> This all seems to suggest that Google’s location data is more precise than Apple’s. (Or that Apple’s geocoder is buggy.) And perhaps here we’re seeing the fruits of Google’s decade-long Street View project.
How can Apple catch up? Is there an obvious acquisition?
Waze was the obvious acquisition, because the Map editor is well done and accessible on the web, the community is very active and Apple even used their data, but Google was smarter and acquired them.
Apple Maps is limited to Macs and iDevices, while Google Maps is accessible essentially everywhere (web and Search page and Android/iOS). Because of this, it's easier for the masses to update information on Google Maps than Apple Maps.
Exactly. It works as a default included app and a tick on the features list. If better maps are worth it to you many options are available in the store, it doesn't hurt apple either way.
Last I checked, one of Garmin's key mapping data providers is Here Maps (formerly NavTeq). "Here" is owned by a consortium of companies (primarily VW, BMW & Daimler) and licenses its data to a number of companies. Apple can become another licensee.
For its massive cash hoards, I gotta say that Apple is neither strategic nor quick to the table with acquisitions.
How can Apple catch up? Is there an obvious acquisition?