurants and movie times, it’s also coming to iPad 3rd Gen. Apple is also finally expanding Siri’s local search functionality from just the US to no less than 60 difference countries which includes India.

Siri will also even come to cars via Apple’s new Eyes Free integration, but this is at least a year away.

There’s better Facebook integration with photos, websites, maps and instant share option. Other tweaks on the phone side of things let you dismiss incoming calls with swipe, or send a pre-written SMS, even set it to give you a reminder once you change location.

iOS 6 will also get the new version of Apple’s own Maps, Google maps is dropped from the equation. The new maps app is based on a vector base so is more vivid, Maps gives you turn-by-turn spoken directions and interactive 3D views.

We like “Do Not Disturb” which holds off all those notifications, You’ll still get them, but the won’t alert, or light up the screen. For FaceTime lovers, they will be happy to know that it will be now available over 3G and Cellular as well.

Apple has Social networking built right into the new iOS 6 with Photo Streams — choose the pictures, choose the friends and send. The new iOS 6 is supported by iPhone 3GS through iPhone 4s, that includes the second and third generation iPads, plus fourth-gen iPod touches.

Beta is going out today, with a full release in the fall.

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Apple Previews iOS 6 With All New Maps, Siri Features, Facebook Integration, Shared Photo Streams & New Passbook App

Available to iPhone, iPad & iPod touch Users This Fall

SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Apple® today previewed iOS 6, introducing over 200 new features to the world’s most advanced mobile operating system, and released a beta version to iOS Developer Program members. iOS 6 will be available to iPhone®, iPad® and iPod touch® users this fall as a free software update. New iOS 6 features include: an all new Maps app with Apple-designed cartography, turn-by-turn navigation and an amazing new Flyover view; new Siri® features, including support for more languages, easy access to sports scores, restaurant recommendations and movie listings; Facebook integration for Contacts and Calendar, with the ability to post directly from Notification Center, Siri and Facebook-enabled apps like Photos, Safari® and Maps; Shared Photo Streams via iCloud®; and Passbook, the simplest way to get all your passes in one place.

“iOS 6 continues the rapid pace of innovation that is helping Apple reinvent the phone and create the iPad category, delivering the best mobile experience available on any device”
“iOS 6 continues the rapid pace of innovation that is helping Apple reinvent the phone and create the iPad category, delivering the best mobile experience available on any device,” said Scott Forstall, Apple’s senior vice president of iOS Software. “We can’t wait for hundreds of millions of iOS users to experience the incredible new features in iOS 6 including the new Maps app, expanded Siri support, deep Facebook integration, Shared Photo Streams and the innovative new Passbook app.”

iOS 6 includes an all new Maps app with vector-based map elements that make graphics and text smooth, and panning, tilting and zooming incredibly fluid. New turn-by-turn navigation guides you to your destination with spoken directions, and the amazing Flyover feature has photo-realistic interactive 3D views. Real-time traffic information keeps you updated on how long it will take to get to your destination and offers alternate time-saving routes if traffic conditions change significantly. Additionally, local search includes information for over 100 million businesses with info cards that offer Yelp ratings, reviews, available deals and photos.

Siri, now available for the new iPad as well as iPhone 4S, includes language support for English, French, German and Japanese, and adds support for Spanish, Italian, Korean, Mandarin and Cantonese. Siri is optimized for use in 15 countries and helps you get even more done with just your voice, whether it’s finding the latest sports scores or making restaurant reservations. You also can ask Siri to update your status on Facebook, post to Twitter or launch an app. Additionally, Siri takes hands-free functionality even further with a new Eyes Free mode, enabling you to interact with your iPhone using nothing more than your voice.

Built-in Facebook integration is the best ever in a mobile device, allowing you to sign in once and post from Notification Center, Siri and Facebook-enabled apps, including Photos, Safari and Maps. Your Facebook friends’ information is kept up to date across all your iOS devices, automatically updating details in Contacts when they change, and scheduling events and birthdays in your Calendar. You can also “Like” content directly from the App Store™ and iTunes® and see what your friends recommend.

