iPhone 5 Debuts Strong, but Map App a Mess

by Holly Shoemaker

The iPhone 5 debuted strongly today with long lines in many locations. An analyst estimated that demand for the new device was 70 percent greater than when the iPhone 4S debuted. Apple is expected to sell eight million smartphones over the weekend, and the strong showing has once again upped the company’s stock.

Apple Map Issues

Despite the hype and the sentiment from consumers that they just need to have one, all is not well with the device, especially when it comes to maps. The iPhone 5, and the new iOS 6 that became available earlier in the week, now uses Apple Maps. Apple announced at its annual developer’s conference in June that it would drop Goggle Maps as the default map application.

The strategic move to further distance the company from Google has users concerned and mocking the company on this humorous website. Here people may view some of the map errors that have appeared from using Apple's new application. The errors show incorrect directions, multiple state capitols and faulty search results.

Concluding Thoughts

Apple prematurely dropped Google Maps, an application that worked well. Just because Apple can do something does not mean it should, and without more testing. While the company has asked for patience, some of its errors are dangerous. Apple listed a working farm in Dublin, Ireland as a residential airport. In this case, the pictures speak for themselves, and the point goes to Google. Map enthusiasts may also check out Nokia Maps. Nokia escalated the map app war when it announced in August that it would partner with Groupon.

Mobile Apps Gaining Use During Emergencies and Natural Disasters

by Holly Shoemaker

A recent survey from the American Red Cross showed that twenty percent of people have used mobile apps to access information during emergencies and natural disasters.

Other Numbers at a Glance

The survey consisted of an online poll of 1,017 U.S. adults and phone interviews with an additional 1,018 respondents in June. The America Red Cross found the following:

• While more people still use television, radio and online sources to obtain updates regarding emergency situations, those sources of information have declined since last year. In comparison, the number of people who use mobile applications has increased 18 percent since 2011. 
• Mobile apps tied with those who turn to social media sites for information, and those who use social media are more likely to use apps for disaster or emergency information. Eight percent of the public downloaded apps to assist them in an emergency or disaster. The number significantly increases to 25 percent among users who learned about a disaster or emergency from social media sites.
• One in five Americans have used an app to obtain emergency information.

Concluding Thoughts

The use of mobile apps continues to increase across industries. When it comes to obtaining information for emergency and natural disaster purposes, an app may be just as quick as turning on the TV, especially if people are not close to one. However, work is still needed to communicate the usefulness of these apps. The study showed that respondents do not typically think about downloading an app via an app store during these times. Many apps like a weather forecaster or even an app flashlight are useful in daily situations and will come in handy should an emergency situation arise.

T-Mobile Targets AT&T: Wants iPhone 4S Users

by Holly Shoemaker

T-Mobile wants in Apple's iPhone, but not the iPhone 5. T-Mobile has targeted AT&T iPhone 4S owners who no longer want to renew contracts with AT&T. While this does not receive a lot of press, and T-Mobile does not sell the iPhone, owners have had the ability to switch to T-Mobile for years. To date, the company has about one million iPhones on its network.

What Models Work?

T-Mobile does not support Sprint and Verizon iPhone 4 models. However, those who have the iPhone 4S on either of those networks  have the ability to switch too.

Good Move?

The answer is a mixed bag. Switching will likely come with a speed sacrifice – it takes about 50 times longer to download files using an iPhone on T-Mobile’s network. However, T-Mobile offers the best price and an unlimited data package. T-Mobile has worked to improve speeds, which was reflected in the Consumer Reports Buyers Guide 2012 rankings.

I suggest those considering a switch stop into Best Buy. Because that company sells plans from different carriers, it can access coverage areas quickly and at one time, allowing consumers to see how close they are to cell phone towers. Consumers may also access coverage maps online. However, I found that some Best Buy associates offer unbiased advice in this area, and it was helpful when I needed a wireless device. I now connect my Android phone on T-Mobile's network to my hotspot device through Verizon. T-Mobile has the best smartphone data plans and Verizon offers the fastest and most reliable connection to the Internet.