VENTURE CAPITAL POST

Google hopped in to the Star Wars fever by feature themes from the upcoming Disney movies on all its sites, allowing people to choose to either be in the "Dark side" or the "Light Side."

Google announced that its expanding the Local Guide program in Google Maps with new updates on its integrated rewards program. The Local Guides feature encourages and rewards users to provide information on area business, including reviews, photos, and other details.

Uber Technologies Inc. announced that it has signed a global multi-year deal with the Dutch company TomTom to provide maps and traffic data to Uber for use in its navigation for Uber drivers.

Google Inc. has launched a new version of Google Maps that allows users to get offline navigation and search. The redesigned Google Maps service allows users to download detailed maps of the specific area to their phones, so they can get directions even when they find themselves without connectivity.

The largest community-based traffic app, Waze, had updated its features after three years. As Google had bought the app, the company said it will soon roll out on Android devices too.

The use of the public surveillance mobile app by some frustrated Indonesians serves as a wake-up call for government's bureaucrats to immediately address the pressing problem of their shoddy public services.

Night Mode, the new feature from Google Maps, gives more comfort to drivers during the night as it enables the users to easily navigate in the dark Night Mode option has been in demand by users of Google Maps for a long time. Google Maps has added the Night Mode option to iOS users.

European data privacy regulators on Thursday handed Google a package of guidelines to help it bring the way it collects and stores user data in line with EU law after six regulators opened investigations into the internet giant.

US-based search giant Google agreed to acquire Moriarty, New Mexico-based solar-powered drone maker Titan Aerospace for an undisclosed amount for Project Loon, an initiative that aims to bring the Internet to currently offline places of the world.

Tel Aviv, Israel-based smart calendar app Cal added a new feature called HeadsUp that simplifies meeting and appointment tasks such as taking notes, composing minutes, and assigning tasks to attendees.

Sunnyvale, US-based GPS app maker Telenav acquired Berlin, Germany-based navigation startup Skobbler in a deal valued at approximately $24 million in a combination of cash and common stock.

TRAFI, a Lithuanian Journey planner startup, received a USD500,000 in investment capital from Practica Capital to expand into key markets unexplored by big players like Google Maps.

Google Apps and Google Cloud Platform could earn US$200 million each quarter.

At Apple’s WWDC on Monday, Apple revealed its map service for iOS6 and some features like 3D view.