Google Chairman Eric Schmidt Says “Apple Should Have Kept Our Maps”

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Mapgate continues.
Mapgate continues.

Apple’s new Maps app in iOS 6 has been the subject of intense criticism in the press for weeks. Tim Cook had to issue a public apology for the widespread inaccuracy of Maps, and Apple is now recommending other third-party mapping solutions in the App Store. Not exactly a great product launch.

Google’s Eric Schmidt commented on Apple ditching Google Maps in an interview tonight. “Apple should have kept our maps,” said Schmidt. Why? Simply put, “They’re better maps.” Touche.

Walt Mossberg and Kara Swisher of AllThingsD interviewed Schmidt tonight in New York City, and the Google chairman had a thing or two to say about Apple’s Maps. “Apple decided a long time ago to do their own maps,” said Schmidt, echoing previous reports. Schmidt remarked that Apple has now “discovered that maps are really hard.” Indeed.

Google is expected to release an official Google Maps iPhone app in the App Store by the end of the year. When asked about the app, Schmidt said, “If we made one, they would have to approve it. They haven’t approved all of our apps in the past.”

During a recent trip to Tokyo, Schmidt said that Google “hadn’t done anything” relating to a standalone Google Maps app for the iPhone. The app is probably done, but it doesn’t look like Google has let Apple take a look at it yet. In the meantime, you can use Google Maps on the iPhone now via the mobile website.

Later in the interview with Mossberg and Swisher, Schmidt was asked if he would rather be CEO of Apple, Amazon or Facebook. “I was on Apple’s board, and I’ll always have a soft spot for them,” admitted Schmidt. “I was very good friends and very close to Steve Jobs, and I’ll miss him dearly. Jeff Bezos has made remarkable moves. And again, Facebook has a billion users.”

When pressed to answer the question, Schmidt asked, “Which one has the most cash?”

Source: AllThingsD

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