maps

Last Friday, Apple CEO Tim Cook apologized to iOS 6 users for the failure of the new native Maps application to, well, work properly. There was one thing that caught our eye in Tim's note — a nod to competitors as an alternative to Apple's faulty map app.

Included in the list was: Google and Nokia Maps (the usual suspects); Bing (which we took for a spin last week); and a more curious recommendation — MapQuest. The web mapping service, which launched in 1996, hasn't been on our radar for a few years, but we decided to give MapQuest's mobile app another shot. What we found was a mix of '90s nostalgia and unexpectedly useful discovery tools. Here are the pros and cons of MapQuest's eccentric mobile map app.

Since the Google Maps app for iPhone is a far off dream and Apple Maps might not be able to catch up for another 400 years, iOS 6 users are on the hunt for alternatives — and Bing believes their iPhone app is a contender. The team at Microsoft's "decision engine" put up a rather sneaky blog post yesterday, aimed at new smartphone users looking for an app with the "mapping functionality you need" and chose, of all things, an aerial view of Apple's Cupertino campus as an example screenshot.

Bing may seem like a small fish in a big pond dominated by Google (which leads with a commanding 66.8 percent share of the US search engine market), but don't discount the second-most popular search engine just yet. We took Bing's app for a spin, and found a surprisingly functional and practical maps application — that wasn't without its quirks. Read on for the six features that make Bing standout in the maps race.

Maps are really great material for DIY projects because not only are they meaningful, but they are also affordable. And if you bought one for a trip, you can upcycle the map when you're done with it to memorialize your travel adventure. I'd say they're even better than store-bought souvenirs!

Source: Etsy User umbu, Etsy User peonyandthistle, Martha Stewart Weddings, Etsy User PAPERandPLACE

Transform your lil one's room with map-themed wall art that is both educational and totally stylish. Although not made to be referenced while working on one's homework, these maps are great for introducing basic continent locations and hot spots around the world. They work great as accent pieces or for decorating your tot's entire room. Click through for five eye-catching maps that are way cooler than the ones found at school.

With Independence Day behind us and the Olympic trials already dominating Summer television, it's definitely a patriotic time of year. Beyond some great opportunities for flag-waving and pro-USA cheering, this is also a great time to teach your kids a thing or two about the world, starting with where people live. Whether you want to keep it all about America or go global, the following eight maps will not only look cool on your kids' walls and in their toy chests, but they're also a great way to inspire a little geography lesson!

Is the Winter season leaving you with a feeling of wanderlust? Indulge your travel dreams by decorating with maps. Whether you'd like to cover an entire wall, a small coffee table, or just a throw pillow, we've rounded up some of the best map decor — plus a handful of clever DIY map design projects. Take a look and decide whether the globe-trotting trend is for you.

Be proud of your roots! Mom and dad picked their home for a reason. Now celebrate it! Today's talented designers are customizing blankets, clothes, and more to show off your tot's hometown. Perfect for baby gifts and and birthday presents, the kid-friendly designs will have lil ones learning their way around a map long before they ever have a driver's license! Check them out!