Intel Buys Into Map Services Provider Here

Chipmaker Intel Corp. will acquire 15% of Here, a company that offers digital map services and real-time location-based services for the automotive industry. The move follows similar announcements from other major high-tech companies like Microsoft and Mobileye, an indication that services around digital maps are becoming the next major arena in the battle about the digital mobile consumer.  According to a press release from Here, Intel has agreed with Here owners Audi, BMW and Daimler to acquire 15 % of Here’s shares. In addition, Here and Intel agreed to develop a proof of concept for a highly scalable software architecture that will enable near-realtime updates of high-resolution digital maps. Such electronic maps are considered a major technological enabler for automated driving. In addition, both companies will enter intensive discussions about strategic options related to the interplay between location-based data with edge computing devices.