Apple chose to announce that its own “Map” service has begun public testing of the web version just a few days after the public beta version of iOS and other systems was launched. Continue reading Windows works too! Apple’s “Maps” web version launches beta test, will it bring pressure to Google Maps? Report text.
▲Image source: Apple
Windows works too! Apple’s “Maps” web version launches beta test, will it bring pressure to Google Maps?
It is also a free navigation map service. The development direction of Apple Maps can be said to be completely opposite to that of Google Maps – the former is considered to mainly serve users of their own devices; the latter has not only had a web version that can be easily used across desktop systems from the beginning, but has also been a favorite application for many Android and even iOS/iPadOS users for many years.
However, in recent years, the competition between the two companies for dedicated map application functions has been ongoing. What is unexpected is that Apple announced that its own “Map” service has begun public testing of the web version just a few days after the launch of public beta versions of iOS and other systems.
Apple announced that their web version of Apple Maps is now available in beta.
through http://beta.maps.apple.com/ This is obviously not an official website. Users of non-Apple devices (or people who have removed the app?) can now also obtain functions through the web interface including “driving and walking route guidance”, “searching for high-quality places and photos, business hours, ratings and reviews and other practical information”, “ordering meals” and “browsing selected guides”.
In addition, Apple also announced that the cool “look around” real-view function and other functions in the Apple Maps app will also be launched in the web version of Apple Maps in the coming months.
After seeing this news, the editor immediately took out a Google Pixel phone to try to see if I could directly open Apple’s web map service in the Android system.
It turns out that currently non-Apple devices “still” only support the Chrome and Edge browsers installed on Windows PCs – I have also tried to switch to the “PC version” mode of the Android version of Chrome, but currently an incompatibility prompt still pops up.
From the compatibility page, you can see that the web version of Apple Maps clearly states that it currently only supports “Safari and Chrome on Mac and iPad and Chrome and Edge on Windows PCs” browsers. Another support limitation that may make you uncomfortable is that it currently only supports the English version.
However, I believe that as the public beta version evolves, these situations should be improved – especially in the press release, Apple has also announced that the web version of Apple Maps service will gradually expand to support other languages, browsers and platforms.
▲Image source: u/TLP34 (Reddit)
Apple mentioned that this evolution is also good for developers. However, I believe that broader platform device support will be most helpful in updating information on business attractions, etc., and even the willingness and frequency of users to make relevant comments and even provide useful information, etc., right?
Now it seems that Apple’s “Map” app in the iOS 18 Beta is considered to be building a test function for a further profit model. Does it feel like the possibility is getting higher? (See more: iOS 18 map was revealed to be testing attraction advertising, but it may not be what you think）
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Source: KOCPC Chinese