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    Apple walks the talk, opens Maps development office in Hyderabad, says ‘right time’ to be in India

    Synopsis

    Though the California-based company did not reveal the quantum of investment, it maintained that the capital will help accelerate Maps development and create up to 4,000 jobs.

    ET Bureau
    HYDERABAD: Apple will develop maps for its iPhones, Apple Watch and other products at a technology centre in Hyderabad, the company announced on the third day of CEO Tim Cook’s India visit on Thursday. The facility is expected to create as many as 4,000 jobs.

    The company didn’t reveal investment figures. ET had earlier reported that the American technology giant would put in around $25 million (Rs 170 crore) to set up the centre in the city’s IT corridor.

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    Apple is seeking to draw on the country’s vast technology talent as it is updating and adding new features to the maps service, including 3D views, the Flyover feature and tools to help customers find convenient places to shop, eat and explore nearby areas. It had previously faced issues with the maps service.

    "The talent here in the local area is incredible and we are looking forward to expanding our relationships and introducing more universities and partners to our platforms as we scale our operations," Cook said.

    The new technology facility, located on the WaveRock campus built by international property developer Tishman Speyer, will provide a world-class home for the expanding the maps team, the company said.

    Apple also signed a memorandum of understanding with G Narayanamma College here to train students on fusion technology for creating Apple maps. Forty-four students have been selected for this project that will go on for four-five months. They will be trained by Apple employees and some of them will eventually be absorbed by the company. Cook, who landed in India on Tuesday night, is on his maiden visit here, the world’s fastest growing smartphone market which has emerged as key to the iconic company’s attempts to turn around slowing growth, especially at a time adoption of 4G has begun. In an interview to a TV channel, Cook said this is "exactly the right time" to be in India. "Journey starts with the first step. We are not here for a year or few years, we are here for a long time, 100s of years," PTI quoted him as telling the channel. "And we are a long-term company. The thing that we make the most focus is iPhone. It’s a key part." In order to bring out the "richness" of the iPhone, 4G network is very important, he said.

    "India is an unparalleled country compared to any other country," Cook said at the opening of the Hyderabad centre. "I love the informality. I love Hyderabad. I travelled this week, learnt about culture, people, how business is done but most of all, I’ll leave India inspired by the vibrancy of the people I’ve met, the energy, the enthusiasm and the incredible talent." Earlier, Apple announced a plan to set up what it called a "design and development" startup accelerator in the country’s Silicon Valley, Bengaluru.

    Cook will be in Delhi on Friday and is scheduled to hold a town hall with Apple employees and meet Bharti Airtel chairman Sunil Mittal. He is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday. The Indian government is expected to try and persuade Apple to invest in smartphone and computer manufacturing facilities in the country, in line with the government's ‘Make in India’ campaign.

    Cook, 55, took charge of Apple in August 2011, having been chosen to take over by cofounder Steve Jobs after the latter was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Cook was then the company's chief operating officer responsible for worldwide sales and operations.
    The Economic Times

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