It looks as though Google plans to add Street View to its mobile browser-based version of Google Maps. The official announcement won’t be made until tomorrow, but long-time WSJ tech columnist Walt Mossberg casually dropped word of the addition in this this piece about the latest Google Maps for Android. This confirms last month’s rumors that Street View would be landing on mobile browsers near the first week of October.
The move is likely fueled by Apple’s recent jettisoning of Google Maps from iOS 6. After failing to reach an agreement with Google for the inclusion of turn-by-turn voice navigation in iOS, Apple decided to do things its own way: create its own mapping software from scratch. The transition from Google Maps to Apple’s own in-house solution has been controversial though, even prompting CEO Tim Cook to apologize for the numerous issues frustrating some customers. Of course, one of the biggest criticisms? Google Street View is gone.
According to Mossberg, Google’s mobile version of Street View worked well and included support for touchscreens — users are able to pan and rotate around by swiping their fingers. He also reiterated the possibility that Google may be devising its own, stand-alone Google Maps app for iOS. However, company chairman Eric Schmidt has responded to such rumors with, “We haven’t done anything yet with Google Maps”. Take that as you will.
Although the announcement should come tomorrow, that doesn’t necessarily mean Street View will be arriving on mobile browsers the very same day — a conclusion some news outlets have already reached. Admittedly, Google does typically announce service improvements and product launches the same day they arrive though, but we’ll have to wait until tomorrow to find out for certain Continue Reading Street View to land on Google Maps’ mobile website
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