Maps

Google rolled out a huge update to its iOS Maps app on Tuesday. Version 3.0 of Google Maps adds several new features such as lane guidance, Uber integration and the ability to save offline maps to a custom list for quick access.

Lane guidance is a pretty standard feature on most GPS devices. It lets drivers know which lane of traffic is the correct route so they do not miss important turns or exits. The new offline mode allows users to save maps to a custom list in case they run into a bad network connection or are worried about data charges. Other new driving features include the ability to view travel time and distance in navigation mode and the ability to search for local businesses by rating, price, opening hours, and more.

How many times have you used Apple Maps while walking only to realize it was giving you turn-by-turn driving directions? There is actually a really quick fix for this if you're using iOS 7. If you're a frequent walker, you may not realize you can change your settings to make Apple Maps give you walking directions by default. Here's how:

Navigate to Settings > Maps and scroll down until you see the "Preferred Directions" section. From here you can simply tap the "Walking" panel to set your default directions. You will know your Preferred Directions is set when a blue check appears next to the word "Walking".

The popular Android App ForeverMap has added offline support to its iOS version. ForeverMap 2 uses OpenStreetMaps and advanced compression technology so users can access its global maps with no Wi-Fi connection. Users are able to download as many complete country maps as they need to use whenever they wish.

ForeverMap is a great companion for navigation apps such as Google, Nokia or even Apple Maps. Apple’s vector-based maps do offer offline usage, but you do lose some functions while disconnected from Wi-Fi. ForeverMap also helps cut down on the high costs of data roaming when you are traveling.

Google has finally released a new Maps app for the iPhone after the Apple Maps fiasco.

iPhone users have been clamoring for the return of Google Maps since the release of the iPhone 5 and iOS 6, when Apple replaced the app with its own mapping software. Apple Maps has been widely ridiculed for giving inaccurate information, and has even become the butt of many jokes after Australian police claimed it was dangerous.

The new Google Maps features turn-by-turn navigation and the popular Street View and transit direction options missing from Apple Maps. David Pogue of The New York Times writes: "The brand-new, completely rethought design is slick, simple and coherent. Google admits that it’s even better than Google Maps for Android phones, which has accommodated its evolving feature set mainly by piling on menus."

Apple's Maps manager Richard Williamson was fired after flaws in the mapping software "hurt" the iPhone 5, according to Bloomberg. Senior Vice President Eddy Cue fired Williamson, who oversaw the Apple Maps development, on Tuesday. Unnamed sources familiar with the matter told Bloomberg Cue is planning to “install a new leadership team” to oversee the Maps application, and is seeking advice from outside mapping-technology experts TomTom NV.

Apple has been criticized for ditching Google Maps for its own inferior mapping software. The Maps debacle didn't hurt iPhone 5 sales, but it did force Apple CEO Tim Cook to issue a rare apology for an Apple product. The Apple Maps mess also prompted Nokia and Google to create rival mapping apps to be used with iOS devices. Nokia's HERE app is already available for download, while Google is expected to unveil its map application in the near future.