Skip to main content

Mac > News

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 Next gen iPhone seeks to take maps to "the next level"

The appointment could see Apple rely less on Google in the future

Nick Spence

  • Email to a friend
  • Print this article
  • Bookmark this page
  • RSS feed

Apple are seeking a software engineer to take the next generation of iPhone maps to "the next level."

An Apple job listing spotted by MacRumors.com reveals the following: "We want to take Maps to the next level, rethink how users use Maps and change the way people find things. We want to do this in a seamless, highly interactive and enjoyable way. We've only just started."

The Santa Clara Valley, Cupertino, California based job ideally seeks someone with familiar with anything geo related such as mapping, navigation, GPS and location-based services.

"You'll be responsible for implementing new and innovative features, fixing problems and enhancing the performance of Maps. You will work closely with the other engineers on the Maps team, other iPhone and iPod touch teams as well our partners in other companies," the ad reads.

The appointment could see Apple rely less on Google in the future.

Apple recently acquired Placebase, a specialist mapping company, which has led to speculation that Apple might eventually replace Google Maps.

"I think Apple wants to free itself from depending on Google for its maps on the iPhone and iPod touch devices. Apple also currently uses Google Maps in iPhoto in the Places feature," Computerworld's Seth Weintraub back in September.

"It may be a smart move for Apple to buy its way out of its dependency on Google now, while it has the chance," Weintraub added.

Email A Friend

Email this article to a friend or colleague:



PLEASE NOTE: Your name is used only to let the recipient know who sent the story, and in case of transmission error. Both your name and the recipient's name and address will not be used for any other purpose.

Comments received


Nick L said on Mon, 30 Nov 2009

Apple seem to be getting twitchy over the free Android Google/Nav - which works perfectly, even in the UK.

Mr Weekender said on Mon, 30 Nov 2009

Nah, Android is not going to be a strong contender with just a navigation app.

The apps currently available for Android are miles behind what's available for the iPhone.

This just looks like an exercise in strengthening Apple's official iPhone app line up.

Nick L said on Mon, 30 Nov 2009

You are forgetting one big thing - portability. Android phones are already taking a good chunk of the market and it it's getting bigger by the month as more phone makers move to it. No lock-in and no thought police to censor your installs.

Never bothered renewing my iPhone contract and have not looked back.

ed said on Mon, 30 Nov 2009

@Nick L
"Android phones already taking a good chunk of the market" are you just saying this because it's what you'd like to believe or do you have proof?

ed said on Mon, 30 Nov 2009

@Nick L
"Android phones already taking a good chunk of the market" are you just saying this because it's what you'd like to believe or do you have proof?

Nick L said on Mon, 30 Nov 2009

www.computerworld.com/s/article/9139026/Android_to_grab_No._2_spot_by_2012_says_Gartner

James T said on Mon, 30 Nov 2009

An interesting twist here:

www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/tech/2009/11/133_56338.html

John said on Tue, 01 Dec 2009

@Nick L
Being so anti- "lock-ins and thought police" I wonder why you even bothered wasting time & money on an iPhone contract in the first place?

Disclaimer
Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Macworld. Macworld accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content.
Click here to read the house rules.

Click here for the latest reader comments

Latest News


More news...