Apple Developing Several Frame Styles for Smart Glasses
Apple is reportedly developing around four frame styles for its first pair of smart glasses.
Google Maps, Amazon, Ebay Ditch their Apple Watch Apps
In what is a major blow for users of the Apple Watch, Google Maps, Amazon, and Ebay have all ended application support for the popular smartwatch.
According to a new report from AppleInsider, Google Maps, Amazon and eBay are among the top tier apps that are no longer supporting a watchOS extension within their iOS apps. Google removed support a few weeks back, while newly-updated eBay and Amazon iOS apps contain no reference to Apple’s wearable.
“It’s unclear why the companies decided to remove support for their apps on the Apple Watch, or whether Apple had a role in their decision,” the report noted.
Of course, the big question here is just why this has happened. According to the report, Google expects to continue support for the smartwatch “in the future”, although the decisions from other parties remains a mystery.
However, the fact this went unnoticed for some time perhaps indicates the level of use these apps generated. Google Maps is a handy tool, but it’s not often you get the urge to shop from your wrist through the likes of Amazon or eBay.
The highly-regarded eBay app had appeared to be particularly useful, altering bidders when their offer had been topped. The use-case for Google Maps is pretty evident for those who prefer it to Apple’s own solution, while there’s nothing particularly pressing about shopping from Amazon that it needs to be done on the wrist.
The exodus of three top apps (AppleInsider also reports US retailer Target has dropped support) raises questions about whether others will follow suit. None of the firms have commented on their reasons or whether support for the Apple Watch will be reinstated at some stage.
Have you noticed any of your favourite Apple Watch apps lose disappear?
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Already wasn’t keen on the idea of getting an Apple Watch… Doesn’t really give good press for potential buyers though.
Google also removed the Google News Apple Watch app a month or so ago, only that one they flagged in the update blurb in the App Store.
The Apple Maps watch is/was, IMO, superior to the Google Maps version anyway.
The google maps app sucked on apple watch anyways…
you could ONLY get directions to home or work… thats it…
I still never understood why every app developer jumped on the bandwagon in the first place. The watch has its place and its purpose but shopping just isn’t one of them.
Hoping for a fully functioning google maps app on the near future.
I don’t see the need for the watch anyways for men because we don’t usually carry purses. Besides, It’s not like it’s some stylish piece of jewelry.