In an exclusive report, tech site Gigaom has reported that Amazon has acquired 3D mapping startup UpNext for an undisclosed amount.

This acquisition sees Amazon joining the likes of Google and Apple by also entering into the 3D mapping arena with its very own service that will see it offering native mapping capabilities.

In order to access maps on the Kindle Fire, users currently need to download third party applications from Google Play or access maps from a web browser from the device, like Google Maps for example. The report speculates that the addition of the service could see the development of a more advanced Kindle Fire and possibly even a smartphone in the future.

Some information about UpNext – New York based UpNext, founded in 2007, has been spending the last few years developing 3D interactive and detailed maps for Android and iOS. The company’s founders have raised $500, 000 from investors including Chris Sacca’s Lowercase Capital, David Cohen’s Bullet Time Ventures, David Tisch’s Box Group and Paul Sethi’s PKS Capital.

Neither Amazon nor UpNext have responded to requests for confirmation about the reported acquisition.

Watch a demo video of the UpNext 3D maps app for iPhone below: