Apple Maps fail dampens iPhone launch

It's finally here: Apple's new iPhone 5.

Thousands lined up Friday morning at Cincinnati-area AT&T, Verizon and Sprint stores, along with the Apple store in Kenwood Towne Center, where almost 200 people snaked all the way to Macy's at opening time.

Fans told 9 News they are thrilled to finally have the new, larger iPhone in their hands. 

But the excitement was dampened by what some blogs and news reviews are calling a "fiasco" and "epic fail" over Apple's new mapping system.

New iOS good, Maps feature "awful"

Owners are now finally able to put Apple's new iOS6 operating system to the test.  This is the mobile operating system on the new iPhone, and is available as an upgrade to the iPhone 4S.

Most reviewers are impressed with the iOS upgrade, with the exception of some aspects of Apple's new mapping system, which replaces Google maps. It no longer offers Google's street view, though it does offer narrated turn by turn directions.

But a growing number of reviewers say the new Apple mapping system, stinks when compared with Google.

Conservative Fox News calls it a "flop" and "awful."

Liberal Huffington Post says Apple's new maps show out of business stores like Woolworths, and even misses some towns entirely.

And the new iOS6 (and the iPhone 5) no longer offers an automatic YouTube app: You will have to set it up yourself. This is more evidence of Apple's separation with Google, which owns YouTube.

But what about the iPhone 5 itself?

CNN/Money has gone through the reviews, and listed some of the findings:

Time Magazine: 

"It's the most polished version yet of what was already easily the most polished phone on the market," Reviewer Harry McCracken said.

The New York Times:

Reviewer David Pogue complains about the new Lightning connector, saying "it doesn't fit any existing accessories, docks or chargers. If you have a few accessories, you could easily pay $150 for adaptors."

The Wall Street Journal:

Reviewer Walter Mossberg says the new phone is "significantly faster, thinner, and lighter, while gaining a larger 4-inch screen."

CNET: 

"The iPhone we've always wanted," Reviewer Scott Stein said. However, he criticizes it for the smaller connector, and the fact that Sprint and Verizon customers still can't use voice and data at the same time.

Engadget:

Reviewer Tim Stevens says it "has all the improvements and refinements people have been demanding over the past year."

Despite a few shortcomings, most reviewers are praising the phone, which is expected to be the fastest selling iPhone ever.

For the full CNN/Money summary and report, click here.

As always, don't waste your money.

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