Apple Acquired Mapping Company Placebase in July [Archive]

MacRumors

Sep 30, 2009, 10:39 PM

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/09/30/apple-acquired-mapping-company-placebase-in-july/)

Computerworld reveals (http://blogs.computerworld.com/14835/apple_purchased_mapping_company_in_july_to_replace_google) that Apple quietly acquired mapping company Placebase back in July. Placebase is similar to Google Maps in that it is a mapping service and has the world mapped out. You can zoom in and out and it has different layers you can superimpose over your mapping data. Placebase CEO Jaron Waldman LinkedIn profile (http://www.linkedin.com/profile?viewProfile=&key=7589834&) now listed his position as part of the "Geo Team" at Apple.

http://images.macrumors.com/article/2009/09/30/232854-geoteam.png

The obvious interest Apple would have in the company would be the mapping content and expertise that they are currently relying on Google for in their iPhone maps application. Placebase, however, also offered additional functionality (http://gigaom.com/2008/05/21/placebase/) that is not currently available in Google's offerings that Apple could theoretically take advantage of. This primarily involves the aggregating of different data sets onto maps. PolicyMap (http://gigaom.com/2008/05/21/placebase/) was given as an example of this aggregate functionality.

Article Link: Apple Acquired Mapping Company Placebase in July (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/09/30/apple-acquired-mapping-company-placebase-in-july/)

jav6454

Sep 30, 2009, 10:45 PM

This is an interesting move.

thegoldenmackid

Sep 30, 2009, 10:46 PM

Seems interesting. It would be nice to have some more features in applications like Keynote and iMovie, but I imagine this is for the iPhone.

azentropy

Sep 30, 2009, 10:47 PM

Good move by Apple.

Apple has a ton of cash on hand, surprised there hasn't been more acquisitions like this recently.

Darkroom

Sep 30, 2009, 10:53 PM

i smell iPhone SDK's MapKit framework becoming more interesting in the near future.

LanPhantom

Sep 30, 2009, 10:54 PM

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 3_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/528.18 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile/7C144 Safari/528.16)

Screw GoogleMaps, let them have it for they're doomed Android OS phone. Hello Apple Maps!!

designgeek

Sep 30, 2009, 10:54 PM

Exciting! I'm a whore for cross referenced data... Especially in map form.

dwman

Sep 30, 2009, 11:08 PM

Hm, could this be the beginning of the end for the Apple/Google relationship? :eek: I hope not. They make a great team.

mdriftmeyer

Sep 30, 2009, 11:17 PM

Hm, could this be the beginning of the end for the Apple/Google relationship? :eek: I hope not. They make a great team.

This is called leverage and inevitability.

Google has a strangle hold on Mapping [Yahoo yes, but that's got Microsoft all over it] and with Google's everything is should be a distributed networking client/server model this ensures Apple and it's upcoming Data Centers are ready to flip the switch as an additional back-end service for Apple customers.

The US Government was smart to used OpenstreetMap (http://www.openstreetmap.org/) to aid in their neutrality for web services.

This keeps Google humble and weakens their "leverage" over Apple.

Placebase has a nice API: http://collections.pushpin.com/

iphones4evry1

Sep 30, 2009, 11:18 PM

Put Steve in charge of mapping!

Let him focus 100% of his efforts just on mapping!

(but what will happen to Google Street View? :eek: )
I like Street View. And so does augmented reality.

Apple may really like the idea of having their own, in-house mapping, but we can't ignore that Google has one hell of a great mapping (and data and Google) search and info/data services built into their mapping.

mdriftmeyer

Sep 30, 2009, 11:20 PM

LagunaSol

Sep 30, 2009, 11:21 PM

Hm, could this be the beginning of the end for the Apple/Google relationship? :eek: I hope not. They make a great team.

Now that they're competitors, that whole "team" thing doesn't seem to have a very bright future.

Seems Google is expanding its war to multiple fronts - Apple would be wise to build up the defenses.

Rodimus Prime

Sep 30, 2009, 11:22 PM

pake

Sep 30, 2009, 11:31 PM

Now that they're competitors, that whole "team" thing doesn't seem to have a very bright future.

Seems Google is expanding its war to multiple fronts - Apple would be wise to build up the defenses.

I fully agree. We don't want Google deciding one day and saying to Apple: "this is it, we are competitors and we can't share this anymore"; and Apple not being ready.

MacFly123

Sep 30, 2009, 11:43 PM

This is an interesting move.

