If Siri were paired with a GPS app

Just like links to phone numbers are created automatically in web pages, iOS should create links to GPS locations as well, using a gps:// protocol, so that we can set the default GPS application ourselves.

It's nice that Siri does this, but really, I should be able to set the destination in TomTom, Mavigon, or whatever other GPS app I choose.

Creating a gps:// protocol standard isn't rocket science. I emailed Steve about it eons ago, but of course hear dnothing back....

I'd really like even more than simple control of the GPS app itself - I'd like search and routing functions that make use of both what the GPS app knows and what other apps know. For example, while traveling on an interstate, I'd like to be able to say "find me the cheapest gas station on my route in the next 100 miles and tell me where it is and how much", "ok, stop there and tell me how long until I get there", "what fast food places are coming up in the next hour" (actually, the GPS app conceivably could do this one itself), "find any holiday inn expresses we'd get to about 10 o'clock", "ok, make a reservation at the second one" (this would probably need to use info pre-set either for general reservations or maybe specifically for holiday inn), etc. I don't know how practical any of this would be - it would seem to require fairly complex exchanges between Siri and the GPS app and also with other apps (as well as Siri's backend databases), but these sorts of things (not dependent purely on Apple supplied or integrated apps) would really make Siri an automated assistant rather than just a smart voice interface to a few apps.

Although I have had a GPS that is entirely voice operated for years, having SIRI would absolutely hugely kick it up a notch,

Apple is already positioning itself to replace Google in all things map related. They have made strategic purchase during the past few years almost to the day they started feuding with Google over the Android OS.

If my memory serves me right, they have purchased the following.

1. Map company
2. 3D Map conversion of standard 2D Maps on the fly company
3. GPS Related technology company
4. Streetview like technology company.

Google may have the best implementation of all of these right now, but that's because it works everywhere for the most part. Computer to phone etc.

Once Apple integrates all of these technologies, as they always do, it will be pretty hard to pass up using. If they build in True GPS turn by turn navigation with Siri, then I'll be very happy when I get my iPhone 5 next year.

Based on the fact that Apple bought Placebase, a mapping service company, it seems that turn-by-turn integration with Siri is not only inevitable, but available in the near future (next iOS maybe? just a guess..). Siri is great, but there are definitely some things missing from the currently-in-beta service, and navigation is one of them. I'm quite sure Apple is hard at work on adding this, and other features to Siri.

I'd love to see this sort of feature combined with an extension of "Find My Friends". For example, if several of us are taking two cars two an unfamiliar-to-me location, I'd love to be able to say "Siri, I'm following John." "Ok, I'll follow John." Siri would then run turn-by-turn either by using John's current location, or (less intensively) using John's currently set destination. But it would really shine when John needs to make that impromptu bakery stop. "Patrick, John is stopping at The Bakery. Would you like to stop, too?" If I say yes, Siri would direct me to The Bakery. Otherwise, Siri would either (a) continue routing me toward my initial destination (i.e. John's original destination), or if Siri was using John's current location, simply stop routing.

Until Apple and Google make peace enough for such an implementation, or until Apple drops its own maps + GPS application, try using the Mapquest app for iPhone. "Mapquest," you say? Yes, the very same that we used to use before Google Maps came took over. I was pleasantly surprised one day during a drive when Mapquest started to give me turn by turn navigation! The interface is a bit kludgy, but overall it is a well-rounded and informative app. Tons better than the other bloated free GPS apps available for iPhone. And the price is right: FREE!

If Apple is wise, they will do as much with Siri as they can.
When you look at it, all smart phones are pretty much the same. The best way to
differentiate Apple in the future, aside from its superior quality, is to do something REALLY useful
that no other phone does. Expanding Siri usability will do just this.

Just bought a new car and am constantly stymied by the poor voice integration. If Siri was in my car… aw, man. that would be amazingly better.