Amazon Reportedly Planning to Purchase 3-D Map Startup

[Phillip Swanson]

Amazon is reportedly close to acquiring a 3-D mapping startup adding to the mobile map war between Google, Apple, and now, possibly Amazon.

The 3-D company Amazon is close to reaching a deal with is UpNext, which currently has apps for iOS, Android, and the Kindle Fire. UpNext utilizes vector graphic-based images to populate cities with 3-D virtual buildings. Apple and Google’s 3-D mapping tech uses photographs, which aren’t scalable like vector graphics.

While the vector-bases maps are functional and eye-catching, UpNext currently only supports 3-D maps for just over 50 cities, and only 23 have textured 3-D roadways. With so few cities supported the allure of the vector-based 3-D maps is currently more a novelty than a true feature.

Amazon’s intentions with purchase remain unclear, especially considering the Kindle has no GPS functionality. But, the purchase is definitely another indicators of the massive mobile war being waged on all fronts by Google, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and many others.

Source: Wired

[Mrteacup]

Lol why say they are competing with apple. Apple does not try to sell software to non-apple product users. Either way if someone wants 3rd party software they won't go with apple..

[scroogelives]

This will be another flop like the kindle fire!! Which most will never see!

[soidroidios]

Kindle fire was actually successful you know. Anyway, let them buy stuff and improve it. In the end, the consumers will win with the best Mapping application from all 3 sides.