Sure is. I think they are just hedging their bets. Did anyone see a dollar figure anywhere??? :confused:

I think it will be best if Apple just lets the company keep functioning like a subsidiary and doesn't try to be the king of maps. Focus on your strengths Apple and let these map guys keep doing their thing! :cool: Sounds like this is what they are doing.

LEStudios

Sep 30, 2009, 11:55 PM

Hm, could this be the beginning of the end for the Apple/Google relationship? :eek: I hope not. They make a great team.

Was that the part where Google told FCC that Apple denied their Google Voice App? Now if Apple make a better Search engine than Google! :rolleyes:

TwinCities Dan

Oct 1, 2009, 12:11 AM

Very interesting, especially with the Google CEO leaving the Apple Board. ;)

BTW

Oct 1, 2009, 12:13 AM

What's a better app than a mapping one to use a compass in? Seems to me Apple will incorporate the API into the iPhone OS and let developers have at it.

iphones4evry1

Oct 1, 2009, 12:28 AM

Now that they're competitors, that whole "team" thing doesn't seem to have a very bright future.

Seems Google is expanding its war to multiple fronts - Apple would be wise to build up the defenses.

I can just see the future now... Apple - Google feud results in Google blocking iPhones from accessing any and all Google websites :eek:
on the premise that Apple blocks Android from iTunes.

SandynJosh

Oct 1, 2009, 12:45 AM

I can just see the future now... Apple - Google feud results in Google blocking iPhones from accessing any and all Google websites :eek:
on the premise that Apple blocks Android from iTunes.

Such a move would be stupid. What Apple did was buy some insurance AND now have the capability to enhance their map api in patented ways that will give the iPhoneOS unique advantages. It may be years before anyone sees the fruits of this; just like with their purchase of the chip company. Strategic planning means moving large blocks into place before they are needed.

TB Apple

Oct 1, 2009, 12:46 AM

Policy map (http://www.policymap.com/) is scary,as in Orwell's<u>1984</u>) good.

Its worth watching the quick demo then playing with it a bit.

The free version at this link is all you need: Policy map (http://www.policymap.com/)

I'm sure Apple will make some obvious and not-so-obvious improvements on Google Maps with the, now in-house, creators at Placebase

eastercat

Oct 1, 2009, 01:00 AM

As it's been said, having a backup plan for Google Maps is a good thing.

guet

Oct 1, 2009, 01:04 AM

I fully agree. We don't want Google deciding one day and saying to Apple: "this is it, we are competitors and we can't share this anymore"; and Apple not being ready.

Apparently Apple has already decided this (that they can't share) - see Google Voice and now this. It's a shame really, as Google has a lot to offer Apple, and it looks like Apple's customers will be shut out from useful services because of the rivalry.

RazHyena

Oct 1, 2009, 01:05 AM

I smell tension between Apple and Google...

Thex1138

Oct 1, 2009, 01:10 AM

Google Maps relationship souring?... even before Schmidtty left?

fleshman03

Oct 1, 2009, 01:15 AM

Hm, could this be the beginning of the end for the Apple/Google relationship? :eek: I hope not. They make a great team.

It has been dead for a little while.
(http://www.fakesteve.net/2009/07/dear-eric-youre-dead-to-me.html)

Apple sends out their own teams to do the same with mapping.

Of the entire U.S? :eek:

simsandwhich

Oct 1, 2009, 01:22 AM

I personally don't see Google Maps dying any time soon... even if it's an alternative made by Apple

orbital~debris

Oct 1, 2009, 01:37 AM

It has been dead for a little while.
(http://www.fakesteve.net/2009/07/dear-eric-youre-dead-to-me.html)

Of the entire U.S? :eek:

You do realise that Google Street View isn't just a United States offering?
It's available on other parts of Earth...

Thex1138

Oct 1, 2009, 01:38 AM

Look out for the Google and Apple cam-trucks rushing around world cities...

ezekielrage_99

Oct 1, 2009, 01:43 AM

I do a fair bit of work in geospatial for broadcast, so I am hoping we'll see some competition for Microsoft Earth and Google Maps.

talkingfuture

Oct 1, 2009, 02:00 AM

In the last few months Apple seem to really be trying to separate themselves from Google. Must be some behind the scenes tension over Google getting into OS's with Android and Chrome.

Peace

Oct 1, 2009, 02:16 AM

Hm, could this be the beginning of the end for the Apple/Google relationship? :eek: I hope not. They make a great team.

wonder how long until Apple blocks the Google map app from the iphone.

