Apple Quietly Acquired Placebase, A Mapping Startup In July

Electronista didn't find this out, they are just taking credit for it. Look around. The original source is here.

http://blogs.computerworld.com/14835/apple_purchased_mapping_company_in_july_to_replace_google

Electronista didn't find this out, they are just taking credit for it. Look around. The original source is here.

http://blogs.computerworld.com/14835/apple_purchased_mapping_company_in_july_to_replace_google

From reading other analysis sites, it seems that Placebase complements the mapping data from Google; it does not replace it.

While I am a strong believer in the inevitability of Apple/Google evolving into Frienemies in the months ahead (see: The Chess Masters: Apple versus Google - http://bit.ly/IHPmW), I think this is more a case of Apple adding geo-locative DNA to their bench and continuing their innovation around the Maps app, which while powered by Google Maps under the hood, is nonetheless developed by Apple in terms of look, feel and supported workflows.

Perhaps this is an indication that the iPhone will get a better GPS chipset to complement a mapping application. Who knows, Placebase could be that enhanced mapping app with a map database and nav software that is built-in that is built-in into every future iPhone or firmware/OS update.

If Apple upgrades it's on-board GPS chipset from the current Infineon Hammerhead II to a much more sensitive one like the Sirf Star III or the Broadcom BCM4750 which is much better suited for vehicle navigation in urban areas with obstacles. This will allow the iPhone to compete head-on with PNDs (Personal Navigation Devices). Though there is a crop of expensive turn-by-turn GPS nav apps for the iPhone from the likes of Tom Tom, Navigon and Sygic, none of these are as effective as a dedicated PND mostly because of the weak GPS chipset in the iPhone.

Having a mapping app with a map database built-in/pre-installed on the iPhone (as opposed to download on demand as with the current Google Maps app) is a win-win for Apple and its cellular network carrier partner(s), because this reduces the bandwidth load on the carrier's (AT&T in the US) 3G data network.

Ofcourse this is all speculation, the current Google Maps apps could be intact and Placebase could be part of some other strategy or new product line like the rumored tablet pc aka Newton2.

I'm assuming that Apple can not turn this into a turn by turn navigation system for the same reason its current map app can not do turn by turn: cost of licensing of the actual map data for this use. Google licenses underling map data; I'm guessing that Placebase does as well. Does anyone know if this is true?

How all this stand up against Nokia position? They already have an international map maker in their pockets, and already offering turn by turn navigation for quite sometime already.

ed hardy ed hardy
ed hardy clothing ed hardy clothing
ed hardy shop ed hardy shop
cheap ed hardy cheap ed hardy
ed hardy uk ed hardy uk
ed hardy sale ed hardy sale
ed hardy clothes ed hardy clothes
ed hardy outlet ed hardy outlet
Abercrombie And Fitch Abercrombie And Fitch
Abercrombie Abercrombie
Abercrombie Clothing Abercrombie Clothing
Abercrombie UK Abercrombie UK
Abercrombie London Abercrombie London
Abercrombie Fitch Abercrombie Fitch
Abercrombie Outlet Abercrombie Outlet
tiffany tiffany
tiffany jewellery tiffany jewellery
tiffany jewelry tiffany jewelry
tiffany co jewelry tiffany co jewelry
tiffany co tiffany co
tiffany and co tiffany and co
tiffany silver jewelry tiffany silver jewelry
tiffany jewelry sale tiffany jewelry sale
tiffany uk tiffany uk
uk tiffany jewellery uk tiffany jewellery
tiffany jewellery london tiffany jewellery london
Abercrombie And Fitch Abercrombie And Fitch
Abercrombie Abercrombie
Abercrombie Clothing Abercrombie Clothing
Abercrombie UK Abercrombie UK
Abercrombie London Abercrombie London
Abercrombie Fitch Abercrombie Fitch
Abercrombie Outlet Abercrombie Outlet
nest match nest match