Apple collects data in advance of providing an improved traffic service for iPhone users

Apple's intention for making a series of acquisitions in the last few years is now becoming more and more in focus with the Cupertino based firms plan on offering iPhone users an improved traffic service in the not too distant future. In 2009, Apple bought Placebase, a competitor to Google Maps, and last year another such firm-Poly9-was purchased by the tech giant. Starting with iOS 3.2, Apple replaced data from Google and Skyhook Wireless used for the Maps software on iOS devices, with information from its own database.

All of this ties into a patented application that Apple has been developing that uses GPS to help iPhone users plan a road trip, suggesting various routes depending on variables like mileage, available routes and of course, traffic. Apple's intentions came out in the open during the recent questioning about whether or not the iPhone is tracking users location. The company revealed that it had been, "collecting anonymous traffic data to build a crowd-sourced traffic database," and added that it plans on offering an, "improved traffic service in the next couple of years."

source: AppleInsider