苹果收购3D技术地图公司 或自推新地图应用

Users of Apple's iPhones could be treated to a serious visual upgrade for their navigation software.

Apple has reportedly acquired C3 technologies - a mapping specialist which creates photo-real 3D maps, with photographs “painted on” to 3D models of cities. Information such as GPS-located Facebook posts or mapping instructions can be instantly inserted “into” the maps.

C3 describes itself as, “the leading provider of 3D mapping solutions, offering photo-realistic models of the world for search, navigation and geographic information systems.”

Video demos show how the company can “insert” Facebook posts and other map information direct into its 3D maps. Apple has already bought other small mapping start-ups - leading insiders to speculate that C3's technology could one day replace Google Maps in iOS devices.

C3 was bought by an unknown buyer earlier this year - and 9to5Mac revealed that this buyer was Apple, claiming that senior C3 executives are already working for Apple.

The acquisition of the Swedish mapping company - formerly part of Saab - reportedly cost Apple $240 million.