By Jennifer Lilonsky (staff@latinospost.com) | First Posted: Mar 25, 2013 07:29 PM EDT

Apple recently acquired a start-up company called WiFiSlam that aims to improve the accuracy of indoor maps, signifying the company's trajectory to providing more accurate maps for places like malls, libraries and museums.

Indoor maps are becoming the centerpiece of much competition between technology giants.

For instance, Google is working on an an indoor maps campaign that provides users with locations of things such as bathrooms and stores inside shopping malls, airports and department stores.

Take a look at Google's Indoor Maps Initiative

"Indoor Google Maps create a more convenient and enjoyable visitor experience at no cost!" the company writes on their site in an attempt to get retailers and other places to team up with their service.

"Your visitors can spend more time enjoying their experience, discover new points of interests, and avoid time spent searching for building directories."

But now with the acquisition of WiFiSlam, Apple may just get what it needs to compete with almighty map brilliance of Google.

And according to WiFiSlam, they have the ability to track a mobile device to "2.5m accuracy using only ambient WiFi signals that are already present in the buildings."

This is important because the GPS signals used with navigation systems are not always able to reach beyond walls and windows.

The acquisition was worth about $20 million, according to the Wall Street Journal.

And Apple spokesman Steve Dowling did not have much to say in regard to the details of the deal.

"Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans," he explained.

Apple has already had its fair share of map hiccups with the release of its newest maps application because of inaccurate addresses among other issues.

But the company has made some improvements to their map application since its release in September and with the acquisition of WiFiSlam, it seems as though they have their sights set on the future of mapping capability -- bringing it indoors. 

(SOURCE)

© 2015 Latinos Post. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.