This followed by blocking TomTom and other GPS mapping software from the iPhone claiming it "core function" bs like they did with the GV

Very interesting, especially with the Google CEO leaving the Apple Board. ;)

This is the nail in the coffin for the relationship between Apple and Google.

And btw. A perfect app for the fabled Tablet.

Thex1138

Oct 1, 2009, 02:24 AM

This is the nail in the coffin for the relationship between Apple and Google.

And btw. A perfect app for the fabled Tablet.

The Apple 'Fablet' Tablet
:rolleyes:

Gnative

Oct 1, 2009, 02:35 AM

please let there be offline maps, hate it when my mates Nokia 96 out does the iphone when we are navigating round the uk and i dont have data connection, the maps app becomes useless.

fleshman03

Oct 1, 2009, 03:03 AM

You do realise that Google Street View isn't just a United States offering?
It's available on other parts of Earth...

In fact, I do. As I was writing that, I knew someone was going to raise that point. I thought limiting it to the United States would established that is sufficiently difficult. You and the bulk of the human species have my apologies. :)

MacBram

Oct 1, 2009, 03:07 AM

I can just see the future now... Apple - Google feud results in Google blocking iPhones from accessing any and all Google websites :eek:
on the premise that Apple blocks Android from iTunes.

Yeah, right. This while I am simultaneously just reading that the iPhone and iPod Touch account for 40% globally and rising of all mobile internet traffic! I think the leverage is in Apple's favor, not Google's. I can do without Google search on my iPod Touch -- I can't do without my iPod Touch. And apparently iPhones use 10x more data than other smartphones.

ipoppy

Oct 1, 2009, 03:07 AM

Whats worries me is that Placebase produce more commercial/business orientation usage maps which can be useful for average iPhone user but not as helpful as google.

NightFox

Oct 1, 2009, 03:24 AM

I'm looking forward to seeing Google Streetmap camera cars and Apple iStreetmap camera cars encountering each other and trying to ram each other off the street. Would make a great computer game.

For those who it means anything to, I imagine it would be just like the British BRIXMIS and Soviet intelligence teams in Germany during the Cold War

mac ath

Oct 1, 2009, 03:49 AM

It has been dead for a little while.
(http://www.fakesteve.net/2009/07/dear-eric-youre-dead-to-me.html)

Of the entire U.S? :eek:

actually the entire world and yes, that is not just the US (shocking i know)

DMann

Oct 1, 2009, 03:58 AM

actually the entire world and yes, that is not just the US (shocking i know)Not to mention, "to boldly go where no map implementing company has gone before..."

https://sites.google.com/a/pressatgoogle.com/mooningoogleearth/_/rsrc/1247886477794/home/google-space-products/Google%20Sky%20for%20site.jpg

macadam212

Oct 1, 2009, 04:03 AM

Safari Maps?

Sorry just looking at the compass icon. :rolleyes:

http://babaracus.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/apple_safari.png

Reason077

Oct 1, 2009, 04:06 AM

actually the entire world and yes, that is not just the US (shocking i know)

Street view hardly covers the entire world.

Canada, for example, is completely missing - that's the majority of the North American continent!

In Europe street view can be quite spotty - even in a major city like London there are big gaps. On the other hand, New Zealand is covered very well.

peterdevries

Oct 1, 2009, 04:17 AM

Apparently Apple has already decided this (that they can't share) - see Google Voice and now this. It's a shame really, as Google has a lot to offer Apple, and it looks like Apple's customers will be shut out from useful services because of the rivalry.

Why? The way it looks to me Placebase has some superior features that Google doesn´t provide. I see this as a clear example of competition acting as a driver for innovation.

It appears that they are in the process of replacing the maps feature with a purchased version of placebase. It´s not as if they are taking the maps feature away altogether..

In addition, it could mean that Apple itself is looking into navigation. I would be interested to see what would come out of that..

DMann

Oct 1, 2009, 04:22 AM

Safari Maps?

Sorry just looking at the compass icon. :rolleyes:

http://babaracus.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/apple_safari.pngFYI, you might want to post images using [TIMG] to reduce the file size - moderators seem to appreciate this, as it greatly reduces strain on the servers. The large view will still be available for those who click on it.

aegisdesign

Oct 1, 2009, 04:28 AM

please let there be offline maps, hate it when my mates Nokia 96 out does the iphone when we are navigating round the uk and i dont have data connection, the maps app becomes useless.

