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  • Confirmed: iOS iPhoto using old OpenStreetMaps data... without credit

Confirmed: iOS iPhoto using old OpenStreetMaps data... without credit

Posted: , by Michael H.

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Confirmed: iOS iPhoto using old OpenStreetMaps data... without credit
There had been suspicions surrounding the newly released iPhoto for iOS, because the map data in the app was distinctly not Google Maps data. The first assumption was that Apple had possibly switched to using OpenStreetMaps data, which would be no surprise as Apple has been slowly distancing itself from Google in iOS.

That has been confirmed by OpenStreetMaps that Apple is using its data in the iPhoto app, although Apple has created new tiles from that data. OSM is "rather pleased" to see Apple using its data, but wants to warn users that the data provided in iPhoto is "rather old (start of April 2010)", so the newest additions won't be in the maps. Additionally, although Apple is using data from OSM, Apple has not put in the proper credits to the contributors that OSM asks. OSM is crowd-sourced and open-source, so Apple wasn't stealing, since the data is free, but acknowledging contributors would have been nice. However, OSM said that it is looking "forward to working with Apple to get that on there."

This move has been expected for a long time. We've seen Apple gradually acquire more and more companies and it seemed as though the intention was always to replace Google Maps with its own product. We questioned Apple's decision a while back, arguing that the time it would take Apple to build its own Maps software would be long enough that it would never be able to catch up to Google's innovation in Maps. Given that this trial run in iPhoto with its own maps is using data that is nearly 2 years old at this point does nothing to dispute that argument, but we do like that Apple is slowly working the product into the ecosystem rather than completely dropping Google Maps all at once. 

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1. Doakie posted on 08 Mar 2012, 14:24 11 5

So Apple stole something and took the credit for it? No way. They've never done that before.

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6. MichaelHeller posted on 08 Mar 2012, 15:27 8

You can't steal something that's open-source and free. You can use it without credit, but you can't steal it.

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14. Lucas777 posted on 08 Mar 2012, 20:44

why is apple using openstreet maps though? it seems like they would use their own maps-- not some open source one… maybe google is putting on the pressure

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2. PAPINYC (limited) yesterday, 00:57 posted on 08 Mar 2012, 14:29 9 6

Why those iThiEves.... . ....... .... ... ..... ...... ....

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3. quryous (banned) posted on 08 Mar 2012, 14:33 5 4

Sounds like old times, doesn't it.

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4. baaam posted on 08 Mar 2012, 14:56 5 2

If this iPhoto became a success they might buy OpenStreetMaps and do some patenting. LOL

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5. LoneShaolin posted on 08 Mar 2012, 15:08 7 3

To cover up the fact that they stole the data in the first place. Pretty sneaky iPhail.

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7. Hallucinator posted on 08 Mar 2012, 15:47 2

So does that mean Htc, Samsung or Motorola Stole Android? No, because its open source you dunce. Try paying attention. Michael spelled it out for you earlier but apparently you guys have a real difficult time comprehending.

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8. baaam posted on 08 Mar 2012, 16:13 4 2

you mad?! LOL

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9. Hallucinator posted on 08 Mar 2012, 16:24 3 4

Nope, just gets annoying when people can't comprehend a simple sentence. You illiterate bro?

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17. baaam posted on 09 Mar 2012, 09:45 2 1

definitely mad!! define illiterate?! i guess someone who can't read and write!! try again!1 LOL

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10. gallitoking posted on 08 Mar 2012, 16:53 5

thank you Michael.. for bouncing back on a great article... you are the best of writers even though some people read but don't understand...

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12. Hallucinator posted on 08 Mar 2012, 17:14 2 3

You are 100% correct gallito!!

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13. MichaelHeller posted on 08 Mar 2012, 19:24 6

Reading can be difficult, especially when people just want to jump into the comment thread to sling some mud.

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16. bayusuputra posted on 09 Mar 2012, 08:02 1

yeah, agree with you..

but at least a small footnote credit would be nice from apple's side, just like what Michael have stated..

but, it's open source, so it's not stealing.. it's just like when your mom left some apples for you to eat, and you just eat them without saying thank you to your mom..

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15. tward291 posted on 09 Mar 2012, 07:24 2

well good luck trying to compete with google maps all this will do is push google to make there product better consumers win

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18. roscuthiii posted on 09 Mar 2012, 13:11

Credit where it's due? From Apple? Not without a court order.

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