Apple Buys HopStop Navigation App

Direction-finding app purchased by Apple, according to multiple media reports

Apple is reportedly purchasing HopStop, the city direction-finding app, according to multiple reports.

HopStop, which provides two million monthly iPhone and Android users with directions and transit maps for more than 300 cities in the world, is currently No. 8 on the iTunes Apps Store free navigational tools chart. Google Maps is No. 1.

Also read: Apple Apologizes for Faulty iOS6 Maps Technology

Bloomberg first reported the story, which was confirmed by AllThingsD. Bloomberg cited "people with knowledge of the deal," who indicated that Apple is looking to integrate HopStop's navigational service into its mapping software, which has been widely criticized since its September 2012 debut.

Also read: Google Maps Returns to Apple iOS With Mostly Rave Reviews

Apple execs hoped it would replace Google Maps, but its direction finder was mistake-prone and unreliable and Google Maps soon returned to the App Store, where it remains one of its most popular free downloads.

The acquisition comes a month after Google snagged the popular Waze navigation app away from rival bidders including Apple and Facebook. 

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