Reports: Apple iOS 8 to feature major mapping upgrade, improve transit directions

CUPERTINO, Calif., March 11 (UPI) -- Apple's top executives are working on releasing a major overhaul to their Maps for iOS 8, in an attempt to give Google Maps a run for its money.

According to 9to5Mac, CEO Tim Cook and Senior Vice Presidents Eddy Cue and Craig Federigh are focusing on improving the accuracy and reliability of the app, not really the look or interface. The upgrade with iOS 7 gave the app a much needed facelift but has still received a tepid response. So, many of the changes to come will be behind-the-scenes.

Apple will incorporate technology and data from recent acquisitions: BroadMap, Embark and HopStop. This will help the app get more reliable and could also feature new points of interest and clearer labels.

The app will also provide transit directions, allowing users to use bus, rail and subway data for major cities. While this information will be availed initially only for major cities, it will find its way to other smaller cities over time.

Apple is also working on an augmented reality functionality that will use the iPhone’s compass to show nearby points of interest, though this may not come out for some time.

Apple launched their Maps app with iOS 6, but it came under sever criticism because it lacked many of the functionalities users were used to with the Google app.

While Apple has improved the app's interface, further technical enhancements aim to provide solid competition for Google.

[CNET] [GIGAOM]