With more than 125 million users already enjoying iCloud, iOS 6 introduces new ways to share photos with friends and family using Shared Photo Streams. Simply select the photos you want to share, pick which friends you want to receive the album, and the Shared Photo Stream album is instantly available on their iOS devices, iPhoto® and Aperture® on their Mac®, via the web or even through Apple TV®. You and your friends can leave comments on or “Like” any photo in a shared album.

The new Passbook app is the simplest way to get all your passes in one place, such as boarding passes and baseball tickets. Passbook lets you scan your iPhone or iPod touch to use a coupon, get into a concert or check into your hotel. Passbook automatically displays your passes on your Lock Screen based on a specific time or location, so when you walk into your favorite coffee shop your loyalty card appears and you can scan it to buy a coffee or check your balance. Passbook can even alert you to last minute gate changes or flight delays at the airport.

Building on Apple’s commitment to provide innovative solutions for education and accessibility, iOS 6 introduces Guided Access. This new feature allows a parent, teacher or administrator to disable hardware buttons to lock an iOS device into a single app, especially useful for test taking or helping someone with a disability stay focused on learning. Guided Access also includes the ability to confine touch input to certain parts of the screen.

Additional new iOS 6 features include:

• enhancements to Safari, the world’s most popular mobile browser, such as iCloud tabs, offline reading lists, photo uploads and full screen view;

• support for FaceTime® calls over cellular networks;

• the ability to set up a VIP Mailbox, making it easier to quickly view messages from important people you designate as VIPs;

• the option to decline incoming calls with a quick message, set a callback reminder and enable a new Do Not Disturb option; and

• a whole new set of improvements and services specifically for iOS users in China, such as improved text input and built-in support for popular Chinese services including Baidu, Sina Weibo, Youku and Tudou.

Availability

The iOS 6 beta software and SDK are available immediately for iOS Developer Program members at developer.apple.com. iOS 6 will be available as a free software update for iPhone 4S, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, the new iPad, iPad 2 and iPod touch (fourth generation) this fall. Some features may not be available on all products.

Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices with iPad.

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June 12, 2012
Google Maps To Work On Apple CarPlay With iOS 12

Apple announced iOS 12 at its recent launch event held on 12th September. The update will be rolled out on Monday, September 17th and will be available to many. An exciting feature that iOS 12 will bring is the addition of Google Maps and Waze to CarPlay.

Screenshots which show Google Maps integrated with Apple CarPlay have emerged and they have got everyone excited. As seen in the pictures, the Google Maps icon takes the navigation slot in the sidebar, which was earlier only occupied by Apple Maps. More images show the familiar arrowhead and map tiles, which are rendered by Google. The map is also available in both cartography and satellite modes. A microphone icon present on the screen also points out that voice search will be available.

CarPlay was announced in 2014 and works as an alternative to poor navigation software generally available in cars. By connecting your iPhone to your car, CarPlay will mimic its interface on to your dashboard. This is a much safer alternative to looking at your phone while driving or using a car mount.

However, the biggest complaint that CarPlay users had is the fact that they could not use Google Maps and were stuck with Apple Maps when it came to navigation. This is no longer an issue as with the new iOS update, users will be able to access not only Google Maps, but many other apps as well.

The access to Google Maps on Apple CarPlay is relatively restricted. It will only be available to iOS Beta Testers. For now, users will have to upgrade to iOS 12 when it rolls out on Monday and wait. Once Google Maps and other compatible apps are updated to be integrated with Apple CarPlay, users can utilise the full experience.

September 15, 2018
Apple’s Latest Acquisition May Finally Help it Compete Against Google Maps

Apple has been facing stiff competition on its Maps services from Google Maps. But, according to MacRumors, one company has been added to Apple’s roster to help it improve its Mapping service exponentially. The Silicon Valley technology company has confirmed the purchase of Coherent Navigation, a Bay Area global positioning company that will help Apple to further boost its location technology and services.

