[flatline]

Google maps (at least on iOS) changes their interface frequently and needlessly. I have not seen a meaningful update to the UI in maybe the last three years. The ability to mute the volume is the only real change that comes to mind and that's not really a UI enhancement. Rather, features useful to me jump around through the various UI layers seemingly at random. The map display changes without warning. Sometimes these changes help me navigate, sometimes just the opposite. Each time the app updates I'm never sure what I'm going to find or if I'm going to have to take five minutes out of my trip just to figure out what this shuffle of the deck brought. I swear Google employs a host of front-end engineers with no real purpose in life.

A dedicated device with a predictable and unchanging UI could be very useful. The problem is that the convenience of the phone still outweighs the drawbacks for me.