More specifically, Apple Inc. is interested in using local data from Foursquare to enhance its iOS Maps application. It is likely that this is a response to the recent release of Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)’s Maps in the Apple App Store.
The article goes on to explain:
Apple Senior Vice President of Online Services Eddy Cue met with the popular social service “in recent weeks,” but failed to detail exactly what was discussed or when the meetings took place.
Remember, it was only a few months ago when Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) CEO Tim Cook had to apologize for the company’s new Maps app:
At Apple, we strive to make world-class products that deliver the best experience possible to our customers. With the launch of our new Maps last week, we fell short on this commitment. We are extremely sorry for the frustration this has caused our customers and we are doing everything we can to make Maps better.
We launched Maps initially with the first version of iOS. As time progressed, we wanted to provide our customers with even better Maps including features such as turn-by-turn directions, voice integration, Flyover and vector-based maps. In order to do this, we had to create a new version of Maps from the ground up.
There are already more than 100 million iOS devices using the new Apple Maps, with more and more joining us every day. In just over a week, iOS users with the new Maps have already searched for nearly half a billion locations. The more our customers use our Maps the better it will get and we greatly appreciate all of the feedback we have received from you.
While we’re improving Maps, you can try alternatives by downloading map apps from the App Store like Bing, MapQuest and Waze, or use Google or Nokia maps by going to their websites and creating an icon on your home screen to their web app.
Everything we do at Apple is aimed at making our products the best in the world. We know that you expect that from us, and we will keep working non-stop until Maps lives up to the same incredibly high standard.
At this point, a partnership is pure speculation – although the fine people at the Wall Street Journal appear to have “inside information.”
By partnering with Foursquare, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) will be able to provide a wealth of business related information while possibly offering users the ability to “check in” upon reaching their destination.
The race is on, as Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is in a hurry to get its Maps app up to par to compete with Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG).
What do you think about an Apple Inc. – Foursquare partnership? Is this a good move for the company?
Check back here for more updates on Apple Foursquare Deal.
For more information on Apple Maps, visit these links:
