GPS/Navigation - Hey Apple - 1996 called and they want their maps app back

  Some Android phones have had notoriously bad GPS problems (link).    However most Android phones have great GPS performance.   GPS performance is another one of those items that need to be researched before purchasing an Android phone.   If you dont like research, just get one of the Nexus series Google phones (your no worse off in selection than any iPhone purchase if you choose to do this).

  As expected, the GPS performance on my iPhone is average.  I say average because it performs how I would expect it to.   It finds me on a map and can track my location just fine.   That is where the performance stops though.

  The "maps" app and attempt at navigation in iOS is absurd.   It is really no different than logging into mapquest entering your destination and printing out a map.    The phone DOES know your location for starting and moving along the suggested route, but does NO attempt at actually getting you there.   You have to manually press "next" to see the next direction, even though the phone knows you just passed through the direction it gave you.    The app does not auto recalculate if you veer off course, and does not even attempt to make any automatic turn by turn directions.

  The apple "maps" app is straight out of 1996.   The only thing it will do is show your location on a map, and a way to get to your destination.  NOTHING IS AUTOMATED

  Even your basic FREE android phone is a DIRECT replacement for a dashboard GPS, such as a Garmin.   Not only does Google maps give you destinations, it will give you turn by turn directions, automatic recalculation, speak street names to you, cache maps, calculate traffic into travel time and re-route accordingly, and sometimes even teleport you to your destination (just kidding).

  The included Apple "maps" app is so ridiculous, I feel it is another app they are leaving out ON PURPOSE.  I feel it is another way Apple says "got ya" to any iPhone buyer.    Of course, if you wish to PAY MORE you can buy an excellent navigation app for a fixed $40, or there are multiple subscription based from around $15/year.

In my opinion Apple is leaving the sub-par app as part of their stock OS software to force people into buying a navigation app off the Apple appstore.   When this happens, they get their 30% cut, leading to more profit. Just another way Apple does not care about the consumer, and only cares about dollars.

Google maps navigation on Youtube

Apple "maps" app on Youtube