Last month I went to Spain. Not knowing if or how cheaply I'd get a data connection I downloaded the entire map of Spain to my Nokia E71. Nokia's Ovi Maps is nice like that. There's a Map Loader app that lets you upload entire maps of regions to your phone.

If you've not seen Ovi Maps in action try it at http://maps.ovi.com/

On my phone it does 3D maps and turn-by-turn voice directions, unlike Google maps. TomTom and the like are redundant. I still use Google Maps on my E71 as it seems to be less CPU intensive than Ovi Maps.

Incidentally, the data that Placebase use is from Navteq. Navteq are owned by Nokia. There's no need for Apple to go out in vans mapping the planet, they're licencing data from elsewhere.

Ramius

Oct 1, 2009, 05:46 AM

Maybe Apple want get rid of Google Maps, cause they didn't want their Voice App. Now Google is more and more becoming their competitor with Android. Maybe they will replace Google Maps in the next big OS update. And

spillproof

Oct 1, 2009, 06:05 AM

Eh, I don't particularly like this. Unless they can make it EVERYTHING Google Maps is AND MORE then I don't want it. And I'm not paying for it either.

diamond.g

Oct 1, 2009, 06:16 AM

Why? The way it looks to me Placebase has some superior features that Google doesn´t provide. I see this as a clear example of competition acting as a driver for innovation.

It appears that they are in the process of replacing the maps feature with a purchased version of placebase. It´s not as if they are taking the maps feature away altogether..

In addition, it could mean that Apple itself is looking into navigation. I would be interested to see what would come out of that..

See it appears that a lot of what they are providing Google Earth can do. I do know a lot of gas finder type pages and even Zillow use Google Maps with overlay so we know some data layers are possible.

BongoBanger

Oct 1, 2009, 06:34 AM

Yeah, right. This while I am simultaneously just reading that the iPhone and iPod Touch account for 40% globally and rising of all mobile internet traffic!

Except they don't. You're reffering to Ad Mob's stats which don't reflect browsing, merely access to ad related sites on full web pages (since most mobile devices still default to mobile pages they don't register).

I'm not sure where people get the idea that this is Apple vs Google as Nokia, for example, use Nokia Maps whilst being quite happy for you to install and use Google Maps if you so wish. Why would Apple be any different?

bbydon

Oct 1, 2009, 07:20 AM

Google maps isn't leaving the iPhone any time soon. And gogle will never pull the plug on it, the make money from it... Like every other search.
Speaking of maps does anyone remember the rumor aboiut a year and half ago about partnering with Mercedes for an apple gps system.

jonnysods

Oct 1, 2009, 07:21 AM

I wonder if Apple are getting ready to part ways a little with Google on some of the features on the iPhone, such as Google Maps....?

ski1ski1

Oct 1, 2009, 07:24 AM

Except they don't. You're reffering to Ad Mob's stats which don't reflect browsing, merely access to ad related sites on full web pages (since most mobile devices still default to mobile pages they don't register).

You are incorrect. AdMob targets mobile web...not just full web pages. Hence their name AdMob. From the article "AdMob serves ads for more than 9,000 mobile Web sites and 3,000 applications around the world."

NoExpectations

Oct 1, 2009, 07:25 AM

BongoBanger

Oct 1, 2009, 07:28 AM

You are incorrect. AdMob targets mobile web...not just full web pages. Hence their name AdMob. From the article "AdMob serves ads for more than 9,000 mobile Web sites and 3,000 applications around the world."

You might want to have a look at how Ad Mob define what 'mobile web page' is. You should also look at the caveats they publish around why their stats are not representative of overall browsing. The stuff's in their PDF.

The iPhone does well but it's nonsense to say it accounts for 40% of mobile web traffic.

KindredMAC

Oct 1, 2009, 07:33 AM

Oh God Noooooooo.... Apple's bring back the GEOport-Modem??????
*sniffle*
*sob*
Noooooooo-oooooo-ooooooo--o-o-o--oo-o-o--ooooooooooo............*

Ok seriously, who else had a flashback to the Geoport Modem days when they saw the story???

