Google Maps for iOS

Jake Smith:

The question is: will Apple accept [Google's maps app]?

I disagree. The question is: what are we giving up? Maps needs access to some rather important information. Like your address book (Contacts) and location data. This means that Maps can report back to Google routes you use on a regular basis as well as stores and other shopping opportunities nearby. People you know, and things they're into will help Google provide you with eerily specific ad targeting. I just don't know that I want Google to have access to where I am at any given time (when I'm getting directions). I also doubt that I want Google to know who I am friends with, but I require Facebook for my job, so I just assume I've already lost that battle.

Short of the long is this: we are for sale. And the more info Google has about us, the more valuable we are to Google's customers.