iOS 6 Maps integrates with Yandex search in Russia
updated 12:41 pm EDT, Mon September 17, 2012
Tech delivers local information, but requires separate app
For Russian data, Apple's iOS 6 Maps app is integrated with a popular local search engine, Yandex, according to TechCrunch sources. If a person browses Russian maps, the Yandex geosearch API is said to kick in, presenting basic details about streets, businesses, and other content. Tapping on an item to get extra details pops people into Yandex's own iOS app, or redirects them to the App Store if they don't already have the software.
Apple has tried to distance itself from Google in iOS 6; the company has removed any Google Maps data, and is also no longer preloading a YouTube app, leaving Google to offer its own through the App Store. Without Google mapping info however Apple has been forced to turn to a host of third parties to fill in the gaps, such as TomTom. Another issue has been things like transit directions, which have been removed from iOS' Maps in favor of connecting to third-party software in the same style as Yandex.
iOS 6 will be available through iTunes and iCloud starting on September 19th. The first device to have the firmware preloaded, the iPhone 5, goes on sale two days later.
