Uber acquires mapping tech and talent from Microsoft

As it seeks to sharpen its focus, Microsoft confirmed to Recode today that it will no longer be collecting its own mapping data. As part of that transition, it is selling a number of assets to Uber, including a data center, cameras, intellectual property, and roughly 100 engineers.

News of this transaction, first reported by TechCrunch, highlights Uber's increasing efforts to build its own mapping service. The company recently poached Brian McClendon, a longtime Google executive and key figure in the creation of Google Maps. It is also reportedly bidding on Nokia's "Here" mapping service. Taken together, these data points make it clear that Uber wants to take more control of its business and rely less on its sometimes partner and...

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