Apple ditched Skyhook and Google, rolled their own location database

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TechCrunch went through the fine print and noticed that, with iOS 3.2 (iPhone 3.2 for iPad) Apple switched from using Skyhook and Google's location database to using their own, home spun, solution.

When reached for comment, Skyhook wouldn’t specifically talk about their relationship with Apple, but they did say that “everyone who has a platform wants to own as much of the location stack as possible. Location data is going the be huge and owning it is going to be the next big war in mobile.“

Indeed. Now roll Apple-acquired PlaceBase and Poly9 Map layer brain-trusts into the equation, and what will we get?

[TechCrunch]

Rene Ritchie
Rene Ritchie

Rene Ritchie is one of the most respected Apple analysts in the business, reaching a combined audience of over 40 million readers a month. His YouTube channel, Vector, has over 90 thousand subscribers and 14 million views and his podcasts, including Debug, have been downloaded over 20 million times. He also regularly co-hosts MacBreak Weekly for the TWiT network and co-hosted CES Live! and Talk Mobile. Based in Montreal, Rene is a former director of product marketing, web developer, and graphic designer. He's authored several books and appeared on numerous television and radio segments to discuss Apple and the technology industry. When not working, he likes to cook, grapple, and spend time with his friends and family.
8 Comments
  • doesnt surprise me that they would test it with the iPad. Hopefully it works out well for them and we can say goodbye to google and hello to a more sophisticated mapping&location system.
    iMaps: Coming Soon to an iOS device near you.
  • So wait... they aren't using Google Maps at all in it?
    Where are they getting the actual maps from?
    I'm all for this but it make me wonder where it's coming from.
    Apple branded turn-by-turn voice GPS app please?
  • The only downside, of course, is that you will have to pay extra for it. I'll stick with my free turn-by-turn directions thank you very much.
  • Well all I know is my iPad WiFi works as well if not better than my iPhone with a dedicated GPS.
  • i m sure that Apple sould do something with InDoor navigation - its must have for mall, airport and other large public building navigation.
  • Well I hope Apple updates the Maps app on the iP4 soon, because the current is seriouly lacking compared to the latest Google Maps app for Android...
  • "Now roll Apple-acquired PlaceBase and Poly9 Map layer brain-trusts into the equation, and what will we get?"
    Every location search resulting in directions to the nearest Apple Store. ; )
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