While Apple is still searching, Where To? 5.2 is already finding

The new Maps app in iOS 6 received a lot of flack from the media and blogosphere. Users are complaining that information is incorrect, and points of interest (POIs) are missing. A local search oftentimes doesn't return the desired results. The local search app "Where To?" uses Google data and thus continues to deliver more exact results. The new version is fully compatible with iOS 6 and the iPhone 5 (no letter boxes!).

In a nutshell:
- App Update: Where To? 5.2
- Local search app for iPhone and iPod touch
- Finds 2,200 brands in more than 700 categories
- Results are shown on the map, in a list or using Augmented Reality
- Photos, reviews and business hours are listed
- NEW: Compatible with iOS 6 and iPhone 5
- NEW: Launches from Maps app
- NEW: Turkish Localization
- Price: $2.99 (+99¢ for Augmented Reality)
- Link: http://www.futuretap.com/whereto

The new Maps app that Apple delivers in iOS 6 earned a lot of critique in the Internet. Some information is incorrect, important map elements are missing and the list of POIs ("points of interest") seems to be thin.

Ortwin Gentz, FutureTap CEO: "In the new Maps app Apple uses Yelp for business listings. While Yelp is nice for restaurants in the US, other categories and other regions such as Europe aren't covered well. Since Google provides much more results all over the world in many different categories, we're relying – amongst others – on proven Google search results. When searching for bank branches, what's the point of the closest result 14 miles away if I'm driving by dozens of nearby bank branches on my way there?"

While Apple is still wandering around in the dark, Where To? keeps delivering all the results. The local search app determines the user's location via GPS. Then it searches worldwide in more than 700 extensible categories and 2,200 brands. Indian Restaurants, banks, supermarkets, physicians, hair salons: No matter what is searched, "Where To?" displays all nearby results – either in a list, on the map or in an augmented reality view.

The unique navigation wheel helps selecting the main category. Then, a large number of subcategories is offered. Unwanted categories can be removed, the most interesting ones can be selected as favorites. For each destination found there is a detail page with contact data, photos, business hours, dinner menus (if available) and user reviews. An arrow guides to the driving or walking direction.

"Where To?" 5.2 with iPhone 5 compatibility and launch from "Maps"
"Where To?" 5.2 adds three new features:

- Full iOS 6 and iPhone 5 compatibility: The new version of the app fully supports the new iOS 6. More important: It supports the larger screen of the iPhone 5 without annoying black stripes at the top and bottom (letter boxing). This means more space to display a larger part of the map or in Augmented Reality mode.

- Launch from "Maps" app: "Where To?" 5.2 can be launched right from within "Maps". This allows to initiate a local "Where To?" search at the chosen destination, to display reviews or to speak the direction and distance using VoiceOver for the visually impaired.

- Turkish localization: Useful for Turkish speaking users as well as for visitors travelling to Turkey, "Where To?" now provides optimized search results for Turkey.

"Where To?" 5.2 available immediately on the App Store
"Where To?" 5.2 (14.5 MB) is now available for download for $2.99 US on the App Store under the "Navigation" category. Users of the previous version get the update free of charge. iOS 5.1 or newer is required. The "Where To? 3D" Augmented Reality module (iPhone required) may be tested free of charge for 30 days and can subsequently be unlocked via In App Purchase ($0.99 US).

"Where To?" has been selected by Apple as iPhone App of the Week (8/11) and is the winner of the "Best App Ever Awards" 2008, 2009 and 2010 in the category "Best Travel App". In "iTunes Rewind", Apple selected the app under the five best navigation apps in 2011.

Homepage: http://www.futuretap.com/whereto
App Store: http://itunes.apple.com/app/id314785156

Offer to the Press: If you’re interested in reviewing "Where To?" we’ll gladly provide a promo code on request.

Based in Seefeld, Germany. FutureTap was founded in 2008 by Ortwin Gentz with the mission to create innovative and easy-to-use apps that fully leverage the iPhone user interface concept. FutureTap is known for "Where To?", the leading points of interest finder app, acquired from tap tap tap.

Ortwin Gentz
CEO, FutureTap GmbH
Phone: +49-8152-993944
Fax: +49-8152-999716
Email: pr@futuretap.com
Internet: http://www.futuretap.com

This release was published on openPR.