AppAdvice International: Apple Maps For China, Eco-Efforts In Japan

Apple Maps for China We might still be digesting the full implications of yesterday's WWDC announcements for international readers (for an overview of our coverage, be sure to check our roundup post), however one stand-out change set to launch with iOS 8 concerns an increasingly important market for Apple: China. Specifically, in iOS 8 Apple is bringing enhanced Maps app support to China. Navigation is the most significant addition, allowing users in the country to have their iOS device plot out a route similar to a traditional satellite navigation device. The news comes as Apple also announced enhanced support for the Lunar Calendar and new definition dictionaries for Russian, Brazilian Portuguese, Thai, and Turkish Hindi. Eco-efforts in Japan Over in Japan, Cupertino's in-construction Omotesando retail store has seen an interesting, eco-friendly wall of leaves and vines appear along its sun-facing side. The move is designed to allow Apple to control the temperature inside the store using natural, environmentally-friendly methods, and without the need of air conditioning units. The change comes after Apple turned its website, its retail stores, and its staff green for Earth Day. Before this, CEO Tim Cook also outlined his company's commitment to eco-friendly practices in a video called “Better.” Take a look: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdeVaT-zZt4 If you can't see the above video, please click this link. Outside Apple's Omotesando store, construction barriers exhibited a similar design. We'll keep you updated with further information on the store as we receive it. See also: AOL Updates AIM For iPhone With Long-Awaited iOS 7 Redesign And More, BBM For iOS Updated With Simpler Signup, Easier Contact Adding And Other Tweaks, and Google+ For iOS Updated With Stories Feature, New Photo Editor And More.