Is Google Maps Navigation headed for the iPhone?
Although there are rumours of a growing rift between Apple and Google, it seems the search giant hasn't ruled out bringing its Google Maps Navigation
Although there are rumours of a growing rift between Apple and Google, it seems the search giant hasn’t ruled out bringing its Google Maps Navigation service to the iPhone.
Finally confirmed for the UK with the announcement of the Nexus One on Vodafone, Google Maps Navigation brings turn-by-turn driving directions to devices for free.
Google’s Steve Lee told TechRadar: “We’re always evaluating other platforms for Google Maps Navigation. Google Maps is the application that has the most breadth on other platforms – Windows Mobile, iPhone, J2ME phones, but Google Maps Navigation requires higher capabilities.”
When pushed on whether the iPhone was one of those platforms, or if there would be a problem with allowing Apple to use the service, Lee added: “We’re close partners with Apple, but we can’t comment on the ifs and whens [of any such deal].
“But it’s hard to say we’d never license our services to anyone, because at the end of the day we’re a search and ads company.”
If confirmed for the iPhone, it would no doubt seriously affect the sales of paid-for sat-nav apps currently available from the App Store, including offerings from TomTom and CoPilot. Sales of which, Apple take sizeable chunk from.
What do you think about Apple and Google’s relationship – can you see this happening? Let us know below.
Dan Grabham
Editor-in-Chief 