Google maps has always been ahead of the game

Coherent Navigation was formed back in 2008 and focused on creating commercial navigation services that were based on partnerships with companies like Boeing and Iridium, a satellite network operator. This company has worked on highly precise navigation technologies, which are accurate to up to 3-5 metres. Coherent Navigation had also worked on autonomous navigation and robotics previously. The company is known for its High Integrity GPS system, which combined signals from mid-earth orbit GPS satellites with low-earth satellites to offer improved precision and accuracy.

According to MacRumors, some key employees have started working for Apple, including CEO Paul Lego in January and co-founders William Bencze and Brett Ledvina in April. Their Linkedin profile also confirmed that they are working at Apple. The company’s website is currently offline but was updated to Apple servers on 30^th April.

For now, neither Apple nor Coherent Navigation has provided any information about how this partnership will be moved forward or what technology would be used. It is likely that Apple may show off the new navigation system at the WWDC next month. Watch out, Google Maps!

May 18, 2015
Google Maps Hides An Image Of An Android Robot Urinating On The Apple Logo

In a bizarre yet funny incident a Google map render image contains a cartoon of an Android robot taking a piss on the Apple logo. The image is in a small patch just south of the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi, which was possibly put by an End- user.

Someone at Google definitely is getting the boot as the image, which apparently was by an end-user helpfully “suggesting” an edit, has now been removed, Google says. “We’ve terminated the Android figure involved in this incident, and he’ll be disappearing from Google Maps shortly.”

Another picture accompanies the Urinating Android Figurine, a few miles to the east, reads : “Google review policy is crap.”

The Google Map Maker allows for users to suggest changes on the Google Maps, which are then duly moderated. These two however were not identified and managed to get on the public domain. This is not the fist incident of lack of moderation on Google Maps, and considering the massive scale of the project it may not be the last.

However people always tend to leave stuff for a few chuckles here and there.

April 28, 2015
Report : Apple Hiring ‘Ground Truth’ Managers To Improve Maps
If job listings are any indication, Apple remains committed to improving its iOS Maps app.

Apple’s woes regarding its Maps mobile app have been well documented, with the company taking a lot of flak from a lot of (lost) people, especially in the weeks following the app’s launch in September last year.

In the clearest sign yet that the Cupertino-based company is set on making the app something you’ll want to actually tap on and open. As the iDownload Blog spotted, Apple has posted job ads on its site for “Maps ground truth managers” at seven locations around the world.

Here’s the job description for the U.S.-based “ground truth manager”:
The Maps team is searching for a manager for the team responsible for regional map quality and ground truth in the U.S. Each of our regional teams is responsible for the quality of our maps in their region. This team’s responsibilities include:
- Testing new releases of map code and data around the U.S.
- Collecting ground truth data to allow for analysis of the impact of potential map code or data changes relative to known truth.
- Utilizing local expertise to provide feedback about U.S.-specific mapping details.
- Evaluating competing products in-region relative to our maps.
As the manager of this team, you will be expected to drive all of this team’s work, determine where and how to allocate resources and clearly communicate test results and other feedback to teams in Cupertino. The U.S. regional team is also responsible for driving communication between engineering teams in Cupertino and our other regional teams as well as evaluating new regional testing initiatives in close coordination with the rest of the Maps quality team before those initiatives are rolled out to the other regional teams.
The job listings not only reflect Apple Maps’ early problems, but also underscore how right Google’s Eric Schmidt was last year when he said that Apple is learning that “maps are really hard.”

Google has been working on maps for years, and relies heavily today on “feet on the ground” products like Google Street View and Map Maker to improve its mapping accuracy. To give you an idea of how far ahead Google is, consider that those two products launched in 2007 and 2008, respectively. And 5-6 years is a long time in internet/tech development.

We’re sure iOS 7 will feature “magical” and “revolutionary” new features in their Maps app.

