Author: nadine Published: June 7th, 2012
It’s no secret that Apple is planning to distance itself from Google Maps once it launches iOS 6 with its own 3D mapping service. This means that current devices such as the iPhone 4S and future devices such as the iPhone 5 will no longer rely on the search giant’s mapping service. However, Google has just launched the next dimension of its Google Maps, which shows iOS users what they will be missing.
Google shows off its new 3D maps in a spectacular video. The new 3D cityscape is sure to rival Apple’s new 3D maps. The new feature will be available for use in major cities around the world. Tour Guide will allow users to get to places of interest. It will also suggest attractions. It can also be used offline, which means no more worrying about going over your data plan.
So when do we see the next dimension of Google Maps on Android devices such as the HTC One X or the Samsung Galaxy S3? It’s possible the new feature will be available once Android 4.1 rolls out. However, it’s likely the new Google Maps will roll out once Android 5.0 (Jelly Bean) arrives later during the year.
Tags: 3d maps, Android, apple, Google, Google Maps, iOS, next dimension of Google Maps
Category App News |
Author: sarah Published: June 7th, 2012
Research firm IDC reckons that Android handsets will have a sudden surge in shipments this 2012. It also remains firm on its previous prediction, which it reckons Windows Phone will snatch second place in terms of OS market share by 2016.
Senior research analyst of IDC’s worldwide Mobile Phone Tracker says in the report, “The smartphone parade won’t be as lively this year as it has been in past.
“The mobile phone user transition from feature phones to smartphones will continue in a gradual but unabated fashion. Smartphone growth, however, will increasingly be driven by a triumvirate of smartphone operating systems, namely Android, iOS and Windows Phone 7.”
According to IDC, 2012 will show a temporary slump in phone shipments, but by 2016, we will see 2.3 billion mobile phone shipments. Most of these shipments will be Windows Phone devices.
In the next five years, Android’s market share will stay on top, but will decrease to 52.9% from 61%. Samsung will remain the top Android manufacturer. It currently puts other manufacturers to shame with devices such as the Galaxy S3, its predecessor the S2, and the Galaxy Note.
Apple’s iOS is said to drop to 19% by 2016 from 20.5%.
By 2016, Windows Phone will enjoy a 19.2% market share. Nokia will spearhead Windows Phone’s advance.
Previously, IDC predicted that RIM would enjoy a 15% market share. This prediction has now dropped to just 5.9%.
Do you believe Android will remain strong for years to come? Give us your thoughts.
Tags: Android, apple, Blackberry, Google, IDC, iOS, Microsoft, RIM, windows phone
Category Phone News |
Author: nadine Published: June 3rd, 2012
TechRadar reports that the search giant is planning to launch its “next dimension” to Google Maps before Apple replaces the app with its own mapping service. This will let users of devices such as the iPhone 4S or new iPad know what they are missing. Apple is expected to launch its new 3D mapping service at WWDC.
Google has sent invitations to media concerning an event on the 6th of June. Here, the search giant will discuss Google Maps’ ‘newest dimension’. This may include 3D mapping.
The invite says that Google will launch features “that will help people get where they want to go – both physically and virtually”.
Google’s event will be held just days before Apple’s WWDC kicks off on the 11th of June in San Francisco.
Will you be sad your iPhone or iPad will be missing out on Google Maps’ ‘next dimension’, or are you looking forward for Apple’s 3D mapping service for iOS? Share your thoughts.
Tags: apple, Apple 3D maps, Google, Google Maps, Google Maps newest dimension, Google Maps next dimension, iOS
Category App News |