That blasted little thing caused me to have to return a Sonnet G3 Daughter Card because of compatibility issues so my PowerMac 6500/225 stayed just that.... 225Mhz and NOT G3.

bbydon

Oct 1, 2009, 07:46 AM

Here is that old rumor
http://www.macrumors.com/2007/06/17/apple-developing-car-navigation-system/

xhambonex

Oct 1, 2009, 07:49 AM

The reality is that Google is no longer a partner but a direct competitor. A company can not, and should not, rely on a competitor for any service or parts for their key products.

Google's focus is now on Android and the software features for their phones. Apple is now secondary (or worse).

Watch for the replacement of Google Maps on future releases....possibly 4.0 is my guess (June '10). Google Maps will be moved to App Store for anyone to voluntarily download....but it won't be a base App anymore.....and won't be the default Map for other programs to use.

A competitor that is open to sharing and even developing full featured applications for the iPhone. They don't have to let Apple use Google Maps, Youtube, GV, Latitude for free, but they are there creating these apps for Apple for free. They are pretty generous competition.

I remember when they rejected the GV app someone at Google jokingly tweeted something like "We removed Apple from Google's search engine." I mean that may not seem like a lot but you could see how it would be weird if you google'd anything apple related and never got a link to their site.

But really if they want to make a competing app to google maps fine, just give me the option to use competitors apps as well. Not to mention Google seems to be at the front line of web based apps and communication tools...why fight them.

eastcoastsurfer

Oct 1, 2009, 08:03 AM

But really if they want to make a competing app to google maps fine, just give me the option to use competitors apps as well.

The problem is that Apple doesn't like its users to have options. They'll reject the Google map app because it 'duplicates functionality already found on the iPhone.' Where have we heard this before?

hashholly

Oct 1, 2009, 08:05 AM

A competitor that is open to sharing and even developing full featured applications for the iPhone. They don't have to let Apple use Google Maps, Youtube, GV, Latitude for free, but they are there creating these apps for Apple for free. They are pretty generous competition.

I remember when they rejected the GV app someone at Google jokingly tweeted something like "We removed Apple from Google's search engine." I mean that may not seem like a lot but you could see how it would be weird if you google'd anything apple related and never got a link to their site.

But really if they want to make a competing app to google maps fine, just give me the option to use competitors apps as well. Not to mention Google seems to be at the front line of web based apps and communication tools...why fight them.

A competitor is a competitor is a competitor, no matter how "nice" you see Google the fact is Google is a business that is directly competing with Apple with their Android OS, soon to be Google OS, and Google Chrome.

For the record, Google Maps / Youtube on the iPhone came before Android, it was a partnership, not a "favor". Hell, why wouldn't Google want their apps on one of the hottest phones? Just means more "Mindshare" for Google.

canyonblue737

Oct 1, 2009, 08:05 AM

No seems to remember that Apple mentioned in a keynote that Google Map tiles were not allowed, by Google, to be used for turn by turn directions. It was a clearly stated limitation of the maps API introduced in iPhone OS 3.0! I am sure limiting developers, and Apple itself, isn't something Apple likes to happen. I bet Apple would love to put turn by turn directions and other advanced mapping features in the iPhone as standard features but because they are limited by Google's policies that simply can't. Bringing mapping in house will clearly free Apple to design the product itself without limitation.

dicklacara

Oct 1, 2009, 08:10 AM

I personally don't see Google Maps dying any time soon... even if it's an alternative made by Apple

Yes! Apple bought a technology to create/maintain a database of location information.

And, if I read this correctly, the infrastructure to gather data from many disparate sources, and the current data itself.

Coordinates for drawing maps are only a small part of the data. There are over 10,000 other variables such as: median household income; median age; campaign contributions...

Apple has the means of providing custom analytics about "whatever" parameters for "wherever" section of the country.

A map (theirs, googles or anyones) overlayed with analytics is only one means of displaying the data.

*

Digitalclips

Oct 1, 2009, 08:19 AM

Hm, could this be the beginning of the end for the Apple/Google relationship? :eek: I hope not. They make a great team.

Hopefully they can be competitive to everyone's benefit without the M$ type dirty tricks. Google's new Wave technology is open source and Apple will surely look at that closely.

xhambonex

Oct 1, 2009, 08:23 AM

A competitor is a competitor is a competitor, no matter how "nice" you see Google the fact is Google is a business that is directly competing with Apple with their Android OS, soon to be Google OS, and Google Chrome.

For the record, Google Maps / Youtube on the iPhone came before Android, it was a partnership, not a "favor". Hell, why wouldn't Google want their apps on one of the hottest phones? Just means more "Mindshare" for Google.

