According to GigaOm, Amazon has acquired 3D mapping application UpNext for an undisclosed sum. UpNext has already developed a detailed mapping application designed specifically for the Kindle Fire, as well as the iPhone and Android smartphones.
UpNext could not be reached for confirmation.
The Kindle Fire lacks an official maps app (users must download one through Amazon's Appstore) but then again, without GPS capabilities, it doesn't exactly call for one. The acquisition suggests that the next version of the Kindle Fire could be GPS-enabled or -- and this is certainly more of a stretch -- Amazon is developing a smartphone.
The price of the alleged acquisition is unknown, but GigaOm reports that investors will receive a 5x return on the $500,000 Series A investment they made last March. The founders are expected to begin working at Amazon's headquarters in Seattle.