A comparison between the Apple and Google Maps Service

Apple has listed on its website driving locations such as suburbs and local areas in both Ireland and the UK where it plans to collect data for its maps service. It is also operating vehicles on a global scale to collect data, some of which will be published in the future update of Apple Maps, stated the site.

With the move signifying a rival to Google Street View the company is keen to avoid any privacy issues like its competitor and has stated “We are committed to protecting your privacy while collecting this data. For example, we will blur faces and license plates on collected images prior to publication,” the site states. This move is expected to avert controversies similar to Google’s privacy blunder in 2012 when the company admitted to not deleting private data.

At present, the Apple vehicles will travel around London and Birmingham in the UK, and Dublin and Cork in Ireland. Apple will also be fleeting vehicles in several US cities including New York, Los Angeles, Dallas and Detroit.

Apple Maps will also enable small businesses and street retailers to edit basic information to increase exposure for their businesses.

Its Maps service launched in 2012 and faced criticism of inaccurate data including missing train stations, a shrunken Sears Tower in Chicago and a totally new airport in Dublin.

With features like place cards for locations, reviews, photos and ratings from services like Trip Advisor and a way for small businesses to edit basic information, the service has been improved since its troubled launch.

Apple recently announced an extension of its mobile payments service- Apple Pay, in Northern Ireland and the UK. The agreements with Ulster Bank and several other retailers including Spar and Lidl it plans to further roll-out its payment system.

Other areas of expansion that the company has also announced recently is a new music streaming service, starting on 30th June 2015, rivalling existing streaming services like Spotify and Tidal.