As rumored, Google’s version of Maps for iOS landed in the App Store overnight. The navigation app offers turn-by-turn navigation, street view and traffic in a pretty vector map package.
Those expecting a UI like the Google-backed Apple maps of iOS 5 will be disappointed as this is a version of Maps designed by Google from the ground up. Instead of corner page curls, Google has opted for a side sliding drawer that lets you select traffic, public transit and satellite views. The gesture-based UI also lets you tap and hold to drop a pin and then swipe up for additional information about that location. You can share, save, navigate and view street view information from this screen. A two-finger swipe across the screen will tilt the map giving you a 3D view of your location.
The app weighs in at a meager 7MB so most of the mapping data is online and downloaded as needed. Unlike the Android version, there is no Google Labs option to cache map data offline. You can download Google Maps from the iOS App Store. Let us know what you think about Google’s offering in the comments.