One of the most practical aspects of having a smart phone is access to maps and directions at any time. If you’re traveling, exploring or just trying to get from point A to B, it makes the journey that much easier.
When Apple updated it’s operating system on all touch devices (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad) from iOS5 to iOS6, it replaced Google Maps with it’s own map software. The reviews haven’t been stellar for the world’s biggest technology company.
One of the biggest hurdles users are facing is the loss of transit directions/routes, which came standard with Google’s map software. You could put in where you are and where you want to go, and Google Maps would tell you the fastest way to get there using the local transit service, which included HRM.
Although that service is now gone in iOS6, there are alternatives that people can use, including an app that was developed right here in town.
Mindsea is a Halifax-based app developer, which created Transit 360. Company representative Reuben Hall said that since the iOS6 update, they’ve noticed a spike in downloads for Transit 360.
“We’ve definitely had a lot more people downloading the app and using the app ever since iOS6 came out and the switch of map apps from Google to Apple,” Hall said. “We’re also featured by Apple in the app store right now, so we’ve have had quite a few downloads this week, it’s been record numbers for us.”
Transit 360 started in Halifax and has since expanded to Vancouver, Winnipeg, Calgary, Ottawa and Edmonton. It’s a free application to download and is supported by ads, although Hall notes it’s not a huge money driver for them as they are still working on improving it for their users.
