At the recently concluded WWDC conference, Apple has unveiled their new Maps application which offers 3D mapping. This move is expected to help Apple challenge their rival Google, whose Google Maps application will be replaced by Apple’s own software. Apple has also introduced a new range of Macbooks and a smarter version of Siri at the developer’s conference this week.
Apple’s new feature, which is expected to be available on its devices in the later part of the year, will offer spoken driving directions as well. The Fly Over feature of the Maps App will offer a 3D view of the area the user is navigating through. This new application will replace the existing Google Maps app on the iPhone when iOS is released. In recent times, mapping has become an important feature on phones, with users opting for these apps not just to seek directions while driving around, but to also track down restaurants and explore new places. It also helps fetch revenue as companies are willing to pay to occupy space on digital maps.
The introduction of such features, along with the updated version of the robotic assistant Siri could be Apple’s chance at maintaining their strong position in a market which is being slowly taken over by Google’s Android, thanks to Samsung, Motorola, HTC and LG. Apple is also supposedly working on an Apple branded television, though Apple executives have clarified that this project is currently on the back burner and nothing stands officially confirmed. Analysts have predicted that the next iPhone will be introduced in October this year. As of now, Apple only spoke of the new features that they have introduced in iOS 6 along with the new line of Mac laptops at the developer’s conference.
Apple’s MacBook Pro and Air lines have also been upgraded and will now come with faster processors and graphic chips. While the standard MacBook Pro is priced at $1,800, a new variant will be available for $2,200, sporting a lighter and thinner frame along with high definition Retina screens that are seen in their iPhones and iPads. Apple’s newest desktop/laptop operating system, Mountain Lion, was also announced, with the biggest feature being cloud syncing. iOS 6 is expected to be introduced by fall this year.
