Today’s mobile news roundup features Apple’s new map and Siri update, while Intel claims Android is not ready for dual core.  T-Mobile’s celebrating Father’s Day with a special offer and more.

Apple launched Maps app and Siri update

Apple is starting another battle with Google as they launched their new Maps app sans the power of Google.  The Maps app will be available in the upcoming iOS 6 but will also be available for older iPhones and iPads, except the original iPad.  The move comes from the fact that Google refused to deliver their updates on iOS devices so Apple did what anyone would do when forced into a tight spot – make their own maps service that offers almost the same features as Google Maps.

Apple also integrated Siri to their Maps app so users can ask for step-by-step directions to places, but the downside is that walking and transit directions will no longer be available for Apple users, as that was a Google Maps feature.  The good thing is, Apple’s working with third party service providers to deliver transit maps.

“In iOS 6, we have built an entire new mapping system from the ground up; and it looks beautiful,” Scott Forstall, Apple’s vice president in charge of the mobile system, said Monday. “This is a worldwide effort. We’re covering the world.”

Siri has also been upgraded, ready for the iOS launch, so users would be able to ask sports related questions, game schedules and even historical questions about athletes.

Intel says dual core is not meant for Android

According to an Intel executive, Android smartphones aren’t harnessing the power of dual core processors because of poor implementation of threading technology.

Mike Bell, general manager of Intel’s Mobile and Communications Group, added that most Android devices these days are encountering problems with threading scheduling and that’s why some devices with single core run faster than dual core Android devices.

The question now is, if what Intel says is true, then what’s the point of buying smartphones boasting of dual or even quad core processors if they aren’t being properly utilized?

T-Mobile’s Father’s Day offering

Father’s day is just a few days away and like any other special occasion, most of us have no idea what to give give our dads.  So T-Mobile came up with a special offering that would be appreciated by fathers on their special day.  T-Mobile’s promo will run for two days, from June 15 and 16, Friday and Saturday.

“We want to say thanks to fathers for all they do and keep them easily and affordably connected to family throughout the entire year,” said Andrew Sherrard, senior vice president of marketing for T-Mobile USA. “Whether through voice calls, photos, texts, video conferencing or social media updates, T-Mobile’s ‘All Phones Free’ promotion provides families a great opportunity to get the latest cutting-edge smartphones running on lightning-fast speeds via America’s Largest 4G Network.”

Fathers can get their device for free after a mail-in rebate card when they sign up for a new two-year contract on any qualifying unlimited Classic plan, or for a $0.00 down payment after a mail-in rebate card when signing up on a new qualifying Unlimited Value plan with an Equipment Installment Plan.

Devices included in the Father’s Day promo are HTC One S, Samsung Galaxy SII, Nokia Lumia 710, BlackBerry Bold 9900, and the SpringBoardwith Google

Samsung Galaxy SIII gets OTA update

The newly released Samsung Galaxy SIII is getting over the air update a 31.17MB download over WiFi or 3G.  The update comes in two parts, after the 31.17MB, another 15.57MB update follows.  It’s not entirely clear what the update is for, it simply states that it would be for improved stability.  If you want to update your device, just go to the Android settings, tap the About Device button and then Software Update.