Google

Google is in no rush to create a standalone Maps app for the Apple App Store, said Google's Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt.

Apple replaced the Google Maps app with its own mapping service with the launch of iOS 6. iPhone 5 owners and users who upgraded their devices have complained that Apple's new map service features too many geographical errors, and is missing many of the Google Maps features that so many iOS users enjoyed.

Google's Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt told a small group of reporters in Tokyo that he can't force Apple to use Google's mapping services.

"We think it would have been better if they had kept ours. But what do I know?" said Schmidt. "What were we going to do, force them not to change their mind? It's their call."

Google has been adding some interesting new mobile features today. First there was the Google Earth 3D update, and now 9to5Mac has discovered a new handwriting feature for Google Search. The handwriting recognition option allows you use your finger to write what you're searching for. This eliminates fat finger typos when using the iPhone's smaller screen.

To activate the new feature go to google.com/preferences on your iPhone or iPad, and enable the "Handwrite" feature. Then tap the ‘g’ icon while on google.com to start writing. The feature will automatically convert your handwriting into text inside of the search box.

Apple plans to replace Google Maps with its own 3D mapping software when it releases iOS 6 this fall, but Google has beaten them to the punch by adding a new 3D view to its Google Earth app.

Verison 7.0 of Google Earth features 3D imagery for 14 regions including: Los Angeles, Boston, San Francisco, Geneva and Rome. Google plans to add additional 3D cities to the iOS and Android platforms in the coming weeks. Version 7.0 also allows you to explore various locations, historic landmarks and natural wonders with its new "Tour Guide" feature. The new 3D view is available for the iPhone 4S, iPad 2 and new iPad. You can download the app for free from the Apple App Store.

Jailbreak developer Ryan Petrich has released a new tweak called BrowserChooser in response to Google's popular iOS Chrome browser app being released yesterday. Petrich tweeted: “BrowserChooser is up on rpetri.ch/repo. Loving Chrome for iOS so much that it had to be built.”

The tweak allows you to change your default browser to Google Chrome, Opera Mini, iCab Mobile, Dolphin Browser, Atomic Browser or Safari. You can toggle between all your available browsers in the Settings menu. Petrich's tweak arrived around the same time Chrome became the most downloaded free app in the App Store.