EU approves Nokia's acquisition of NAVTEQ, Google signs with Tele Atlas

In the brave new world of GPS, Nokia and NAVTEQ are one as are TomTom and Tele Atlas. At least that will be the picture within 5 business days. With the European Commission's "unconditional approval" granted, Nokia can now close the deal on its planned, $8.1 billion acquisition of NAVTEQ.

What makes the whole thing a bit more interesting is that Google signed a long term agreement with Tele Atlas on Monday which gives it access to Tele Atlas maps for use in any of Google's mobile, desktop, and on-line offerings. A move likely to put Android in even greater competition with Nokia which opted out of the Open Handset Alliance. Good times.

Read -- EU approves acquisition
Read -- Google's deal with Tele Atlas

[cy21 @ Jul 2nd 2008 6:57AM]

For some reason... (will tell if interested.)..right now.. i hate nokia and love sony erycson

[Fat Dude @ Jul 2nd 2008 10:50AM]

if you love it so much, how about you spell it correctly

[thedesolate1 @ Jul 2nd 2008 12:36PM]

and marry it too!

[gocards9999 @ Jul 2nd 2008 7:08AM]

Sorry to see Google switching over, as I REALLY prefer the NAVTEQ maps database :(

[aidan @ Jul 2nd 2008 8:46AM]

But if Google signed onto TeleAtlas, and since Navtec now owns them Google may be able to find a way to gain access to Navtec's maps. Whether this be through Navtec updating TeleAtlas's maps or through a lawsuit I'm sure the smart folks at Google will find a way.

[Romax @ Jul 2nd 2008 8:27AM]

Navteq > Teleatlas

[spotter @ Jul 2nd 2008 11:41AM]

Google has always had a contract with TeleAtlas, NavTeq is more expensive for things like Maps for Mobile, so believe maps for mobile has always used teleatlas (And I know for a fact that it gives different directions)

[box @ Jul 2nd 2008 12:38PM]

This deal sucks for all of us as there's no denying that NAVTEQ offers substantially more accurate, up to date maps. Expect your google earth experience to go down hill and be sure to double check your directions from now on using google maps.

[nuvination @ Jul 2nd 2008 6:28PM]

If you ever take a minute to look at bottom part of the screen while playing with Google Earth, you'll notice most of the time in North America and Europe, that TeleAtlas is the map supplier. At the same time, use Google Maps and for the most part Navteq is the main North American supplier with TeleAtlas being the main European supplier.

Many have argued that Navteq does have better North American coverage being an American Company and TeleAtlas having better European coverage being a Dutch Company.

Google is a big enough giant to utilize whichever it needs and will probably have not have the cost concerns the GPS device makers may have. Signing a deal with TeleAtlas was a logical step as their acquisition by TomTom is done and they can guarantee their own pricing. Navteq's acquisition by Nokia is still being completed, and soon enough I would be Google would sign a just as lucrative deal with them.

Much love to engadget.

[thedesolate1 @ Jul 2nd 2008 12:38PM]

I know WinMo uses Navteq so Im thinking it would make more sense to use something the competition isnt using.... However I must agree I also prefer Navteq. Ultimately I guess it depends on how well the OS implements its GPS.