The hype of Apple’s release of the iPhone 5 and iOS 6 software has died down since Apple users discovered technical issues with the latest version of Apple’s Maps, which replaced Google Maps in the software update.
Users found that the new Maps application is missing whole cities, duplicating locations and using incorrect landmark icons. Apple CEO Tim Cook publicly apologized in an open letter on the company’s website, recognizing the application’s kinks.
Chris Dyal, 25-year-old U. Florida Computing Help Desk employee, said he hasn’t had any issues with Maps when looking up Gainesville on his iPhone 5. However, he said campus roads aren’t as accurate as they were with Google Maps.
“It was rolled out way too early,” Dyal said.
Despite the kinks, he said he doesn’t think the faulty Maps application will affect iPhone 5 sales.
UF freshman Lauren Killer, 18, said she updated her iPhone 4 to the iOS 6 software the week it was released.
Out of all the updates, she said she is disappointed with the new Maps. Killer said the new Maps doesn’t have outlines or labels for UF campus buildings.
She said the malfunction wouldn’t have happened under the late Apple CEO Steve Jobs’ watch.
“I think Steve Jobs is turning in his grave,” Killer said.
Killer said she uses the Maps application to track campus buses. She said if the software update took place earlier in the school year, she would have trouble finding her way around UF.
RTS has a partnership with TransLoc, a real-time transportation information provider, said RTS spokesman Chip Skinner.
Skinner said TransLoc is Windows-based, so RTS hasn’t had complaints about Apple Maps and its public transportation directions. TransLoc currently uses Google Maps as its navigational platform.
Killer said she hasn’t had any issues with finding RTS buses on her iPhone, but she typically uses the TransLoc app.
Killer, who plans to buy the iPhone 5 in December, said the Maps update has not led her to rethink her purchase or doubt the company. However, she told family and friends not to update their iPhones’ software.
“It’s just not OK as is,” Killer said.