Amazon Purchases 3D Mapping Company UpNext

From DailyTech: Amazon is apparently looking to enter the maps business, as it recently acquired 3D mapping company UpNext.

UpNext is a New York-based 3D mapping startup that was founded in 2007. It provides interactive three-dimensional maps of 50 cities nationwide, where enhanced details are available for 23 of these cities.

UpNext has also offered other features in its 3D map services, such as information about certain buildings in the cities, point-to-point directions and different views of the city. UpNext typically offers its services through iPad, iPhone, and Android apps.

Now, Amazon, which currently doesn't have a maps service, has acquired UpNext for an undisclosed amount. However, reports say investors are getting a 5x return on their investment made back in March 2011, which was $500,000.

The new maps service will likely be used on the Kindle Fire, which is Amazon's Android-powered tablet. A new Kindle Fire is expected to be released as early as this month, and could potentially offer the maps service. An Amazon smartphone with maps could also be an upcoming potential device.

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