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| Does new map technology pose a risk to users? |
A few weeks ago I wrote about the dangers cloud computing
poses to your data and private information. We've also discussed the
responsibility companies like Go Daddy and Apple have towards protecting our
data and providing reliable services.
Then the iPhone 5 was released, and along with it, the much
anticipated iOS 6 upgrade.
Let's just say; it's not the same iPhone you've been using
in releases one through four. Google Maps has been replaced by Apple's own
mapping technology that uses Tom Tom GPS data. There are a few other changes
fans of the old iOS might miss, but I am most concerned by the GPS issue.
Why?
The story takes a left turn in that, Hospitals
and ER's are not showing up on the new iOS mapping software. Mass transit
locations are also omitted. One Twitter user reported that, following the
upgrade, Apple's new maps wanted to send him to Kaiser, MO instead of his local
clinic. I find these omissions a bit alarming if not downright dangerous.
I travel a lot for my work in healthcare IT staffing. I decline the GPS for my rental cars because my phone is a reliable GPS. Why pay for something when you get it for 'free'? I also find
it kind of comical that with the new OS (to which I immediately upgraded because
I was really looking forward to the turn-by-turn directions) I might not be
able to find my healthcare IT clients anymore.
In all seriousness, what if I find myself in some unfamiliar
town and I have a medical emergency and the fastest way to get there is mass
transit? (OK, I might be going overboard, but this is a potential real-life scenario
for many people.)
Sure, I can ask someone for directions or download another
app like MapQuest, but I will not have the most robust mapping tool I have come
to rely on; day in and day out. However, in a life or death situation, I might
not have the clarity of thought or the time to do so.
That's really my whole point.
I also upgraded to iOS 6 immediately based on my past
flawless experiences with the process. So did millions of others. We all
expected an improved upon and reliable product. What was delivered was a 'not
ready for prime time' mapping tool and a few 'negative
experience' reports ranging from some data loss all the way to a reset back to
factory settings from friends and family.
Apple understands there are problems with the mapping tool
and have said they are working hard to fix them. What responsibility do they
have to deliver consistency and reliability in their products?
If phones were not locked into two-year contracts, I’m
willing to bet that people would look at potentially switching because of this
issue. Maybe that’s a stretch. People love their phones, but it’s these
little and sometimes big stumbles that can make product popularity change, sometimes
overnight. Those with the means could be prompted to jump on the Android platform
and get Google Maps with turn by turn directions (and directions to hospitals).
If you haven't upgraded yet, you may want to wait until the
iOS 6.1 is ready to ship.
What do you think? Do companies like Apple have a
responsibility to deliver on expectations based on past successes or will you
give them a pass on this stumble?
Josh Kaplan writes on various subjects including
information technology breakthroughs, big data, IT staffing and recruitment, healthcare
IT recruitment, and technical industry news and trends.
