Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) wants to break free from their biggest competitor Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) and that’s a main reason why they’re finally creating their own in-house 3D maps. For years, both companies have worked together to create an iOS mobile application that Apple users could enjoy but now it looks like that’s all going to change.
Last Monday, the senior vice president for Apple Scott Forstall, made the official announcement that his company was breaking up their partnership because of their plans to launch their own app.
It’s no secret that there has been some major tension between the companies. The biggest reason for the riff most likely has something to do with Google’s Android smartphones and tablet computers. Back in 2008, there was a small argument between Phil Schiller(senior vice president of marketing for Apple) and Vic Gundotra(senior vice president of engineering for Google) about which company was the real owner of the data from the app.
While Google continuously worked hard to improve their mapping application, Apple didn’t really want to make an agreement or “be at the mercy of Google”. It was time for them to break free.
Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) and Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) are not the only technology companies who are creating 3D map applications, some reports tell that Nokia Corporation (ADR) (NYSE:NOK) is nearing the release of their version of three-dimensional maps. Further speculation reports that their maps will feature C3 technologies, it’s the same thing that Apple purchased last fall which will make it identical to Apple’s 3D map version.
There is nothing wrong with a little friendly competition and I think this current battle between both companies will only benefit the world of technology. Turning traditional web-based map applications into three-dimensional masterpieces is just one way to transform the way people use their smartphones. And this is just the beginning. Who knows what these technology companies will dream up of in the future? It’s quite exciting.
