Discoveries late Wednesday that Apple had dropped Google Maps data in iPhoto for iOS were reinforced Thursday after OpenStreetMap confirmed that its data was being used for the app. Information for at least non-US areas was being derived from the crowd-sourced mapping

Read the rest here:
OpenStreetMap confirms Apple use, says it’s out of spec

A search through iPhoto for iOS has discovered that Apple has dropped Google Maps tile data for the software.

Read this article:
iPhoto for iOS drops Google Maps tile data

Later this year, Android smartphones will reportedly start boasting a robotic assistant that can talk its way through Gmail and Google Maps

See the original post:
Google’s secret voice-assistant project: A Siri killer?

Mashable – Google is expanding its reach across social media — first with Google+, now with Leaderboard, a new feature allowing users to earn points for checking in to a location via Google Latitude. Last week, Google launched an updated version of Google Maps for Android, equipped with the new feature similar to Foursquare.

Originally posted here:
Latitude Leaderboard: Does Google Want to Be the New Foursquare?
(Mashable)

Sony has teased an update for the PlayStation Vita that should significantly expand its features just a week before the North American launch. The 1.6 firmware patch will add a mapping tool with both driving and walking directions. Likely based on Google Maps, it has the options of satellite and traffic views as well as sending locations out on the Vita’s own group messaging for a meetup….

See the article here:
PS Vita 1.6 update to add maps, video capture, Mac sync

France on Wednesday found that Google had allegedly abused the dominance of Google Maps to squeeze out regional competitors. The American company was asked to pay 500,000 euros ($657,350) in direct compensation as well as a 15,000-euro ($19,720) fine.

View original post here:
French court finds Google abused Google Maps dominance

Samsung has resumed its ads jabbing iPhone 4S waiters with a new spot as part of what should ultimately lead to a Super Bowl promo. The 30-second clip shows more iPhone queues, this time at night, and touts the Galaxy S II’s advantage of having Google Maps Navigation.

Read more from the original source:
‘Samsunged’ Galaxy S II ad presages Super Bowl spot

Mashable – [brightcove video="1305134098001" /] NORAD’s Santa Tracker is back, allowing users to follow Santa’s journey on Christmas Eve across Google Maps, Google Earth and various social media channels (including for the first time Google+). This year also sees the introduction of iOS and Android apps for tracking Saint Nick.

Original post:
Google and NORAD Track Santa Across Maps, Social Media and Mobile [VIDEO]
(Mashable)

Yahoo! News – If you’re the type who frequently gets lost in large indoor spaces, the newest Google Maps update for Android could help lessen the occurrence. That’s because its newest iteration, version 6.0, comes with indoor navigation for select retail outlets, shopping malls, and …

View original post here:
Google Maps adds indoor navigation so you’ll never get lost at the mall or airport again
(Yahoo! News)

Google may have trouble competing with Nokia Drive once it rolls out to the broader market, Nokia’s Executive VP of Location and Commerce, Michael Halbherr, told Electronista in an interview late Thursday. Despite Google Maps Navigation being a staple of Android, Google was a “new kid on the block.” Nokia had the best map data and navigation in 90 countries, and automakers like BMW were relying on Nokia’s platform….

Original post:
Nokia: Google a ‘new kid’ in GPS, NFC on US Windows Phones