That invention, sometimes described as covering "data tapping, " allows users to grab data embedded in an unstructured form, like an address, and use it in another phone application, such as mapping.

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As expected, Apple also is developing its own GPS-based mapping application to replace Google Maps in iOS 6.

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Microsoft has a long history of delivering platforms and services to the automotive market, including in-car infotainment systems built on the Windows Embedded Automotive platform, in-car mapping services with Bing and the Microsoft Tellme voice application, and many other consumer solutions.

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Our reasons included concerns about the ultimate market cap the market would allow the company to achieve, rising competition from Android devices, the release of the iPhone 5 with a sub-par mapping application and concerns about the ability of the company to hold together its management team in the post-Steve Jobs era (a concern that was validated when the company announced management changes).

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While Apple has been slowly repairing the faulty directions provided by its mapping application, the company had to act quickly after learning that Australian motorists were being stranded in a dangerous environment.

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The application, U.S. Fuel Price Mapping, provides drivers directions to gas stations with the lowest prices in the surrounding area from a mobile device.

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