When the new standalone Google Maps application for iOS 6 hit the App Store on December 12 — it was the day the earth stood still for iPhone users who anxiously downloaded the app over 10 million times from the iTunes store within 48 hours.
Google's Jeff Huber pimped the grand news through his Google+ account on Monday, celebrating the overwhelming response from those who battled with the launch of Apple's native Maps app since September when iOS 6 omitted the original Google Maps.
“We're excited for the positive reception of Google Maps for iPhone around the world. Congratulations to the Maps Team on the recognition for the passion and hard work they poured into it, for this release and over the last 7+ years.” Huber wrote.
Google admitted that their new iPhone app is “even better than Google Maps for Android phones, which has accommodated its evolving feature set mainly by piling on menus.” according to a post in the NYT.
One commenter summed up his gushing enthusiasm for the long awaited return of Google Maps to iPhone.
“I can't believe my eyes. The best maps app everrrrrrr. Thanks for coming back to my iPhone!” wrote Carlos Aviles.
The newly streamlined app interface and navigation upgrades have made it the best version of Maps yet although the company still considers it a work in progress — labeling their turn-by-turn voice guided navigation a (Beta).
As of Monday afternoon Google Maps sat comfortably at the No. 1 position as the Top Free App currently on the iTunes App Store chart — sitting just above the Elf Yourself app by Office Max.
Even in spite of being an overnight sensation with 10 million downloads, some iPhone faithful are still choosing to continue using Apple Maps — claiming that both maps applications have their unique pros and cons.
The biggest complaint is being aimed at the inability for users to access iPhone Contacts through Google's retooled maps app — one of the more popular features offered on Apple's native Maps app. Many are calling the lack of Contacts access in Google Maps a "deal breaker".
“If you already have it — thank you, and please tell a friend. Any feedback you have is welcomed, here in G+ or in the app (just shake it).” Jeff Huber added.
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