[Search Engine Land, iDownload Blog]
March 29, 2013
Google Maps for iPhone released on Apple iTunes App store : Updated

As it was awaited and predicted the dedicated app for Google Maps for iPhone running iOS 6 and up, has been released on the iTunes Store and it also brings turn by turn voice guided navigation. Apple had decided to remove all Google related apps from its OS in iOS 6 and onward and specifically replace the maps app with their own iOS Maps application. The Apple Maps were not very detailed and caused a lot of problems for owners and Apple alike.

Here are the detailed options available in the Google Maps for iPhone app:

Search
* Find addresses, places and businesses around the world with Google local search.
* Discover places to eat, drink, shop and play, with ratings and local reviews.
* Sign in to sync your searches, directions, and favorite places between your computer and your phone.

Directions
* Get voice guided, turn-by-turn driving directions.
* Find your way by train, bus, subway or walking directions.
* Access live traffic information in cities across the world.

Street View and imagery
* View 360-degree panoramas of places around the globe with Street View.
* See inside more than 100,000 businesses worldwide.
* View high resolution satellite imagery of locations around the world.

Simple and easy to use
* An entirely new Google Maps experience on your iPhone.
* Newly designed and streamlined interface for even easier navigation of your world.
* Use gestures to explore the map and browse results.

Update: Apparently the app works cross platform. : Compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation) and iPad. Requires iOS 5.1 or later. This app is optimized for iPhone 5.

Download Link

December 13, 2012
Google : Maps App Might Struggle For Apple approval

Those hoping to see Google Maps return to the iPhone might not want to hold their breath.

Sources at Google familiar with its mapping plans say they are “not optimistic” that Apple will ever approve a dedicated Google Maps iOS app. Though the app is reportedly in development and should be ready to ship by the end of the year, the sources say their plans are only proceeding in “the unlikely event” that Apple will choose to approve the app.

Although any user can bookmark a page on the Safari browser linking to maps.google.com, many have been hoping that Apple will allow Google Maps back on the iPhone as a dedicated third-party app via the App Store. But there are doubts among some circles inside Google that such an app, when completed, would be approved by Apple.

While one source indicated increased hopes that the dedicated Google Maps iOS app will eventually be approved now that Apple’s maps leader, Scott Forstall, has departed the company, another was less than enthusiastic about any increased prospects, citing industry politics and Apple’s need to save face as much as possible and “keep moving forward in an effort to make its obviously inferior product better”. The source also cites the present organisation of the App Store, which, to them, suggests Apple has little interested in approving an official Google Maps app.

The release in mid-September of Apple’s latest mobile operating system, iOS 6, which runs on the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S and is pre-installed on the iPhone 5, saw Apple replace Google Maps as the phone’s mapping software of choice with Apple’s own in-house mapping solution. Apple’s Maps app was widely panned by both the technology press and consumers. The software saw train stations disappear, an airport relocated miles from where it should be, and local points-of-interest, like cafes and shops, completely erased from streets. Public transport information and some locations were lost. The addition of turn-by-turn navigation and vector graphics – which Google had refused to provide to Apple on the iPhone – did not satisfy a significant number of users.

Although chief executive Tim Cook said in October that 200 million devices had been upgraded to iOS 6, the new maps are seen as Apple’s most significant recent failure, and led Cook to issue a rare public apology on behalf of the company. Internal strife over the new maps was so great it reportedly became a key part of what led Cook last week tofire Forstall, the chief architect of Apple’s iOS and the one finally responsible for choosing to replace Google’s maps with Apple’s own.

Google’s sources though do not think their own Maps app would be approved quickly. Specifically, they point to the lack of any mapping app in the “Find maps for your iPhone” section of the App Store – accessible only via iPhones or iPads – that use the Google Maps APIs to call wirelessly for location, routing or point-of-interest (POI) data.

