Apple is set to acquire another navigation service, according to a new report.
The Cupertino-based organization agreed to purchase HopStop. Inc., an online transit-navigation service, reported Bloomberg. The acquisition is said to be part of Apple's efforts to improve its maps app.
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According to HopStop, the service provides door-to-door navigation, from transit, biking, walking, and taxi directions for more than 300 cities worldwide. HopStop, a New York City-based company, touted itself as the No. 1 ranked transit app on Google Play and iTunes with more than 3 million downloads made.
As Latinos Post reported, Apple has also completed a deal to acquire Toronto-based location-data company, Locationary. According to AllThingsD, sources familiar with the matter said that the deal is complete and includes Locationary's team and technology.
The price of the Locationary and HopStop acquisitions was not disclosed.
The acquisitions were likely made to improve Apple Maps, the navigation app launched by the Cupertino-based organization last September with iOS 6 as a replacement for Google Maps.
Apple Maps was immediately bombarded with criticism, from incorrect labeling to its bizarre depictions of roads. The Apple Maps criticism was so vocal that Apple CEO Tim Cook issued an apology late last year.
"At Apple, we strive to make world-class products that deliver the best experience possible to our customers," Cook stated. "With the launch of our new Maps last week, we fell short on this commitment. We are extremely sorry for the frustration this has caused our customers and we are doing everything we can to make Maps better."
Related Apple Maps Articles:
- For a reviews roundup of Apple Apps, click here.
- For a slideshow of Apple Maps' mistakes, click here.
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