It has been confirmed today that Apple has purchased a new company this month with the acquisition of Locationary, sometimes referred to as the “Wikipedia” for companies.
Apple spokesman Steve Dowling confirmed the deal of Locationary, a small Canadian startup, backed by Extreme Venture Partners and Plazacorp Ventures and headed by CEO Grant Ritchie.
Apple’s Strategic Move to Enhance Mapping Services
The acquisition is thought to be part of Apple’s plans to improve its mapping service following its launch on iOS devices last year, which was received with mixed reviews. The initial release of Apple Maps faced criticism for inaccuracies and lack of detail compared to competitors like Google Maps. By acquiring Locationary, Apple aims to address these issues and provide a more reliable and comprehensive mapping experience for its users.
Locationary uses crowdsourcing and a federated data exchange platform called Saturn to collect, merge, and continuously verify a massive database of information on local businesses around the world. This technology is crucial for solving one of the biggest problems in location-based services: out-of-date information. With Locationary’s robust system, Apple can ensure that its maps are always up-to-date with the latest information about businesses, including their locations, hours of operation, and other relevant details.
The Importance of Accurate Local Data
Accurate local data is essential for a variety of applications beyond just mapping. For instance, local search results, navigation, and location-based services all rely on precise and current information. By integrating Locationary’s technology, Apple can enhance the accuracy of its local search results, making it easier for users to find businesses and services near them. This move also positions Apple to better compete with other tech giants in the local search and mapping space.
Moreover, the acquisition of Locationary aligns with Apple’s broader strategy of enhancing its ecosystem. Accurate mapping data can improve the functionality of other Apple services, such as Siri and Apple Pay. For example, Siri can provide more accurate responses to location-based queries, and Apple Pay can offer better integration with local businesses.
In addition to improving user experience, accurate local data is valuable for businesses. Companies can benefit from being accurately represented on Apple Maps, leading to increased visibility and potentially more customers. This is particularly important for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that rely on local customers for their business.
“It uses crowdsourcing and a federated data exchange platform called Saturn to collect, merge and continuously verify a massive database of information on local businesses around the world, solving one of location’s biggest problems: out-of-date information.”
The acquisition of Locationary is a strategic move by Apple to bolster its mapping capabilities and provide a more reliable and comprehensive service to its users. By leveraging Locationary’s technology, Apple can ensure that its maps are always up-to-date with accurate information about local businesses, enhancing the overall user experience and positioning itself as a strong competitor in the mapping and local search space.
Source: All Things D
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