Apple job posting indicates Maps app revamp

A job posting on the Apple website calling for an iPhone software engineer to join its new Maps team indicates the computing giant is poised to revamp the smartphone's mapping technology. "The iPhone Maps application is used by millions of customers and it's the best mapping program on any mobile platform," the job description reads. "Now with iPhone OS 3.0, the MapKit framework allows any developer to embed a fast and easy to use map right in their application. In addition to the Maps application and MapKit framework, the Maps team is also responsible for the new Compass application as well as other location-based services (LBS) on iPhone and iPod touch. The iPhone has revolutionized the mobile industry and has changed people's lives and we want to continue to do so. 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."

While the iPhone's current Maps software depends heavily on Google Maps technology, conventional wisdom suggests Apple wants to end that relationship given the Android operating system's growing profile. In July 2009, Apple quietly acquired Google Maps competitor Placebase.

For more on the Maps job posting:
- read this AppleBlog article

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