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Apple switches from Bing to Google for Siri web search on iOS and Mac Spotlight

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Re: Apple switches from Bing to Google for Siri web search on iOS and Mac Spotlight

#91

Post by thestephen »

toephu2 wrote: post #59
xRahul wrote: post #39

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Have you seen their attempts with Maps. I can't imagine how the search would go. They already have so much bad press with Maps, I'm sure they don't want more added to it.

Have you used Apple Maps recently? It's not that bad anymore. Just because they had bad press about it 5 years ago doesn't mean the product is still stuck in 2012.

While your sentiment probably holds correct in some places, it really is "that bad" in some places that aren't the US or the UK. Many countries still don't have transit, and my apartment (in Stockholm!) doesn't even exist in Apple Maps.

Re: Apple switches from Bing to Google for Siri web search on iOS and Mac Spotlight

#92

Post by richardknop »

toephu2 wrote: post #59
xRahul wrote: post #39

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Have you seen their attempts with Maps. I can't imagine how the search would go. They already have so much bad press with Maps, I'm sure they don't want more added to it.

Have you used Apple Maps recently? It's not that bad anymore. Just because they had bad press about it 5 years ago doesn't mean the product is still stuck in 2012.

From time to time I still accidentally open Apple Maps on my iPhone while searching for some place (tube station, restaurant, store) and almost immediately close it and use Google Maps. Apple Maps is still much worse, the UX is worse and it's much more difficult for me to find things on the map.

Especially tube stations are much more visible on Google maps and I often use tube stations for orientation. On Apple Maps stations are very light color and hard to spot. The same with other landmarks.

I don't understand why they don't do some user testing and find out what UX practices are the reason why Google Maps is so much easier to use and replicate that. They've had years do do this.

Re: Apple switches from Bing to Google for Siri web search on iOS and Mac Spotlight

#93

Post by chrisper »

DaiPlusPlus wrote: post #75
lucaspiller wrote: post #58

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Is this because Apple is so bad, or just that Google is so much better than everyone else? I’ve never used physical satnav units, but how do they compare to Apples offerings?

The main aftermarket satnav products are from Garmin and TomTom - and in-car systems tend to either license their tech or use NavTeq/HERE. Even Apple Maps bootstrapped off TomTom and still largely just aggregates from other sources. I use iOS, but I very much prefer using Google Maps to Apple Maps: mainly for the Google Account integration, and it feels like they provide more information (shop/restaurant hours, stree…

HERE has their own app, too. It is not bad, but sadly not quite Google Maps level.

https://wego.here.com

https://here.com/en/products-services/consumer-app/here-wego...

Btw. HERE is owned by Audi and some other car companies.

Re: Apple switches from Bing to Google for Siri web search on iOS and Mac Spotlight

#94

Post by iaml »

tryingagainbro wrote: post #37

Why doesn't Apple open their checkbook and start their own search engine. I mean, really open it. It's not like they don't have the money and it's not like this is a logical step. They can't start small, meaning the need users to train the SE? What else can it be. Of course they can't put live a horrible version...

They'd rather stick to building devices.

Re: Apple switches from Bing to Google for Siri web search on iOS and Mac Spotlight

#95

Post by danpalmer »

greggman wrote: post #90
millstone wrote: post #26

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Disagree strongly. Apple pays a serious price for their privacy stance, which they would rather not pay. Doing machine learning on-device makes it less effective. Apple's directions aren't as good as they could be because Maps randomly segments trips and masks its users identity. Apple's App Store revenues are lower because they limit how apps can identify users. This difference is deeper than business models. Compar…

Apple Genius just asked me for my username and password to my MacBook so he could type it into some service form for repairs. I don't think asking for that info is really compatible with "we care about privacy"

There are a lot of things that employees in the retail stores do that isn't very "Apple". I suspect that's partially from not having as strong culture fit selection in hiring, partially from lack of understanding (when it comes to security, it's a nuanced subject) and partially from the realities of being productive in a retail environment.

Re: Apple switches from Bing to Google for Siri web search on iOS and Mac Spotlight

#96

Post by robryan »

tryingagainbro wrote: post #37

Why doesn't Apple open their checkbook and start their own search engine. I mean, really open it. It's not like they don't have the money and it's not like this is a logical step. They can't start small, meaning the need users to train the SE? What else can it be. Of course they can't put live a horrible version...

Doesn't Microsoft also basically have a bottomless checkbook to spend on search? And Bing can't compete.

Re: Apple switches from Bing to Google for Siri web search on iOS and Mac Spotlight

#97

Post by greggman »

danpalmer wrote: post #95
greggman wrote: post #90

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Apple Genius just asked me for my username and password to my MacBook so he could type it into some service form for repairs. I don't think asking for that info is really compatible with "we care about privacy"

There are a lot of things that employees in the retail stores do that isn't very "Apple". I suspect that's partially from not having as strong culture fit selection in hiring, partially from lack of understanding (when it comes to security, it's a nuanced subject) and partially from the realities of being productive in a retail environment.

the form was an official Apple form for repairs. they are going to replace my keyboard and screen. they said they needed the password to test. I asked why not just boot from a USB drive and they said they could not do that. I didn't ask why they couldnt just swap a drive for testing.

they didn't offer this option I had to suggest it but basically I'll have to reformat the drive before taking it in for service.

Re: Apple switches from Bing to Google for Siri web search on iOS and Mac Spotlight

#98

Post by dpark »

lostlogin wrote: post #64
dxhdr wrote: post #60

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Apple's App Store revenues are lower because they limit how apps can identify users. I think this is less about privacy and more about control. Only Apple apps are allowed to track Apple users.

But Apple chooses to implement things in ways that make it way harder for them to do this. Eg Touch ID and facial recognition on the device only, not in the cloud.

That's because of the horrible press they'd get if you couldn't unlock your phone without cell service, or if it took ten seconds when the network was spotty.

Re: Apple switches from Bing to Google for Siri web search on iOS and Mac Spotlight

#99

Post by schitzapplebits »

bigbugbag wrote: post #66
millstone wrote: post #26

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Disagree strongly. Apple pays a serious price for their privacy stance, which they would rather not pay. Doing machine learning on-device makes it less effective. Apple's directions aren't as good as they could be because Maps randomly segments trips and masks its users identity. Apple's App Store revenues are lower because they limit how apps can identify users. This difference is deeper than business models. Compar…

When you compare anything to google, it will look as if caring for privacy. Google is the hugest ad network based on gobbling all privacy from everywhere while Apple is an overpriced hardware seller, of course it will do better on privacy than google. But this does not make apple a privacy oriented company.

The fact that you view it as expensive does not make it overpriced. Apple certainly has no trouble selling at their prices.

Re: Apple switches from Bing to Google for Siri web search on iOS and Mac Spotlight

#100

Post by wrboyce »

thestephen wrote: post #91
toephu2 wrote: post #59

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Have you used Apple Maps recently? It's not that bad anymore. Just because they had bad press about it 5 years ago doesn't mean the product is still stuck in 2012.

While your sentiment probably holds correct in some places, it really is "that bad" in some places that aren't the US or the UK. Many countries still don't have transit, and my apartment (in Stockholm!) doesn't even exist in Apple Maps.

Have you ever submitted an error report? I moved house just over 12 months ago and there were some errors on both Apple and Google maps. I submitted error reports to both providers, Apple had it fixed in around 48 hours whereas Google have still not fixed it. At least one of the errors is extremely easy to verify and fix.
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