Google Maps for iPhone was basically a hit before it even launched in the App Store. Anticipation was so high leading up to the release last week that the app shot to the top of the App Store’s charts in only a few hours. Given the widespread criticism of Apple Maps in iOS 6, Google Maps is a breath of fresh air for those that miss the iOS Maps of old.
While Google Maps may be great in its own right, Apple’s restrictions mean that it cannot replace the new, default Maps app in iOS 6. You can choose to use Google Maps for iOS whenever you want, but map links and directions in other apps will always open Apple Maps no matter what.
Luckily, jailbreakers now have a way to make the new Google Maps replace Apple Maps and become the default app of choice.
A new jailbreak tweak called MapsOpener automatically routes mapping iOS links for specific locations and directions to Google Maps. For example, tapping an address sent via iMessage would send you to the new Google Maps app instead of Apple Maps. The only downside to MapsOpener is that it doesn’t seem to work with addresses in an iPhone’s contact list—at least not yet. If you want to use Siri with Google Maps, you don’t actually need to be jailbroken.
There are no options to configure after you install the tweak. It just works. Apple Maps can retire to a deserted folder on your Home screen.
MapsOpener is a free jailbreak tweak that can be downloaded in Cydia now.
Here’s a nice video demo from Jeff over at iDB:
Source: HASHBANG Productions
Via: iDownloadBlog
