Lessons from Life 28 September 2012 - Apple CEO apologizes for maps shortcomings

"Apple CEO apologizes for maps shortcomings - AFP Sep 28, 2012

NEW YORK - Apple apologized Friday to customers for shortcomings in its glitch-ridden maps application

"At Apple, we strive to make world-class products that deliver the best experience possible to our customers. With the launch of our new Maps last week, we fell short on this commitment," chief executive Tim Cook said in a statement.

"We are extremely sorry for the frustration this has caused our customers and we are doing everything we can to make Maps better."

Apple developed its own mapping program included in its new mobile iOS 6 operating system, and in doing so booted off Google Maps, which had been the default program for Apple devices.

But the new Apple program immediately drew scorn, for omitting key landmarks and cities, failing to identify correct locations and distorting views from its images.

Cook encouraged customers to use alternatives including Google, as Apple works out its bugs.

"The more our customers use our Maps the better it will get and we greatly appreciate all of the feedback we have received from you," he said.

"While we're improving Maps, you can try alternatives by downloading map apps from the App Store like Bing, MapQuest and Waze, or use Google or Nokia maps by going to their websites and creating an icon on your home screen to their Web app."

Although the maps application does not generate revenues directly, it often links to searches, and keep users in the company's "ecosystem," which can be important over the long term."

The FIRST booboo in a long while for Apple Inc to eat humble pie. For some skeptics, it is only a short time after the passing of its legendary founder, Steve Jobs. Anything to worry about? That Apple Inc truly is a one-man company even though it is the world's most valuation company by capitalization?

Lessons for me are:

1. a BIG mistake that Apple Inc probably can ignore. Still, it is the first crack. Someone has been sloppy and a sign of complacency. Not good for sure;

2. apologizing and then asking PAYING customers to do something else while Apple Inc fixes the bugs is SO SO typical of a DOMINANT supplier in the market. Microsoft was guilty of that for a while with each roll out of its latest OS. Taking the loyal Apple fans for granted?;

3. Apple Inc will survive this small hiccup for sure with the gale force wind behind it for now. It took a short few years to rise meteorically to heaven and it will, trust the force of gravity, surely fall down, just a matter of controlled fall or a out-of-control crash. It WILL NOT escape the same fate of many many giants before them as human being simply just cannot remember lessons learned. Much to my disappointment as my whole blog is about 'learning from life's lessons'.

I wish Apple Inc good luck and that Tim Cook will take a REALLY hard look at what happened and make sure it DOES NOT occur again. If not, it will be dear ...