Tim Cook opens Apple’s mapping centre in Hyderabad

On Day 3 of Apple's India safari, chief Tim Cook on Thursday inaugurated Apple's mapping centre in Hyderabad in the presence of Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao.

Apple will be using the facility as mapping centre for its applications and the entire event has been a low key private affair, with no media interaction.

Cook will also simultaneously engage in events connected with the app design and development centre being set up in Bengaluru to support developers in India creating innovative mobile apps for Apple's iOS platform.

Currently on a promotional tour in India, Apple CEO Tim Cook visited Siddhivinayak temple in Mumbai to seek Lord Ganesha's blessings and had a hang out with Shah Rukh Khan as the company warmed up for an India push, its most potential market.

''Apple is focused on making the best products and services in the world and we are thrilled to open this new office in Hyderabad which will focus on Maps development,'' Cook said in a statement. The company is looking to tap the abundance in skills and potential available in the country. The investment will accelerate Maps development and create up to 4,000 jobs, Cook stated.

The new Hyderabad facility will be located on the Waverock campus, and will provide a world-class, LEED-certified home for the expanding Maps team.

''We are honoured Apple chose Hyderabad as a home for its Maps development office,'' said Telangana chief minister Kalvakuntla Chandrashekar Rao. ''This will create thousands of jobs here and is a testament to our proactive approach, quality infrastructure and the excellent talent base we have in the region.''