Apple is reportedly convincing former Google employees to work on improving the criticized iOS 6 maps feature, new reports suggest.
According to these reports, Apple already has former Google employees, specifically those who have worked on Google Maps, working on their new Geographic Information System (GIS).
However, since Apple has had a hard time with the new Apple Maps feature which debuted in iOS 6, the company is reported to be looking for more former Google employees with experience in Google Maps to improve Apple Maps.
First of these reports to hint of the interest Apple has in developers for its iOS 6 maps feature comes from ZDNet.
The report is about Apple job postings looking for developers for “the best mapping program on any mobile platform.”
According to ZDNet, Apple is looking for people to take this program to “the next level” by working on “vector-based Apple Maps, turn-by-turn navigation, and 3D”
The report continues that these postings look for developers who have C++ knowledge and “advanced shader techniques” to get the program to better render 3D images.
The postings have since been pulled by Apple.
As you may have noticed, the report did not mention if the if the postings said whether Apple is looking for former Google employees.
A report from TechCrunch says that that is indeed the case.
Citing an unnamed source who is connected to both Apple and Google, the Cupertino, California-based consumer electronics giant “is pursuing a strategy of luring away Google Maps employees who helped develop the search giant’s product on contract, and many of those individuals seem eager to accept due in part to the opportunity Apple represents to build new product, instead of just doing “tedious updates” on a largely complete platform”
The site reveals anecdotes from its source who says many of the people he or she is working with for Apple Maps left Google when Google Maps was complete tasks became mundane.
According to the source, a former Google Maps project leader was paid by Apple more than $85,000 and all relocation expenses to travel to the East Coast from his West Coast base.
Another report, this time from British publication The Register, echoes this $85,000 signing bonus offered by Apple.
The iOS 6 maps has been a real pain in the neck for Apple as people have criticized it strongly for its performance and quality of data compared to Google Maps.
Motorola Mobility has taken a dig against iOS 6 maps and people have also posted Apple Maps fails in sites like this one.
Images from The Amazing iOS 6 Maps













