Apple-Google deal took a wrong turn over directions, report says
What led Apple to boot Google Maps from iOS 6? A new report claims that negotiations between the two companies broke down over disagreements on features and control of the app, which came preloaded on every single iOS device. All Things Digital reports that one dispute involved spoken turn-by-turn directions, a feature that debuted on Android but hadn't made its way to Apple's own Google-powered maps product. At the same time, Google wanted in-app branding and extra Google services like its Latitude location sharing tool, which didn't exactly charm Apple, the report claims. As a result, Apple "fast-tracked" the creation of its own maps application, and put it out as part of iOS 6. The report mirrors numerous details in a story from the Wall Street Journal back in June, which said that negotiations between the two companies fizzled over the very same things:Apple executives also wanted to include Google's turn-by-turn-navigation service in the iPhone -- a feature popular with Android users because it lets people treat their phones as in-car GPS devices. Google wouldn't allow it, according to people on both sides. One of these people said Google viewed Apple's terms as unfair.Google executives, meantime, also bristled at Apple's refusal to add features that would help Google. For instance, Google wanted to emphasize its brand name more prominently within the maps app. It also wanted Apple to enable its service designed to find friends nearby, dubbed Latitude, which Apple refrained from doing, said people on both sides. Google is now rumored to be feverishly working on its own standalone application for release through Apple's App Store. And perhaps now all eyes will be on whether or not it includes voice navigation.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