Google's Chrome OS is a netbook OS. Last time I checked OS X doesn't exist on netbooks unless its a hackintosh. Sure it will run on one, but Apple is not in the netbook market so I don't really see that as a competing product for them. Not if was going to be installed as a full feature OS for all computers that's a different story, but so far, from what I've read, that's not the case.

A free web browser that doesn't exist on OS X isn't really a threat.

Android is really their only competition. Not a very threatening one at the moment but hopefully someday soon.

I'm still curious how this GV FCC thing turns out. Someone is lying. Hopefully something good comes out of all this competition.

jholzner

Oct 1, 2009, 09:05 AM

The problem is that Apple doesn't like its users to have options. They'll reject the Google map app because it 'duplicates functionality already found on the iPhone.' Where have we heard this before?

Mapquest is on the App store so I don't see your point.

PodPacker

Oct 1, 2009, 09:11 AM

In the long run I don't think this is something that we will be happy about. I know there are a lot of Apple fanboys here but this is not about starting a flame war. Apple has slowly been "acquiring" software, companies and people. Anyone remember Watson? Where Widgets came from?
I think that it is smart for Apple to want to rely solely on themselves. But, the average customer, the customer that buys tech just for looks and the customers who have to adopt a tech because of family or work will find themselves relying more and more on Apple and slowly stop looking to competitors for options. From a business standpoint, this is freaking awesome," but from a consumer standpoint this is a nightmare. We all know Microsoft does this, but if Google starts doing the same we are risking losing the interoperability we customers have seen since Apple's switch to Intel.
G*d know the cellular phone companies don't want interoperability and look at all these people that are whining about not being able to use the iPhone on Verizon and T-Mobile. It's never going to be on Verizon, ever. Get over it and switch. If you have Verizon you know why: Verizon imposes their own software on phones and they want their own app store and they want everything done their way.
We've all seen examples of what happens when a company does everything on their own. Granted, Apple knows how to make things work the way their customers want and they have a reputation for quality, but let's think more about the future and less about what is good now.

eastcoastsurfer

Oct 1, 2009, 09:19 AM

Mapquest is on the App store so I don't see your point.

And Google Voice is where? What about all the apps that appear to be arbitrarily rejected?

stlredbird

Oct 1, 2009, 09:29 AM

but I like my google maps app...

xhambonex

Oct 1, 2009, 09:31 AM

Mapquest is on the App store so I don't see your point.

Google Latitude got rejected. Why? Not sure, there are apps like Loopt that do basically the exact same thing. The point is Apple seems to be rejecting Googles apps for reasons it won't tell anyone.

And Google Voice is where? What about all the apps that appear to be arbitrarily rejected?

Exactly. Though I suspect Google Voice is a bigger issue than something like Latitude considering what the function of GV really is and how you can exploit it for unlimited calling to everyone.

Kwill

Oct 1, 2009, 09:35 AM

It makes quite a bit of sense. When Google develops features for iPhone, it also makes them available to other companies and devices. To maintain a competitive advantage, Apple needs home-grown technologies. I would not be surprised if Apple has its own turn-by-turn GPS driving app under development.

sishaw

Oct 1, 2009, 09:51 AM

Breaking up is SO hard sometimes. I wonder--who gets the John Mayer CDs?

hagjohn

Oct 1, 2009, 09:52 AM

I wonder how they plan to make money from purchasing Placebase?

kingtj

Oct 1, 2009, 09:56 AM

For a LONG time, Google was generally viewed as the "search engine king". Apple was more than happy to cozy up with them, since they certainly didn't have their hat in that ring, AND because their big competitor, Microsoft, did.

The thing is though, Google keeps expanding their reach, and they're moving towards being the "information PROVIDER king", as opposed to simply directing you to everyone else's information.

As they've added things like "Google Apps", their own cellphone OS, etc. - they've started stepping on Apple's toes. Apple can't afford to keep pretending they're not competitors with Google when all of this is happening.

I smell tension between Apple and Google...

whatever

Oct 1, 2009, 09:56 AM

I can just see the future now... Apple - Google feud results in Google blocking iPhones from accessing any and all Google websites :eek:
on the premise that Apple blocks Android from iTunes.

I know you must be attempting to be funny. But just in case Google can't afford to block anyone access, because they make money only from eyeballs and in this economy they need as many eyeballs as possible.

