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(Image Source: CNET)
BY JOHN O’CONNOR
ANCHOR LOGAN TITTLE
In an attempt to improve its widely criticized map application, Apple is reportedly in early
discussions with location-based check-in app, Foursquare, about how to integrate its local
data into the system. CNBC has more.
“[Apple] has been talking to a number of companies that collect local data to improve
its mapping application. The map service has of course had a rocky reception and faces
competition from well established companies like Google, with Google Maps.”
According to the Wall Street Journal … “Foursquare develops a popular mobile app that helps people
find local places and tells their friends when they are at venues like bars and restaurants.
It has also amassed business listings, and collects data about the relative popularity
of places as well as user-generated tips about them that could help Apple's mapping service
stand out.”
The Huffington Post reports the talks between Apple and Foursquare come just days after
Google launched its new Google Maps application for iOS.
“In its first two days on the App Store, the app was downloaded more than 10 million
times … ”
A writer for CNET says Apple has been battling to make up ground on Google after the initial
release of the Apple mapping system didn’t quite go as planned.
“... many users complained of inaccurate data, lack of details, distorted images, and
erroneous directions. In the midst of the debacle, Apple CEO Tim Cook said he was ‘extremely
sorry’ for the frustration felt by customers and vowed to improve the program.”
But BGR’s Zach Epstein says Apple’s mapping problems won’t be solved through any partnership
with Foursquare.
“Apple’s problem also isn’t the fact that it can’t guide people to the most popular
establishments based on Foursquare ratings, it’s that it guides people into the middle
of the Australian outback and leaves them for dead … ” Epstein is referring to a
situation in Australia where local authorities had to rescue groups of people stranded in
114 degree temperatures due to error-filled directions in Apple’s application.
Apple has yet to comment on reports of its early talks with Foursquare.