New York - Apple apologized on Friday to customers for
shortcomings in its glitch-ridden maps application launched in its
new operating system used by the iPhone 5.
"At Apple, we strive to make world-class products that
deliver the best experience possible to our customers. With the
launch of our new Maps last week, we fell short on this commitment,"
chief executive Tim Cook said in a statement.
"We are extremely sorry for the frustration this has caused
our customers and we are doing everything we can to make Maps
better."
Apple developed its own mapping program included in its new mobile
iOS 6 operating system, and in doing so booted off Google Maps, which
had been the default program for Apple devices.
But the new Apple program immediately drew scorn, for omitting key
landmarks and cities, failing to identify correct locations and
distorting views from its images.
Cook encouraged customers to use alternatives including Google, as
Apple works out its bugs.
"The more our customers use our Maps the better it will get
and we greatly appreciate all of the feedback we have received from
you," he said.
"While we're improving Maps, you can try alternatives by
downloading map apps from the App Store like Bing, MapQuest and Waze,
or use Google or Nokia maps by going to their websites and creating
an icon on your home screen to their Web app."
Although the maps application does not generate revenues directly,
it often links to searches, and keep users in the company's
"ecosystem," which can be important over the long term.
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