There is a lot of speculation surrounding the arrival of
Google (NASDAQ:
GOOG
) Maps on iOS 6. Most argue that this is a big win for Google and
a huge loss for Apple (NASDAQ:
AAPL
), which may have lost any hope of persuading users to stick with
its own Maps app. At least one analyst believes that Apple will
oust Google Maps
in the distant future in an attempt to force users to switch.
Others believe that Google made a mistake in providing a new
app to iOS 6. They say that the search engine giant would have
been wiser to hold onto Google Maps and use it to drive sales of
Android devices.
All of these arguments have a point. Apple
might
have to give up the dream of dominating the navigation industry.
The iPhone maker
could
acquire a major GPS maker
, such as Garmin (NASDAQ:
GRMN
) or TomTom (OTC:
TMOAF
), fix iOS Maps and kick Google out. Google
might
simply bail on iOS and tell users to purchase an Android
phone.
None of these scenarios are going to come true, and there is a
simple reason for that. In each case, nobody wins. By being
greedy, Google will inadvertently reduce its user base. In doing
so, fewer people will use Google's services, which will slowly
erode the business.
Similarly, if Apple ever decides to force its users to switch
to the Maps app, they will be given a viable reason to drop the
iPhone and switch to Android instead. Up until this point, Apple
has not done that. While Apple and Android enthusiasts will
forever argue about which platform is better, the reality is that
both of them are equally great. Apple could lose millions of
customers if it did something to change that.
This is why Apple and Google will continue to coexist as they
did before Apple erroneously ousted Google Maps from iOS. Instead
of kissing and making up, however, Apple will simply leave the
door open for Google to walk through whenever it pleases.
In 2013, Apple will likely say that it has made great strides
in perfecting its own mapping application. By 2014, the company
might even claim that it has the best navigational tool
available. Regardless of how Apple's Maps app performs, Google
Maps will remain on iOS.
Google has the brand, resources and creative knowhow to
continue innovating far faster than Apple in this regard. Not
even TomTom -- which would cost Apple billions to acquire --
could change that. Software, particularly areas that involve a
degree of search, is Google's territory.
Hardware is Apple's territory. This is why Apple designs the
Lexus of the computer world, AKA the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air.
Google Maps is the Lexus of the navigation industry. The
Chromebook, however, is more like a used Toyota (NYSE:
TM
). It serves its purpose, but it is far from a luxury
automobile.
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@LouisBedigianBZ
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