3-D maps have big potential

Article Excerpt

AMAZON.COM $217.47 (Nasdaq symbol AMZN; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk) (206- 266-1000; www.amazon.com; Shares outstanding: 450.5 million; Market cap: $98.0 billion; No dividends paid) has reportedly agreed to buy 3-D mapping company UpNext. UpNext offers interactive, threedimensional maps. Users can “drop down” into streets and tap objects to bring up information, directions or different viewpoints. Offering its own mapping capability through UpNext will let Amazon take full advantage of rising demand for mobile ads. As well, the company may be working on a smartphone, and it could use UpNext on that device. Amazon.com is still a hold. hold…