3D mode, new Street View-like tech among features

iOS 6 will make a long-rumored move and drop Google Maps entirely in a new Maps app, claim sources for 9to5Mac. While the app itself has long been Apple's own creation, it has always relied on data and technology from Google. The updated Maps is said to be fairly similar to the one based on Google, but "cleaner, faster, and [a] more reliable experience." In place of the old backend, Apple will rely on technology acquired in buyouts of Placebase, C3 Technologies, and Poly9.

The app will feature a new icon with a different color scheme, and will substitute a different technology in place of Google Street View, likely the one developed by C3. More important still is said to a be a new 3D mode, which isn't on by default, but can be toggled at will. The 3D is also based on work by C3, and should present realistic graphics based on de-classified image processing technology.

9to5 adds that a few weeks ago it heard that "most" of the top C3 executives that came over to Apple have left for new jobs. It's expected that iOS 6 will first debut at this year's WWDC in San Francisco, where Apple has promised to show off the "future of iOS and OS X." Other new features of the OS have yet to solidify, though Apple could conceivably add multple user accounts.

by MacNN Staff