Apple Maps Finally Gets in the Thick of the Street-View Showdown
For over a decade, Apple Maps has been a solid sidekick to Google Maps, but lately it’s been borrowing a few tricks from the tech giant’s playbook. The most recent update? A web‑ready “Look Around” feature that gives you a pedestrian‑level tour just like Google’s Street View.
What “Look Around” Really Is
- First‑hand View: Navigate streets as if you’re walking through them.
- High‑Resolution: Crisp images give you a feel for buildings and landmarks.
- Instant Access: No download required—just click and stroll.
Apple’s New Web Twist
Previously, the “Look Around” option lived only in the Apple Maps app, tucked behind Mac, iPhone, and iPad. The latest update now extends it to the Apple Maps website, letting anyone with a browser experience the city like a local.
Why the Change Matters
- Bridges the gap between desktop and mobile users.
- Levels the playing field with Google, who’s had “Street View” online for ages.
- Makes map‑seeking a full‑sight adventure—no more static pins.
So, if you’ve been stalking the streets on the web side of things, Apple’s got you covered. Take a quick virtual walk, snap some selfies of the scenery, and enjoy the city all from your screen. Apple Maps isn’t just doing business—it’s stepping up the game.
Apple Maps’ Look‑Around is Now a Cross‑Browser Adventure
Ever wondered what it feels like to stroll through the streets of a city that’s not your own? Apple Maps’ Look‑Around turns that wish into reality—on the web, no less! According to Chris Carley from 9To5Mac, this slick feature is now compatible with all the big browsers we love to use each day: Google Chrome, Apple Safari, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox.
Why It Matters
- No need to download a mobile app. Just open your browser—your go‑to window now doubles as a virtual walking tour.
- Added just recently, around December 11, 2024, this update means new cities and neighborhoods are being discovered, one click at a time.
- Everyone can explore, regardless of platform. It’s a level‑up for everyday geocachers and the wanderlust seekers among us.
How to Dive In
Simply pop Apple Maps in the browser of your choice, hit a point on the map, and tap the “Look Around” button. You’ll be instantly transported to a 360° street‑level view—no teleportation required. Enjoy the tour!
Apple Maps Web is currently available in beta
Apple Maps’ Look Around: Your 360° Street‑Side Adventure
Imagine walking down your favourite alley and, in an instant, you’re enveloped by a full 360‑degree view—all from the mind‑blowing perspective of a pedestrian. Apple’s “Look Around” turns everyday streets into a personal video tour, letting you explore every corner as if you were actually there.
How It Works
- Street‑Level Snapshots: Each spot is surveyed with high‑resolution images that give you a crystal‑clear view.
- 360° Wrap‑Around: Move your finger around the screen and you’ll see the whole neighbourhood, not just a flat screenshot.
- Real‑Time Wander: The app syncs walking and standing points, so you see surroundings in the exact angle you’re looking.
What’s Covered?
Heads up: only the places that Apple has explicitly scanned for “Look Around” make it into the database. If your favourite coffee shop hasn’t been flagged yet, it’ll stay a mystery—no current street‑level view. But don’t worry: Apple’s constantly expanding its coverage, so keep an eye out for those new hotspots.
Why You’ll Love It
- Sense of Presence: Feels like you’re actually there—no more guessing what the street looks like.
- Travel Planning: Preview routes and venues before you even set foot outside.
- Fun Exploration: Take a virtual walk through unfamiliar neighborhoods, discovering hidden gems.
So next time you need a quick get‑away from reality or want to check out the latest bend in the city, just open Apple Maps and slide into the Look Around mode—you’re basically riding the camera‑camera through a street!
Apple Maps Web Look Around – A New Twist on Navigation
Apple’s maps still feel a little shy compared to the industry giants, but their latest web version is a promising step towards catching up. While the beta at beta.maps.apple.com stalls on features like saving locations, 3‑D buildings, transit maps, and sign‑ins, it does have a gem that brings the interface to life:
Look Around
Think of Look Around as your personal street‑level tour. It’s the feature that lets you wander the city’s sidewalks right from your browser, giving the experience a playful, almost Sims‑like charm.
- Fun for casual globetrotters – no need to set off on a real trip.
- Breaks the monotony of flat map pins.
- Instant street‑level magic from any device.
Meanwhile, Google stands tall with its reputation for ground‑truth speed and precision. Apple’s foray into the web arena may gradually shift that balance once it launches the missing features. Until then, bookmark a quick stroll around town with Look Around and enjoy the surprise of a city you’re exploring from your keyboard.
