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Amazon may join the map-app fray with reported NextUp buy

Amazon may have bought a 3D mapping company, which could signal the company's desire to jump on the mapping service bandwagon where Google and Apple have been slugging it out.

The company closed a deal to acquire UpNext, an up and coming 3D mapping startup, GigaOM reported today.

Neither Amazon or UpNext has not confirmed the deal yet, but we will update when we get more information.

UpNext's HD maps -- available for iPhone, iPad and Android -- boast a fast, seamless experience with 3D mapping, navigation and directory services for over 50 cities. The company has also … Read more

YouTube's spin on 'American Idol'

Links from Thursday's episode of Loaded:

Motorola will sell the Wi-Fi-only Xoom for $599.

YouTube announces YouTube Next Up, its spin on "American Idol" for the Web.

The European Union is going to revamp its 16-year-old online privacy laws.

Apple changes in-app purchase protocol so that any additional purchases require a password.

Samsung releases a new line of laptops for students and office workers.

Google updates collaboration messaging within Google Docs.

Mozilla announces that Firefox 4 will be available for download next week on March 22.