Further, a source at Google told me the feeling is that those apps were purposely left out of the new section because they promote Google and its “superior product” – at a time when there is so much bad blood between the companies over the continuing smartphone patent litigation (following allegations from the late Steve Jobs that Google’s Android OS ripped off iOS). In other words, no matter how bad Apple’s Maps are, the company still wants its users to move on from Google – and forget about them. This doesn’t bode well for the approval of an official Google Maps app, the source says.

[The Guardian]

November 7, 2012
Apple Starts Rolling Out Fixes For Maps On iOS 6

Credit : AppleInsider

Apple is trying to fix the problems that are dogging the new Apple Maps app by rolling out fixes. Apple launched its iPhone 5 on Sept. 12, which packed the latest iOS 6. Google Maps have been a standard feature on the iPhone since it debuted in 2007. However, Apple decided to discontinue Google Maps and introduce its own mapping service in the iOS 6.

Since the launch of iOS 6, users have reported problems with the new maps app, which lacks detailing and omits public transit directions. Moreover, Apple’s highly-touted 3D flyover feature has also received criticism as the feature displayed comically distorted images that look like major landmarks, and some structures even appeared to have been destroyed.

Several reports suggest that Apple’s quickly correcting some of its botched 3D Flyover views including the now-famous invisible Statue of Liberty. MacRumors says that imagery improvements have been reported in Honolulu, Hawaii; San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles; New York City and London. Additional 3D buildings in vector mode are also popping up. The Apple rumors website also states that users who don’t see the immediate changes will see them in the near future as “aggressive caching” is holding the roll out from hitting everyone.

Apple is reportedly prepping a program that will train retail staff employees to help report errors in cities where Apple Stores are located.

October 7, 2012
Apple will remove Google maps for own maps app in iOS 6

After its acquisition of a number of Map making companies, Apple may be working on a Google Map rival app for iOS. According to 9to5Mac the new maps will be based on technologies from Placebase, C3 Technologies and Poly9. Including an amazing 3D maps mode acquired from C3. The app is set to be released next mont at the WWDC when apple will also announce the next iOS 6.

[9to5Mac]

May 12, 2012
Huawei To Introduce Its Own Mapping System To Compete With Google Maps

With the advent of newer technology, lives have become easier. For example, unlike in the past where you had to ask for directions or use an unyieldingly large map, online mapping services have existed to make lives easier. Currently, Google dominates such a service with its extremely popular Google Maps. Many companies have tried to obtain a footing in the market like Apple and Blackberry, the latter miserably failing in this regard. According to a new report, Huawei is now also seeking to develop its own mapping service which will compete with Google Maps.

Who Is It For?

A fresh report originating from Huawei’s home country, China, has stated that the tech giant is seeking to challenge Google. However, the company is developing a mapping service which differs from its competitors. Unlike Google Maps, it is reportedly being made for developers which implies that it may be used by navigation or taxi-hailing services. It would also allow third-party developers to create utilize this service without creating their own.

Google Maps

Map Kit

A top executive at Huawei has revealed Map Kit as the name of the upcoming service. It will offer developers a street-level navigation system that they can use in their respective apps. Map Kit will also convey real-time traffic conditions and other related data. It could also imply an AR walking navigational system which is used by Google. Furthermore, the Map Kit will be connected to local mapping services and will have to rely on telecom base stations that offer positioning data via satellites.

Google Maps AR Navigational Feature

Will It Succeed?

The report also states that Huawei is partnering up with Booking Holdings. Notably, Booking is currently reliant on Google Maps. Hence Map Kit might just be a customer and not actually a data provider. Huawei will have to invest heavily to compete in the mapping service market which has been notoriously difficult to crack. As mentioned earlier, Google is the only company to see success in the business while even Apple is lagging behind the search giant. Nokia too had tried and failed with its Here Maps as did Blackberry in the past.

iOS 13 Maps

Also Read: YouTube Original Series Will Be Free To Watch From 24th September

Why Is Huawei Making Map Kit?

