Apple using Microsoft images for Maps with iOS 6

At the Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple announced the iOS 6 and one of its main features is the all new Maps application. It was reported yesterday that Dutch manufacturer TomTom is one of the main sources responsible for providing data for Maps. Besides TomTom, there was no clue as to which other companies were assisting Apple in providing the data for their application. A report by Technically Personal sheds some light on this by stating that the images used in the Maps application is provided by Microsoft.

Microsoft images are used here (Image Credit)

The report states that New Zealand based developer, Cody Cooper, has uncovered an interesting bit of information. “While playing with Apple Maps on iOS 6 beta, Cody found that some of the Maps images had Microsoft attribution. Check out the image below showing the response headers with attributions to Microsoft Corp 2012.” The author of the report opinionated this fact by stating, “I don’t understand why Apple has not mentioned Microsoft in their full attributions list. There is a chance that they fear unwanted attention from the tech media considering the dramatic past between the two companies. Or maybe, one of those 15 companies might in-turn be licensing the maps data from Microsoft. This mobile software licensing stuff is getting murkier by the day.”

Commenting on this new update to Maps in the updated operating system, Apple states that iOS 6 includes an all new Maps app with vector-based map elements that make graphics and text smooth, and panning, tilting and zooming incredibly fluid. New turn-by-turn navigation guides one to their destination with spoken directions, and the Flyover feature has photo-realistic interactive 3D views. Real-time traffic information keeps one updated on how long it will take to get to their destination and offers alternate time-saving routes if traffic conditions change significantly. Additionally, local search includes information for over 100 million businesses with info cards that offer Yelp ratings, reviews, available deals and photos.

Let us know your thoughts on Apple partnering with Microsoft in launching the Maps application in the comments section below.