After its iOS 6 Maps app started off disastrously with poor reviews and complaints, Apple has started to take action. And one way its done that is by pinching Maps experts from Google, TechCrunch reports. Many employees working on Maps at Google are reportedly interested in the switch, as it involves building a new product and not just updating a complete one.
TechCrunch’s source, a contractor who worked on Google Maps, had this to say:
Many of my coworkers at Google Maps eventually left when their contracts ended or on their own accord. One guy looked around for other GIS work and ended up at Apple when a recruiter contacted him. He had heard rumors for a while that Apple was going to develop its own in-house mapping platform, and given his experience at Google, he was an easy hire. Apple went out of their way to bring him down to Cupertino and he’s now paid hansomly as a GIS Analyst. Another coworker that was a project lead at Google Maps, left for the East Coast after his contract ended, and was recently contacted by an Apple recruiter. The position sounds like a product development manager position, and will pay him $85k+ and all the moving expenses from the East Coast. He’s gone through 2 rounds of interview and seems like a frontrunner to land that position.
He also added that while Apple is still playing catchup, they still have a chance to compete with Google in the area and that it therefore doesn’t surpass him that Apple is investing heavily in hiring ex-Google employees and looking to partner with ‘the right folks’.
It’s certainly pretty low of Apple to hire from a competitor, but it is a dog eat dog world out there and you can’t blame them for wanting to improve their application with whatever means possible. There’s still a long way to go though, and lots of improvements are needed, but hopefully the ex-Google employees can help provide it.
