Here’s how Mapsense describes their purpose: There are over 10 billion devices on the planet streaming location data on a daily basis. According to a report out of Re/code, Apple today has acquired Mapsense, a San Francisco-based startup that focused on building software that analyzed and visualized location data.
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The location data analysis of Mapsense will let Apple establish a better foothold in the mapping services.
Apple, like all of its minimal acquisitions till date, hasn’t really revealed anything on this new deal, except for that usual “we buy smaller companies….” statement. It also acquired Coherent Navigation, a GPS company earlier in May.
Apple’s iO9 which was just released today updates the Maps app to include transit features.
Separately, S&P CapIQ’s Angelo Zino has upgraded Apple to Strong Buy, arguing the launch of annual iPhone upgrade plans directly sold by the company – they were announced at last week’s event, and cost $32.41-$44.91/month depending on the model – is “a notable positive”.
Mapsense raised a $2.5 million seed round in May, led by General Catalyst and with participation from Formation 8, Redpoint Ventures, and others.
Apple has not confirmed about this acquisition publically, but the news does not come as a surprise.
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While Apple Maps has improved tremendously since its inception, it’s safe to say that many still turn to Google Maps or even Bing Maps as an alternative to what Apple is offering.
