TomTom Provides Maps, Turn-by-Turn, Traffic Technology for New Apple Maps App

Not surprisingly, when Apple announced its big news about offering spoken, turn-by-turn directions as part of its Maps app for fall release in its iOS 6 operating system for iPhones and iPads, company reps didn't state where they obtained the technology for this product. The company has a thing about secrecy. Apple has acquired several companies over the past few years that have expertise in mapping and geo-location services, but I suspected there was more to the story than that. This morning, global GPS and app maker TomTom, based in Amsterdam, announced: "TomTom has signed a global agreement with Apple for maps and related information. No further details of the agreement will be provided." That's it. Shortest press release I've ever received. TomTom's excellent turn-by-turn directions technology, traffic detection & avoidance, lane guidance, and other features are likely driving those same features in the new Maps app. It's likely also, however, that Apple has developed a large part of what the app offers, especially the 3D features, flyovers, tie-ins with other apps, and more. Image © TomTom