Amazon jumps into 3D mapping with purchase of UpNext

Amazon has decided to join Google and Apple in the 3D mapping game with its purchase of startup UpNext, which has spent the past few years developing detailed 3D maps for iOS and Android.

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The UpNext buy, which GigaOM first reported, gives Amazon its very own mapping service, which it can include with the Kindle Fire tablet and its upcoming successor. Currently, Kindle Fire owners must use third-party apps or access Google Maps (or another service) through the web browser. We could see UpNext’s mapping platform show up on Amazon.com or see it integrated with Amazon’s mobile apps.

The terms of the Amazon/UpNext deal were not disclosed. UpNext has raised $500,000 in funding from investors including Lowercase Capital, David Cohen, David Tisch, and Oleg Tscheltzoff.

Amazon and UpNext did not immediately respond to our requests for confirmation. We will update if we hear back.

Check out UpNext’s 3D maps on the iPhone and iPad in the videos below:

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