A new maps app called Sparkling maps that offers Google maps has hit the app store

November 18, 2012 by

A new maps app called Sparkling maps that offers Google maps has hit the app store.  This will come as an ideal solution for those looking to get back to Google’s standard of mapping that offers it’s users, reliable maps that offer a decent amount of  detail on the maps.  This app also includes access to Google’s infamous street view. Lastly this map even offers turn by turn navigation, which Google official iOS 5 map app never did.

However this app does have some short cummings when comparing it to the Google’s iOS 5 official version. The text is often very small to see on the maps also it’s not possible to use the maps when offline, like you could on Google’s iOS 5 official version. Lastly there also seems to be a problem with the street view maps option. Yes you can access the street view option with ease, but once you go into street view mode you are not able to zoom in or out like you could within the official iOS 5 Google version.   

 

Overall despite it’s short Cummings, which will hopefully be resolved soon by the developers. It’s a useful app for anyone who wants the first class mapping experience that iOS users once enjoyed with Google maps. Currently there is no other app that can offer this level of map detail, street view, and turn by turn navigation like this one does. So what are you waiting for it’s a bargain for only $0.99 or 0.69p from the UK app store.

 

Update 29-11-12

I would like to post an update on this app and say that now the developer have produced and released an updated version of this app that has addressed most of the problems that were previously raised by users. 

 

Filed Under: Apple, Apps Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Apple maps are a let down here is how to get Google maps back

September 23, 2012 by

Since the update of iOS  6 Apple user have lost the familiar Google maps software on their apple devices only to find out that apples replacement map service is an inferior product. Many users are finding that the new maps are lacking in detail and are sometimes not even completed. For example some of the London maps are missing the tube stations and other vital landmark points that are essential for navigation. Some of the digital maps are also incomplete and blurry. Also another major complaint is with the maps location feature, some users have reported that it does not  always locate you accurately.    

If you want to revert to Google maps service a website called Pocket lint has found a temporary solution, while we wait for Google to bring out an iOS map app. Here is how:

Step 1

Open up Safari, and enter the url maps.google.co.uk or maps.google.com

Step 2

Click okay when the Notification pop up appears asking whether you are happy for “https://maps.google.co.uk” to use your current location.

Step 3

When the page finishes loading, click on the share icon in the centre of the menu bar at the bottom and click on the “Add to Home Screen Icon”, on the next pane click “Add” in the top right hand corner.

Step 4

You are done. When you want to find yourself you can simply click on this icon and as long as you have internet access you’ll be able to use the Google Mapping service.  

Source: Pocket lint

Filed Under: Apple, Other tech news and developments Tagged With: , ,