Apple gearing up to beat Google Maps?
Apple's iPhone team are looking for an engineer to update their mapping system
By Nick Spence | Macworld UK | Published: 09:59, 02 December 2009
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 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 Cupertino-based job ideally seeks someone with familiar with anything geo-related such as mapping, navigation, GPS and location-based services.
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"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.
