Google Maps Engine June 2012

The Incumbent Fights off the Disrupter - Or Google Maps Throws an Event before Apple's WWDC

from James Fee GIS Blog

So there could be some very interesting mobile mapping news the beginning of this month. First off Apple is expected to release information about iOS 6 which at this point is assume to have their branded version of the Maps.app and possibly 3D navigation (I have no idea how that is supposed to work). But Google isn’t going to let them have all that glory themselves:

At this invitation-only press gathering, Brian McClendon, VP of Google Maps and Google Earth, will give you a behind-the-scenes look at Google Maps and share our vision. We’ll also demo some of the newest technology and provide a sneak peek at upcoming features that will help people get where they want to go – both physically and virtually. We hope to see you there.

Interesting that they still mention Google Earth as everything I’ve seen from them is abandonment of that platform. I guess it still has a purpose. So as I pointed out earlier this week, I consider Google the web mapping incumbent and Apple the disrupter. Clearly as consumers, we’ll be having great choices for our mapping apps. Makes you wonder though if there is room for third parties on these mobile platforms. Time will tell if Waze (my current navigation choice) will continue to grow.

Could be a fun time this summer using mobile mapping apps looking for a place to party

Google Maps Engine... V6 or V8?

Google to hold Maps event ahead of WWDC, hopes to make Apple sorry for dropping it

from Engadget by Sarah Silbert

According to rumors, Apple will soon ditch Google Maps for a service of its own (reportedly to launch in iOS 6), but far be it from the search giant to take that snub silently. The company will reportedly hold an event to give the press a "behind-the-scenes look at Google Maps and share our vision" on June 6th. According to the invitation, Google will demo new features that "will get people where they want to go -- both physically and virtually." That shindig will go down just five days before Apple's WWDC, where Cupertino will likely announce its own Google Maps replacement.