Photo: The Policy Times
Google Maps and Waze are pretty much the most popular navigation apps out there, with only a few worthy alternatives right now on Android and iOS.
While some stick with Apple Maps just because they have an iPhone, Google’s apps are a lot more popular, no matter if we’re talking about mobile devices or car infotainment systems like CarPlay and Android Auto.
But a surprise name that could soon come up with a competing app is none other than Intel, which is believed to be planning the acquisition of Israel-based Moovit.
Intel could be paying some $1 billion for the Israeli startup, which the chip manufacturer has already invested in, so it currently controls a 7 percent share.
However, it looks like Intel wants the controlling stake in Moovit, so it’s ready to spend a generous budget to purchase the company whose transportation app gained ground in the last year.
Moovit is an application that offers real-time public transportation data, and it’s all based on reports sent by users. The system is very similar to the one used by the Google-owned Waze, which relies on user reports for information like traffic, speed traps, potholes, and other road hazards.
Moovit, however, could be used by Intel for other purposes that aren’t necessarily aimed at competing against Google Maps and Waze. For example, Intel could use Moovit’s community-driven system to power the services offered by Mobileye, one of its subsidiaries that focuses on autonomous driving solutions.
Interestingly enough, Moovit has already partnered with a series of other companies in the same business, including not only Waze, but Mobileye itself. Certainly, there’s a lot to figure out about this acquisition, and we really shouldn’t expect Intel to reveal it actual long-term strategy anytime soon.
An official announcement, however, should be offered once the negotiations finally reach a conclusion.
But a surprise name that could soon come up with a competing app is none other than Intel, which is believed to be planning the acquisition of Israel-based Moovit.
Intel could be paying some $1 billion for the Israeli startup, which the chip manufacturer has already invested in, so it currently controls a 7 percent share.
However, it looks like Intel wants the controlling stake in Moovit, so it’s ready to spend a generous budget to purchase the company whose transportation app gained ground in the last year.
Moovit is an application that offers real-time public transportation data, and it’s all based on reports sent by users. The system is very similar to the one used by the Google-owned Waze, which relies on user reports for information like traffic, speed traps, potholes, and other road hazards.
Moovit, however, could be used by Intel for other purposes that aren’t necessarily aimed at competing against Google Maps and Waze. For example, Intel could use Moovit’s community-driven system to power the services offered by Mobileye, one of its subsidiaries that focuses on autonomous driving solutions.
Interestingly enough, Moovit has already partnered with a series of other companies in the same business, including not only Waze, but Mobileye itself. Certainly, there’s a lot to figure out about this acquisition, and we really shouldn’t expect Intel to reveal it actual long-term strategy anytime soon.
An official announcement, however, should be offered once the negotiations finally reach a conclusion.
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