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Apple in talks with Foursquare Labs on data map sharing: WSJ
A worker explores a Sydney CBD map on an iPhone moments before it goes on sale in a store in Sydney July 10, 2008.
Credit: Reuters/Daniel Munoz/Files
REUTERS - Apple Inc (AAPL.O) is in early discussions with Foursquare Labs Inc to integrate local data into the company's mapping application, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the talks.
Apple launched its own mapping service in early September, replacing popular Google Maps, which previously came pre-loaded in Apple devices, but the service contained embarrassing errors and drew fierce criticism.
Google's mapping tool has since returned to the iPhone, after user complaints, a public apology from Apple's CEO and the firing of a top executive.
Apple's negotiations with New York-based Foursquare come as the tech giant has been talking to a number of companies that collect local data to improve its new mapping product, the paper said. (link.reuters.com/nad74t)
The move is also latest sign of Apple's plans to build more local data and tightly integrate local services into the iPhone and iPad so as to compete with Google Inc (GOOG.O).
Apple could not immediately be reached for comment by Reuters outside of regular U.S. business hours.
(Reporting by Sakthi Prasad in Bangalore; Editing by Jeremy Laurence)
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