Apple Maps new feature gives you in-search access to TripAdvisor and Booking.com reviews

Apple might have been too hasty to release Apple Maps back in 2012, especially considering that it was not yet ready for prime time. Who could forget some of the ugly stories that came out around that time. CEO Tim Cook did the unthinkable, telling iPhone users that they should employ a rival mapping service until Apple Maps is fixed, even mentioning Google Maps by name.

Now, years later, we don't seem to be hearing any complaints about Apple Maps. It's a very competitive market, especially since the highly-regarded HERE maps is available for iOS. But Apple is still trying to gain the upper hand in this battle and has seemingly added in-search hotel reviews from TripAdvisor and Booking.com.

Originally, reviews from Yelp had appeared during searches on Apple Maps. This feature allowed users to read reviews pertaining to local points of interest without having to leave the app. While both TripAdvisor and Booking.com aren't officially listed as Apple Maps sources, hotel reviews with links to their apps and websites are now appearing in Maps searches.

The new reviews could be related to Apple's recent purchase of start-up Spotsetter. The latter employs proprietary algorithms to recommend points of interest based on the use of social network contacts. Prior to Apple's purchase of the company, Spotsetter used Yelp, TripAdvisor and Zagat as sources.


source: AppleInsider