Tag Archives: blackberry

Apple Cuts Google Maps out of iPhone

It’s been long suspected that Apple will replace Google Maps with its own mapping technology, and today the company confirmed that iOS 6 will feature a proprietary mapping application. Up until now, iPhone users have relied on the Google Maps application to find locations worldwide. However, over the course of the last few years, Apple purchased a series of mapping technologies to build its own application.

In 2009, Apple acquired PlaceBase, specializing in creating an API for combining data and location information. Then, in 2010, the company purchased mapping visualization firm Poly9. Last year, Apple bought C3 Technologies for its automated 3D mapping algorithms. With the acquisition of these three companies, Apple has built its own completely in-house mapping solution. Apple will preview the next version of its mobile operating system, iOS 6, during its annual World Developers Conference beginning June 11 in San Francisco. Continue reading “Apple Cuts Google Maps out of iPhone” »


Facebook Shifts Focus to Mobile Apps

Back in April Facebook officially announced its plans to purchase Instagram for an astonishing $1 billion. This week the social media platform rolled out its own photo sharing app, Facebook Camera, now available in the App Store for free. The app was programmed independently from the Instagram team, as it had already been in development prior to the purchase of the company.

Like Instagram, Facebook Camera allows users to crop, rotate and filter photos and upload multiple images to Facebook. Overall, Facebook Camera is an improvement on Facebook’s primary app for iPhone and iPod touch devices. However, is not meant to replace Instagram by any means. Just as Google purchased YouTube when it already had Google Video, Facebook purchased Instagram to own the brand name. Instagram is truly a mobile-only offering, aligning with Facebook’s goal of improving its mobile experience. Continue reading “Facebook Shifts Focus to Mobile Apps” »