Google is quick to point out that only it can offer features like this in a Map app

Sep 19, 2012 17:51 GMT  ·  By

The fact that Google Maps won't be included in iOS 6 was one of the big initial surprises. And now, that iOS 6 is rolling out, it seems that the decision was indeed a poor one, Apple's built-in Maps app is nice and offers a couple of new features, but is missing several major things like transit or bike directions or Street View.

Google doesn't have anything to announce at the moment, i.e. a stand-alone Maps app for iOS like it has for YouTube, but you can bet it's working on it.

Until it does have something to announce though, Google is trying to get some attention with a minor update to the Android version of Google Maps, the ability to sync searches for better auto-completion results.

"Typing on a phone is slow, and our goal is to reduce the amount of typing as much as possible," Brian McClendon, VP of engineering at Google Maps.

Since Google can now share data between products, it will use your previous searches and other data to better predict the things you're going to search for on your Android phone and tablet. That's going to mean less typing, which can only be a good thing.

But it's only a small feature, yet it gave the New York Times a sneak preview of how it worked. That is rare to say the least and it would be strange if it weren't for the fact this is on the same day that iOS and Apple Maps is landing.

Google was also quick to point out that a feature like that, though minor, could only be done if you had the massive infrastructure, data and experience to back it.

Obviously, this was a swipe at Apple and not the only one, though Google did not go out and say that Apple's Maps app was inferior.

UPDATE: It's official now.