This week, eye opening reports indicated that Apple has engaged in active talks with the folks at Foursquare. The WSJ noted Tuesday that the discussions have centered on matters related to Apple’s embattled mapping solution.
With Apple chief Tom Cook promising major improvements to the less-than-adequate mapping service Apple unveiled last fall, it’s clear what Apple may be up to with Foursquare.
Sources close to the talks say that Apple is looking to integrate local data from Foursquare into its mapping application.
The talks, which took place in recent weeks and involve Apple senior vice president Eddy Cue, are the latest sign of Apple’s plans to more tightly integrate local services into the iPhone and iPad.
If a formal partnership is reached, the deal will contribute nicely toward Apple’s ongoing efforts to collect data from more than 100 million business listings around the globe.
Industry experts believe that Foursquare and Apple both have much to gain from a mutual working relationship. In addition to helping remedy Apple’s mapping woes, the four-year-old Foursquare has seen growth and user interest slow this year. A coupling of the two powerhouses could make both much more powerful together and individually.