Also because all of their stuff is open, they're pretty much stuck or face backlash from everyone.

crackbookpro

Oct 1, 2009, 10:06 AM

Takuta-Nui

Oct 1, 2009, 10:23 AM

Clever.

sishaw

Oct 1, 2009, 10:41 AM

I wonder how they plan to make money from purchasing Placebase?

I would assume by allowing developers to use the advanced data mapping functions, and then selling those apps.

mcmlxix

Oct 1, 2009, 10:52 AM

Google needs to step up and get their "My Maps" feature working on iPhone OS.

cumanzor

Oct 1, 2009, 10:53 AM

wonder how long until Apple blocks the Google map app from the iphone.

This followed by blocking TomTom and other GPS mapping software from the iPhone claiming it "core function" bs like they did with the GV

You know to a certain degree it makes blocking GV makes sense, business-wise at least. That being said I completely disagree with that decision. Even though competition is what drives innovation, I believe that companies should also work with each other, at least in some small things that would ultimately help the customer.

Now, blocking Opera Mini for the iPhone.... that is real and unjustified grade a BS :(.

Ontopic, I wonder what Apple is planning to do with this and they are even considering blocking Google Maps (or any other Google service). I don't see Apple pulling off something like Google Maps for a while. I mean, Google has an infrastructure built around the concept information harvesting and processing, they've been doing this for 10 years and they are the experts in this area and every day they're getting bigger.

Apple competing against Google is just a terrible move. Both companies could work together providing their customers with really awesome stuff.

Heijtink

Oct 1, 2009, 10:58 AM

The reality is that Google is no longer a partner but a direct competitor. A company can not, and should not, rely on a competitor for any service or parts for their key products.

Well I'm not saying that Apple shouldn't do this. But if I may continue this line of thought. I would think that their Office application need far more development and work. Numbers sucks and Pages is no where near to what Microsoft has. Sure there are some things I like in their in iWork. But for in the office? No way. Even for home use I think office is much better. I have got this nice powerful iMac at home for some number crunching. But my slower Dell at work is much faster than Numbers. Please improve your iWork and leave mapping out the world to Google. Microsoft is far worse to be deepending on than Goggle.

SeanMcg

Oct 1, 2009, 11:05 AM

is that Google is NOT doing the mapping. The underlying data, the cartography, is provided by NAVTEQ for both companies. They are both dependent on NAVTEQ. HOWEVER, NAVTEQ has no interest in building an OS, browser, or mobile OS.

So, this is providing extensions to that data. In that sense, comparisons to word processing and spreadsheet programs are faulty.

I completely agree with the people who contend that Apple should not be relying on a competitor for significant functionality on which some of their apps depend. No matter what Google's current operating principals are, that situation is not guaranteed to stay the same. It may never change, but it isn't guaranteed.

crackbookpro

Oct 1, 2009, 11:09 AM

You know to a certain degree it makes blocking GV makes sense, business-wise at least. That being said I completely disagree with that decision. Even though competition is what drives innovation, I believe that companies should also work with each other, at least in some small things that would ultimately help the customer.

...blocking GoogleVoice = pure business decision for the future

eastcoastsurfer

Oct 1, 2009, 11:29 AM

...blocking GoogleVoice = pure business decision for the future

Almost purely an ATT business decision. What's odd though is that ATT sells Blackberrys and they have GV and can use the a-list + gv for unlimited calling just as easily.

No matter, I've almost completely switched over to GV now and lowered my ATT voice plan to the lowest allowed to still keep the a-list feature.

SeanMcg

Oct 1, 2009, 11:49 AM

You know to a certain degree it makes blocking GV makes sense, business-wise at least. That being said I completely disagree with that decision. Even though competition is what drives innovation, I believe that companies should also work with each other, at least in some small things that would ultimately help the customer.

And they are. They are working with NAVTEQ.

(OK, OK the horse is dead. I'll stop beating it)

xIGmanIx

Oct 1, 2009, 12:05 PM

whats that? Microsoft can't come up with their own stuff? they have to buy companies? :rolleyes: interesting, but right now google has my business and they are improving all the time. Its not just the maps, its the user experience (Where have i heard that before?) albeit with some advertising, that i prefer their mapping tool

zombitronic

Oct 1, 2009, 12:22 PM

My hunch is that Apple wants Placebase's "layered" technology for augmented reality. AR operates based on layers of data sets.

xhambonex

Oct 1, 2009, 12:48 PM

...blocking GoogleVoice = pure business decision for the future

Obviously, but with the App submission structure they have set up they need to have a justifiable reason to block the App beyond, it duplicates core features.

