When reports first surfaced of problems with Apple Maps, Apple bulls were sure and loud that it was only a small problem and would be fixed soon. By not issuing any real statement, Apple gave the impression that the problem was indeed going to be short-lived.
Finally there is a real statement from Apple. Tim Cook, in a letter, is not only apologizing to customers, he is also suggesting alternatives like BING from Microsoft, MapQuest by AOL, Maps from Google, or Nokia Maps. (Here is the full text of Tim Cook’s letter.)
Apple Maps’ problem is deeper than what Apple first let on as evidenced by the letter of apology and Cook’s suggestion to use alternatives.
My experience as the former CEO of two Inc. 500 technology companies made it easy for me to detect early on that the problem was much deeper than generally believed. When I saw the reports of Apple recruiting engineers who had worked on Google Maps, there was no doubt in my mind. OnSeptember 25 I wrote on Forbes.com that if “problems with Apple Maps are minor and need only a few tweaks, Apple would not be aggressive in pursuing Google engineers at this time.”
From an investment perspective, the incident brings into question Apple’s ability to execute large data-driven projects…Read more at Forbes
