Today during its annual conference, Apple is expected to launch its mapping service. Even the latest version of iOS, the iOS 6 will be announced during the conference. Between 2009 and 2011, Apple acquired three mapping companies in quick succession: Placebase in 2009; 3-D mapping outfit Poly9 in 2010; and in 2011, C3 Technologies, a second 3-D mapping company. Apple has always wowed with its products like iPad, iPhone or the Siri on iPhone 4S, and its forthcoming mapping service is likely to 'blow your head off'. 

3D technology

Apple acquired C3 Technologies in 2011 that used something it calls 'missile-targeting technology' to develop its gorgeous 3-D models of major cities. Maps mentioned in this are extremely accurate and are in 3D. Even the Google has announced its own 3D maps and offline map service just two days back.

Siri

Siri best voice assistance service by Apple is likely to be integrated with the new mapping service so that you can talk to the map, ask it for direction or even ask it where you can find ATM nearby etc.

Traffic information

Apple has been functioning on crowd sourced (user sourced) traffic information to offer real time traffic updates. This crowd sourced information will further make it better as far as accuracy of information is concerned.

Challenges

Apple had acquired the best of mapping technology, but still the Apple has to work a lot to go ahead of Google. To acquire the database in countries like Asia, Africa, South America etc Apple will need to put a lot of work.

Other advantages

Google has been there for long and at least knows the search business better than anyone else. Another area where Apple needs to work hard is advertising or making money.

Source : Themobileindian