Almost purely an ATT business decision. What's odd though is that ATT sells Blackberrys and they have GV and can use the a-list + gv for unlimited calling just as easily.

No matter, I've almost completely switched over to GV now and lowered my ATT voice plan to the lowest allowed to still keep the a-list feature.

We don't know if it was ATT, I suspect it was. Heres my problem though. Google Voice is still an invite only type of thing. Its on all other major smartphone OS's and networks and without issues or notice.

I won't say no one, but a vast majority of people wouldn't know what Google Voice was without all this ridiculous press about the app rejection. Had it cleared it would have just had 1 story and been over with. Now its getting all this press and bringing more attention to a service that otherwise might just have been overlooked.

What percentage of people using the iPhone would even use GV if it was available...I'm starting to doubt that it would have been very significant had it not gotten all this attention.

I love Apple products, but I'm leaning towards Android and Google who seems to be continuously progressing the way we use the web and web based apps.

8CoreWhore

Oct 1, 2009, 12:48 PM

http://www.pushpin.com/api/1.3/docs/

Rewes

Oct 1, 2009, 01:37 PM

What hasn't been discussed is that Google is NOT doing the mapping. The underlying data, the cartography, is provided by NAVTEQ for both companies. They are both dependent on NAVTEQ. HOWEVER, NAVTEQ has no interest in building an OS, browser, or mobile OS.

I wouldn't be so sure...

Google maps' data is provided by TeleAtlas, which is owned by TomTom. Navteq is the market leader and a subsidiary of Nokia. So, in a nutshell Google's money goes to TomTom's and Apple's to Nokia's piggy bank. :D

eastcoastsurfer

Oct 1, 2009, 01:54 PM

We don't know if it was ATT, I suspect it was. Heres my problem though. Google Voice is still an invite only type of thing. Its on all other major smartphone OS's and networks and without issues or notice.

I won't say no one, but a vast majority of people wouldn't know what Google Voice was without all this ridiculous press about the app rejection. Had it cleared it would have just had 1 story and been over with. Now its getting all this press and bringing more attention to a service that otherwise might just have been overlooked.

What percentage of people using the iPhone would even use GV if it was available...I'm starting to doubt that it would have been very significant had it not gotten all this attention.

I love Apple products, but I'm leaning towards Android and Google who seems to be continuously progressing the way we use the web and web based apps.

Good point. GV would probably have slid by for most people. Personally, I have been a GV user for a long time prior to the ATT a-list because of all of the advanced calling features it offers. Now, with my GV # on the a-list I also make most of my calls w/o using any minutes.

SeanMcg

Oct 1, 2009, 02:43 PM

I wouldn't be so sure...

Google maps' data is provided by TeleAtlas, which is owned by TomTom. Navteq is the market leader and a subsidiary of Nokia. So, in a nutshell Google's money goes to TomTom's and Apple's to Nokia's piggy bank. :D

Thanks for the info. I sit corrected.

Scooterman1

Oct 1, 2009, 03:52 PM

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njfuzzy

Oct 1, 2009, 04:11 PM

twoodcc

Oct 1, 2009, 04:44 PM

makes sense. apple has a lot of mapping features in several of it's products now

aegisdesign

Oct 1, 2009, 05:37 PM

is that Google is NOT doing the mapping. The underlying data, the cartography, is provided by NAVTEQ for both companies. They are both dependent on NAVTEQ. HOWEVER, NAVTEQ has no interest in building an OS, browser, or mobile OS.

Other than Navteq being wholly owned by Nokia who do, no. ;)

I completely agree with the people who contend that Apple should not be relying on a competitor for significant functionality on which some of their apps depend. No matter what Google's current operating principals are, that situation is not guaranteed to stay the same. It may never change, but it isn't guaranteed.

I suspect this has more to do with Google's licence with Navteq. Apple are just cutting out the middle man (Google) so that the data from Navteq is their own to do with as they please and the terms of use aren't dictated by Google. Earlier it was mentioned that turn by turn directions aren't allowed with Google tile data. I'd suggest that is because of the licence Google have with Navteq, not because it's technically impossible since all Nokia phones that have GPS have turn by turn directions built in using Navteq data. On Nokia phones it is a subscription service but generally cheaper than a TomTom.

Edit: Substitute TeleAtlas for Google's data provider. I wasn't aware they'd switched either. The argument still stands though - Apple get to cut out the middleman.