Apple Maps may soon be available on Android and other platforms

Apple may be working towards getting its Apple Maps service to other platforms such as Android. A new job listing has been spotted for a Maps JavaScript Engineer, whose role will be ’to help make maps work seamlessly on the Web.’ The listing also points out that Apple may have plans to introduce a Web-based Maps service for users apart from those who already have the service on iOS and OS X. The job listing was first spotted by Benedict Evans on Twitter. https://twitter.com/BenedictEvans/status/605941316904550401 According to the listing, the candidate must have a deep knowledge of JavaScript, as the company might have plans for its Web-based Maps service to be a cross-platform solution. The company is also looking for a candidate well versed with HTML and CSS and the ideal applicant should have a ‘proven track record of shipping excellent client-side web applications.’ The position available is full-time and based at Apple’s Cupertino headquarters. As of now, Apple Maps is only available on iOS 6 and later devices as well as on OS X 10.9 Mavericks and newer. Also, Apple has a dedicated web URL for the service, but it can’t be used to access the Apple Maps through a browser and only allows users to share map data. However, a report by Apple Insider points out that this move would not be a surprise for Apple, which already offers much of its iCloud service as well as the iWork productivity suite, in cross-platform browser-based forms. Apple might unveil a newer version for Apple Maps at next week’s Worldwide Developers Conference that is scheduled from June 8-12. According to rumours, the company may introduce features such as crowdsourced traffic information, indoor location tracking, and more detailed Flyover ‘street view’ data apart from cross-platform Web access.