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13:14 GMT, 10 June 2012

Apple calls in private air force with military-grade cameras which can see INSIDE homes to create new 3D map

Apple iPhone users will be able to look inside homes as the company unveils a new high-definition 3D mapping service
developed with its own private air force. Military-grade cameras have been used to map 20 cities around the world which are
so advanced it will be possible to see objects that are just four inches across.

Apple is engaged in an extraordinary war with Google who are planning to produce their own 3D maps using
special camera planes.



Privacy campaigners have expressed concern that the two tech companies are engaging in a 'fight to the bottom' where 'all privacy
concerns go out the window'. Apple will hope to replace Street View as the mapping service of choice when they launch their new
software for iPhone and iPad this week. The new maps are so detailed it will enable users to look through skylights and see people
out in their backgardens.

Until now, Google Street View has only allowed people to see the same things they would walking down a street. News of the
software emerged after it was revealed that Apple had acquired C3 Technologies, a mapping specialist which creates photo-real 3D
maps with photographs 'painted on' to 3D models of cities.



The software firm were said to have paid $240m to acquire the Swedish mapping company late last year. As part of Apple's new
venture, it is thought information such as GPS-located Facebook posts or mapping instructions can be instantly inserted 'into' the
maps.

Privacy campaigners Big Brother Watch today said privacy could become 'collateral damage' as fierce rivals Google and Apple look to
outdo each others in the 'data arms race'.