Want to get google maps on iOS6? Check out 'Sparkling Maps'

Discussion in 'iOS Apps' started by Macvanderspek, Oct 12, 2012.

  1. Macvanderspek

    Macvanderspek Well-Known Member

    Apr 19, 2011
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    Looking for a complete map app? Disappointed with the Apple maps offering? Sparkling Maps uses industry standard mapping data (google maps) to show any location across the world.

    Among its features are:

    - Show your current location
    - Find any location by typing a name. Sparkling Maps uses an intelligent lookup mechanism to find the most probable place
    - Option to display the map in satellite or hybrid mode
    - Show the route between any two locations. Display a textual description of the route as well as show it on the map
    - Show any local places of relevance: restaurants, atms, hospitals, post offices, gas stations, supermarkets, train stations, etc.
    - Street view! Press down on a street location to enter street view mode and do a virtual walkaround of many locations around the world

    And this is just the start. We have already improved the streetview functionality and are currently implementing turn by turn navigation.

    Sparkling Maps works anywhere in the world and offers a high level of detail in most places.

    We have submitted the first version of Sparkling Maps to the app store last week and are now waiting for Apple to approve it. It should be available this weekend for an introduction price of $0.99.

    When approved, it will be available here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sparkling-maps/id566285550?ls=1&mt=8

    For more information, keep an eye on our website: Sparkling Maps

    [​IMG][​IMG][​IMG][​IMG]
     
  2. Macvanderspek

    Macvanderspek Well-Known Member

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    Apple has taken version 1.0 in review. Fingers crossed!
     
  3. chris1a

    chris1a Well-Known Member

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    #3 chris1a, Oct 15, 2012
    Last edited: Oct 17, 2012
    I really need a google map app for iPad that also does street view at least somewhat as smooth as the old one. Are you guys planning on making one for the iPad too if this doesn't get any trouble from Apple?

    Edit: either way I'm all over this if the street view is smoother then other available offerings!

    Edit: looking at your post history, I'm not all over this. NEXT!
     
  4. Macvanderspek

    Macvanderspek Well-Known Member

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    The app is still under review. We expect it to be in the store within a day or two now. We are disappointed about the long process, since the demand for google maps is high now, and we would like to get it out!

    Streetview is working very smooth. We have added a feature that lets it look up the nearest available streetview when nothing is available at the selected location. Useful in more remote places.

    Meanwhile, we are busy improving the turn by turn navigation further. This will be launched straight away as update as soon as Apple approves the 1.0 version.
     
  5. Macvanderspek

    Macvanderspek Well-Known Member

    Apr 19, 2011
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    After a longer review process than expected, Apple approved ‘Sparkling Maps’ three hours ago. It is now available in the app store.

    In the published version we have also added turn by turn navigation. A clear voice will speak out the driving instructions to reach your destination.

    We are glad that Apple has now accepted the app and we are committed into further developing Sparkling Maps to create the premier mapping alternative for iOS. Exciting times ahead for us!

    App info is currently processing and/or the app is not yet fully available for sale on the US App Store.
     
  6. Macvanderspek

    Macvanderspek Well-Known Member

    Apr 19, 2011
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    See a video here:

     
  7. Macvanderspek

    Macvanderspek Well-Known Member

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    Now top ranking in 22 countries, within three days! Thank you all for your support! We are working hard on updates to establish our position as the premier maps alternative on iOS6!
     
  8. pank9j

    pank9j Well-Known Member

    Oct 7, 2012
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    Hi,

    Sparkling Maps are just as awesome as Google Maps, I am using it on my daily basis. I left using stupid iOS 6.0 Maps.

    My Review :

    UI :- Great and Simple.
    Use :- The great thing is i can find nearest ATM, Resto, Hospitals, Post, Gas station, Airport and Super market near me.

    You can give this a try at-least. Its not a bad deal for 0.99$ :)
     
  9. Macvanderspek

    Macvanderspek Well-Known Member

    Apr 19, 2011
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    Thanks! We have submitted a new update to Apple, but they initially rejected it because the icon name was 'maps', and they don't like this confusion / comparison with Apple maps.

    But we renamed it and are waiting for Apple to review it again. It has been enhanced further, in particular the turn by turn guidance is working well on iPhone 5 as well. That update should be available soon!
     
  10. pank9j

    pank9j Well-Known Member

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    Glad to hear that. Please change the Icon as well.. :cool:
     
  11. Macvanderspek

    Macvanderspek Well-Known Member

    Apr 19, 2011
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    Version 1.1 was launched two hours ago! Check out 'Sparkling Maps'. You get google maps, full streetview functionality, and good turn by turn navigation with a clear voice. All working on iOS6, and iPhone 5 resolution is supported.

    And all for just a dollar. Get it now!

    App info is currently processing and/or the app is not yet fully available for sale on the US App Store.
     
  12. pank9j

    pank9j Well-Known Member

    Oct 7, 2012
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  13. Macvanderspek

    Macvanderspek Well-Known Member

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    Sparkling Maps is now ranking number 1 in travel in the US, and has a top 10 position in over 20 countries!

    Thank you all for your support, toucharcade community!
     
  14. Macvanderspek

    Macvanderspek Well-Known Member

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    We have submitted yet another update to Apple this week, which includes orientation, iPad support, further improved turn by turn navigation and usage of multiple languages.

    We are working on further features such as a traffic info layer, camera and weather info. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to mention them so we can take them into account for the next update!
     
  15. pank9j

    pank9j Well-Known Member

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    #15 pank9j, Nov 10, 2012
    Last edited: Nov 10, 2012
    Hi,

    Can you add Banner like we have in default map app ?? Would be great,. :D

    [​IMG]

    For turn by turn location :) Current banner is not that good :(
     
  16. Macvanderspek

    Macvanderspek Well-Known Member

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    We will try to style the banner more similar to the one from Apple maps, just hope Apple approves it!
     
  17. chris1a

    chris1a Well-Known Member

    Mar 10, 2010
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    #17 chris1a, Nov 10, 2012
    Last edited: Nov 10, 2012
    1. Can you zoom while in street view and can you change to landscape position?

    2. When dropping a pin on the map does it show the street name AND number like the old google maps?

    3. Do you tap on the pin to get to street view (like in the old maps) or use that yellowish google dude that you have to move around?
     
  18. Macvanderspek

    Macvanderspek Well-Known Member

    Apr 19, 2011
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    1. Can you zoom while in street view and can you change to landscape position?

    You can't zoom in in street view yet. We will see what we can offer. The upcoming update will have landscape position as well as iPad high res support.

    2. When dropping a pin on the map does it show the street name AND number like the old google maps?

    No. Working on that.

    3. Do you tap on the pin to get to street view (like in the old maps) or use that yellowish google dude that you have to move around?

    You tap on the pin to get to street view, no yellowish dude :)
     
  19. chris1a

    chris1a Well-Known Member

    Mar 10, 2010
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    Thanks sounds good. Looks like I'll get this then after all. :)
     
  20. pank9j

    pank9j Well-Known Member

    Oct 7, 2012
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    Waiting for next major update of Sparkling Maps :D :D
     

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