Amaya Toman Apple products - both hardware and software - are usually the perfect combination of precision, style and 100% functionality. But there are also exceptions confirming the rule, and one of them is Apple Maps. At the time of their release, they really got quite a lot of flak and met with such an unfavorable user response that Tim Cook apologized to the public for them. How does "Tim Cook Day" relate to this, and why does Waze management celebrate it every year?
It was precisely Tim Cook's public apology that directed many users to the Waze application, which is currently enjoying great popularity. "We are extremely sorry for the frustration that Apple Maps has caused," Cook apologized in a statement at the time. "While we're improving our Maps, you can try alternative apps from the App Store like Bing, MapQuest, and Waze," he added in an apology.
Cook's apology was absolutely crucial for the then small Israeli startup. Waze CEO Noam Bardim in an interview for BusinessInsider he describes how things started to pick up an incredible pace from that moment, and everything finally resulted in a billion dollar acquisition by Google a year later. The day Tim Cook issued his apology statement is still celebrated as "Tim Cook Day" at Waze, according to Bardin.
Even today, despite numerous improvements, Apple Maps still does not enjoy the desired popularity. Although the number of users of the native navigation application from Apple has increased and the maps themselves have been enriched with a number of useful functions, many people still prefer the competition - including Waze. In addition, the Waze application this year began test for integration with CarPlay, which gives it extra points.
Did you like Apple Maps or do you prefer the competition?
total popularity of Maps. Mainly via Carplay. But I also enjoy Waze/GoogleMaps via Carplay. For some locations, but there is none of the above and they are managed by Mapy.cz. Especially mini villages etc...