Huawei’s new mapping service is probably in response to the trade ban imposed on it by the US Government. The trade ban it had received has since been temporarily revoked but its implications still stand evident. US and western-based companies can cut ties from the company at any given moment. Thus, the move arrives with a more self-sufficient motive rather than just a revenue-generating one.

August 17, 2019
Google Map Gets AR Walking Feature
Google Maps is one of the most popular apps for navigation. The search giants map application helps millions of users every day find their way around the town. It even helps businesses like Uber and Ola in finding customers as well. Now, Google is seeking to finally integrate its AR capabilities to the maps for real-time directions. The new feature was announced earlier this year and is finally rolling out for Android and iOS.

Google Maps Live View

Google has already shown its prowess with augmented reality being integrated into smartphone cameras. It first appeared on Pixel phones and showcased real-time navigation in Google Maps through the lenses of handsets. The new feature allows users to hold up their phones and be directed via an arrow that provides direction to the destination.

The navigational features overlap on top of the camera view and make it far easier to locate buildings and landmarks around you. Nowadays, most modern smartphones feature an inbuilt function that facilitates augmented reality. In Android, it is called ARCore while iOS includes Arkite support. It allows devices to access Google Maps Live View which is in beta this week.

How To Try It Out
- Users must first search for a location by typing it out or selecting it on the map.
- Tap on the directions button at the bottom to start navigating.
- Users must now select walking directions at the top of the screen.
- Finally, tap on the new Live View option at the bottom of the screen.
Also Read: Google Pixel 4 Series Rumour Roundup: 90Hz Display, 12MP Camera, SD855 And More

The new Google Maps Live View feature is just a part of a much larger update to the mapping service. The company wants Travel and Maps to be a complete service through which trips are planned from the start to the end.
August 8, 2019
Future Apple iPhones Will Feature A ToF 3D Depth Camera

Apple is yet to launch the 2019 iPhones which will allegedly be called the iPhone XI, iPhone XI Max and iPhone XR 2019 or XI R. However, news regarding its 2020 smartphones have already started popping up. According to a new report, the American company has asked its supply chain partners to supply VCSEL components for a rear ToF camera lens. The sensor is said to be incorporated in its 2020 lineup of flagship smartphones.

VCSELs stands for Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers which are a critical component of Apple’s TrueDepth camera. It is found in the iPhone XR, XS and XS Max and enables features such as Face ID, Animoji and Portrait selfies as well as proximity-sensing capabilities of AirPods. The incorporation of a ToF camera system will be a significant improvement from TrueDepth owing to more advanced laser technology. Basically, Apple is upgrading the components housed in the current generation of iPhones allowing for added functionality.

iPhone XS Max

TrueDepth utilizes tens of thousands of laser dots to accurately map a users’ face that offers a secure authentication process. Contrastingly, ToF sensors measure the time taken for a laser to bounce off surrounding objects to create a 3D image; it is similar to how RADARS detect objects by bouncing signals of varying wavelengths. Hence, the ToF provides a more accurate depth perception and better measurement of virtual objects placements. It will essentially allow depth being captured in photos with greater quality.

Apple iPhone XR

Apple iPhone 2020 could be able to scan areas up to 15 feet from the device. Current generation iPhones with TrueDepth only work at distances up to 25 to 50cms in comparison. With this, the tech giant is reportedly two years ahead of its competition in the region of 3D sensing technology. Sony is claimed to be the supplier for the ToF technology as Apple is rumoured to be in talks with the Japanese company. However, the company had also invested $390 million (approx. INR 2687 crores) in Finisar Corp which also supplies VCSELs.

Also Read: Sony Is Working On A Foldable Phone With A Host Of New Sensors

Earlier reports had claimed that the 2019 iPhones would also incorporate the new feature. However, Apple has put its plans for AR/VR based technology development on hold for now. The 2020 iPhones could have Apple again incorporating a major distinctive feature that sets it apart from its competitors. Unfortunately, no official statement from the company has been given out yet. Updates will be provided once more information is available, so stay tuned.

July 18, 2019

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