Steve Wozniak: Apple Maps Aren’t THAT Bad

Steve Wozniak is adding his thoughts to the debacle with the Apple Maps app, saying that he doesn’t think problems with the app are as bad as critics make them out to be.

Apple Maps replaced Google Maps in iOS 6, but since its debut the app has been met with rounds of criticism for its errors and inconsistencies, Mashable pointed out.

Steve Wozniak didn’t agree with their assessment of the app.

“I have been reading about the problems, and I don’t know if they are that severe,” Wozniak told ZDnet Australia.

He did admit that Apple Maps had its problems, especially when it comes to navigation.

“I tried to navigate somewhere, and I couldn’t get to where I wanted to by voice (…) I don’t know yet about Maps — I’m a little worried about the navigation, but I’ve still got it covered with a bunch of other navigation apps,” he said.

As Steve Wozniak defended Apple Maps, the company appears to be frantically trying to beef up its efforts in an attempt to compete with Google. A source told the blog TechCrunch that Apple is going after Google’s non-contract employees who worked on mapping. Many Google employees bored with the company as it switched from an outdoor mapping platform to an indoor one have reportedly taken Apple up on the offer.

But the source went on to tell TechCrunch that Apple is still far behind Google:

“Apple has a lot of catching up to do if it wants to build a robust mapping platform to counter Google Maps, so it doesn’t surprise me that it’s going out of its way to lure former and current Google Maps employees. At Google Maps, we know what data’s important, rendering priorities, keyword searches, and how the user experience is suppose to be. However, Apple needs to find a way to get its own 5 million miles of street view data, partner with the right folks, and spend a fortune on licensed data -– which it can.”

Do you agree with Steve Wozniak and his assessment of Apple Maps?