Apple to tap Foursquare as mapping partner?

Barely a week after seeing its rival Google earn praise with the return of Google Maps to the iPhone, Apple Inc. is reported to be in early talks with location check-in company Foursquare Labs Inc. for its mapping apps.

 

The Wall Street Journal cited people "familiar with the talks" who said Apple is trying to build up its local data to take on Google.

 

WSJ said the talks occurred "in recent weeks" and involved Apple senior vice president Eddy Cue.

 

It said these are the latest indications Apple wants to tightly integrate local services into its iPhone and iPad devices.

 

The talks come amid harsh criticisms of Apple's iOS 6 Maps app, which is preinstalled on its iPhone and iPad devices.

 

Earlier, Google Maps - booted out of iOS 6 in favor of Apple's in-house mapping solution - made a triumphant return to the iPhone, earning raves for its updated Google Maps.

 

Google Maps got a warm welcome from iPhone users, getting 10 million downloads in tits first 48 hours. — TJD, GMA News