Is An Apple-Foursquare 'Check-In' Just Around The Corner?
December 18, 2012
Foursquare is likely to "check in" soon to Apple's Maps. According to The Wall Street Journal, Apple is looking to integrate with the popular social networking service for the improvement of its proprietary Maps app.
Indeed, you may be able to point out all of the shortcomings of the much-maligned Maps app, which debuted on iOS 6. But you can't say that Apple is not doing something about it.
There have been reports of the various improvements being applied by the company to its mapping system since Apple CEO Tim Cook issued a public apology for the app's widely documented underperformance. And now, it's reportedly set to improve the app further with some help from Foursquare.
According to The Wall Street Journal's sources, Apple is in talks to score an agreement with Foursquare Labs Inc. Under the agreement, Apple is set to integrate Foursquare's local data into its Maps app, which is now facing stiff competition with the newly released Google Maps for iOS.
The talks are said to have taken place in recent weeks, with no less than Apple senior vice president Eddy Cue participating in the proceedings.
Last week, Cue tweeted a Foursquare check-in at Cupertino, inevitably prompting speculation that a partnership between Apple and the New York-based social media company is in the works. Now, it appears that a partnership is soon to check out of the sphere of speculation and into reality.
Also last week, my colleague Bryan reiterated that Apple would be wise to buy Foursquare. Well, while it doesn't look like an acquisition is being hammered out between the two parties, Apple would be wise to integrate with Foursquare nonetheless.
Source: The Wall Street Journal
