For those of us who have upgraded to the latest iOS 6 operating system for the iPhone, or if you have the iPhone 5 you should know by now that Google maps is gone and Apple maps has taken its place. I am not sure how much you use the maps on your iPhone but I use it quite a bit. I drive around town a lot going to client sites or sales meetings and Google maps has always gotten me there, although I would argue maybe not always the best route. I was excited about Apple maps since it has turn by turn directions, which Google maps on the iPone did not have.
Last weekend I got my first chance to really use the new maps for the iPhone when I took my son to visit Baylor college. The first thing I did was search for a Starbucks on my route so that I could get a cup of coffee before starting the day. The search did return several Starbucks and I picked one along our route. As we got close I took the exit and and drove to the intersection to where the Starbucks was showing on my map, however when I got there, there was no Starbucks in site. I drove around thinking it was close but could not find it. So I decided to look again at the map and upon closer review I noticed that the location displayed an “approximate location” instead of an actual Starbucks. Frustrated and running out of time I had to skip it altogether. Sure maybe I should have looked closer but I was driving and did not want to play with my phone, I just wanted to find a cup of coffee. I never remember Google maps giving me an approximate location.
So what can you do if you are stuck with iOS 6 maps? Well now you can download Scout and get a free year of it premium navigation service for free.
http://blog.scout.me/2012/free-iphone-gps-navigation-app-scout-by-telenav/
This app claims to have the following features (from their web site):
- Our 3D turn-by-turn navigation with voice
- Automatic rerouting if you miss a turn or take a detour
- Offline navigation for when you drive out of cell coverage
- Speech recognition
- Lane Assist, which helps you figure out what lane you should be in
- Speed Traps & Red Light Camera Alerts
- Search for the cheapest gas near you
- A LOT MORE!
While I am sure that Apple will improve their map application over time, right now I just want something that works. I have not had a chance to really test Scout yet but will give it a try over the next few days. I figure either way it cannot hurt to have an extra mapping application on my phone.
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