Apple backtracks on 'most powerful' map app claim

After CEO Tim Cook's rare apology for Apple's beleaguered map application, the company has retreated on claims that the app was the "most powerful mapping service ever."Apple's Web site had formerly boasted that, "Designed by Apple from the ground up, Maps give you turn-by-turn spoken directions, interactive 3D views, and the stunning Flyover feature. All of which may just make this app the most beautiful, powerful mapping service ever."However, after Cook said Friday that Apple was "extremely sorry" for the frustration felt by customers and vowed to improve the program, the company has also removed a superlative from the app description and replaced the last sentence with: "All in a beautiful vector-based interface that scales and zooms with ease."CNET has contacted Apple for comment on the change and will update this report when we learn more.Apple ignited consumer fervor earlier this month when it opted to dump Google Maps from iOS6, forcing users to switch to Apple's app, which many users found to be underwhelming or inaccurate when compared with Google's offering.In addition to his apology, Cook also took the unusual step of recommending alternatives such as the Bing, MapQuest, or Waze maps apps, or using Google or Nokia's map Web sites while the company works to improve its own app.Maps woes in Apple iOS 6: How bad? (pict...See full gallery1 - 4 / 16NextPrev

Apple asks retail employees to test Mountain Lion

Apple store employees can now join the party of people testing OS X Mountain Lion before it hits the streets next month.In an e-mail to store workers revealed by 9to5Mac, Apple has invited its Genius Bar members and Creatives to partake in the AppleSeed testing program. Available to select customers as well as employees, this program gives participants access to pre-release software so they can test the products and provide feedback to the company.Those who join the program adhere to a confidentiality agreement that prevents them from sharing the software with anyone else. Apple provides various tools for users to offer their feedback, including Web forms, discussion lists, mailing lists, engineering questionnaires, and bug reports.Related storiesApple's Mountain Lion roars to life with 200 new featuresMountain Lion shipping in JulyOS X Mountain Lion upgrade to sell in July for $19.99How to prepare your Mac for Mountain LionStore employees who volunteer to test Mountain Lion must use their own personal machines, 9to5Mac added.Beyond providing feedback, workers will get a feel for the latest OS X version before it goes on sale, a useful training exercise if they're to explain and demo the product to customers.Outfitted with around 200 new features, Mountain Lion will be available as a $19.99 update for current Lion and Snow Leopard users.