That job description actually fits kind of perfectly with what Placebase did well in its former life—customization and tons of ways to layer multiple kinds of data sets onto maps, with an API that makes it easy to layer on said data sets. Here's more of the listing:

The iPhone has revolutionized the mobile industry and has changed people's lives and we want to continue to do so. We want to take Maps to the next level, rethink how users use Maps and change the way people find things. We want to do this in a seamless, highly interactive and enjoyable way. We've only just started.

As an engineer on the Maps team, your responsibilities will range from implementing low-level client/server code to implementing high-level user interfaces. You'll be responsible for implementing new and innovative features, fixing problems and enhancing the performance of Maps. You will work closely with the other engineers on the Maps team, other iPhone and iPod touch teams as well our partners in other companies.

Of course, it's also just as possible—if not more so—that Apple's sticking with Google for map data, and simply looking to add new and unique powers to its Maps application, to differentiate it from Google Maps on other phones (which in Android's case includes, exclusively, the awesome Google Navigation). [Apple via MacRumors via The Reg]

There are a few possible explanations for the inclusion of a phantom, hotly anticipated device on a tangentially related retailer's customer survey. First, Borders, somehow, in some weird alternate universe, has incredibly privileged information from Apple on the most secretive product since the iPhone, and has haphazardly namedropped it in a survey. For reasons I had to state while explaining that option, I don't believe that's too likely.

The more logical explanation is that Borders thinks an Apple tablet or e-reader is possible, and included it on the survey based solely on the extensive rumors that those dastardly blogs have been ranting about. That explains the very un-Apple capitalization of iPAD as well as the paranthetical description. Our best bet? Pure speculation. Like, well, everything else involving the Apple tablet. [Borders via Engadget]

The big rumor/tip comes from someone at the French photo magazine Chausseur D'Image, which has some established Nikon rumor cred thanks to a D300 specs scoop that they ran in their July issue (before anyone else, notes Crunch). Their next issue apparently features the VP650, and this is what the source is saying Nikon will "break ground" with this week.

The combo unit would officially drop in August, to be shipped to consumers by September. The camera would sport an LED projector, would have a compact size/form factor, and is capable of producing 8x12in. pictures in a dark environment. So, a camera with a projector built in. Is that "groundbreaking" to you? It's certainly interesting, to say the least. [Nikon Rumors via CrunchGear]

We all know Snow Leopard was designed for speed and stability rather than a UI upgrade, but that doesn't mean Apple won't include a whole bunch of tweaks at the same time. Ars Technica has spotted a few in a new test build of the OS. For one, the right-click menus in dock items is changed to a white text on black background, as in Stacks, rather than the staid black-on-white it is now. It's not a big deal, for sure, but we wonder if it means there'll be a bunch more tweaks for the sake of consistency. There are three months left until Snow Leopard's September release date, so who knows what Apple can bang out before then. [Ars Technica]

Think about it: Right now a single, lonely model bears the name MacBook. A model that's been around forever, too. On the other hand, there are three sizes of MacBook Pros in six, count 'em, six flavors. Lopsided much? The poor thing gets no promotion, either. It was quietly updated to be as fast as the aluminium MacBook last week, warranting just a one-line mention during the WWDC Philnote. And where's the splash pic for Apple's most affordable Mac on the Mac page?

So, why is Apple basically wasting one of their most powerful brands, their "most popular Mac"?

Because they're about to call something else MacBook.

It's the only logical explanation for the muddled, complicated and totally un-Apple product line. Why all of their core notebooks are now called MacBook Pros. Why MacBook denotes a single notebook, one that perpetually seems like it's on its way out—because it very likely is on its way out.

There are two possibilities that stand out for MacBook: A new, even cheaper notebook, following the hard price cuts across the iMac and MacBook Pro lines. Or at the very least, a completely redesigned MacBook family that looks way different than what Apple is currently calling MacBook Pro, and maybe even the current MacBook. That's the more conservative take.

The other possibility is mostly in fap-fap fantasyland, but we can't rule it out: What if Apple calls that tablet thing MacBook? (Indicating it's at least somewhat different than most people have been imagining.) What better way to use one of their most iconic brands than to signify a complete shift in mainstream computers? Calling the tablet a MacBook would be incredibly ballsy, but an incredibly powerful signal, too.

Either way, we're pretty sure Apple isn't just going to let the MacBook wither and die—something new has to be coming that's gonna be called MacBook, and we'd wager relatively soon, too.

Or maybe Apple's just becoming a little bit more like every other PC maker and doesn't know what the hell they're doing with their brands anymore. But I somehow doubt that.

What does S stand for? Don't ask. He doesn't have a clue. What he does think he has a clue about is pretty much everything else that will pop out of Apple execs' mouths at WWDC this week.

The iPhone 3GS:

I expect Apple to announce updated iPhones with significantly faster processors, twice the RAM, and twice the storage. I expected prices to remain the same as the current lineup: $199/299 for 16/32 GB, respectively. The video camera is going to be a major selling point.

Lower-priced iPhones:

I believe this is true, and the new price will be $99. But since I expect the new top-of-the-line iPhone 3GS to start at $199, that means the $99 iPhone must be something else. I see two possibilities: (a) a new device, something that is to the iPhone what the iPod Mini was to the original iPod; or (b) the existing 8 GB iPhone 3G, unchanged but reduced in price.

And an iPhone nano might round out the three tiered line some day, but not tomorrow.

"Marble":

While I am convinced that "Marble" is a real design project at Apple, I no longer believe it is slated for Snow Leopard. A new visual appearance isn't something Apple can spring on third-party developers at the last moment. If they plan to ship Snow Leopard soon - say, by the end of August - that just isn't enough time to allow developers to update their software to look good under a new UI theme.

Oh, and that about tablet thing... Gruber seems to think it exists in some shape or form, but don't expect it tomorrow. Like the rest of these predictions, that sounds pretty safe. [Daring Fireball]

That's what Phonearena's Best Buy tipster is saying anyway. The evidence? Wishful thinking and another infamous Best Buy inventory screen.

That the supplier is AT&T lends some credibility to the rumor, but not much. This could be a new line of Peanuts kid phones, for all we know. Argh. [Phonearena]

BGR claims the rumor and mockup comes from a trusted source, but regardless eat some salt, roll your eyes, and just enjoy this for what it is. A random Easter Sunday unconfirmed rumor. Did I say it was a rumor yet?

Good. Anyway, the tipster reports that this will resemble a "swiveling E71-type handset" that will be launched by Verizon Wireless sometime in July/August. The OS is "S40 and not S60."

This concludes our rampant rumor and speculation for the day. Time to feast on something a bit more tangible, methinks. Like an egg. Or some rabbit. [BGR]

The patent shows that the iPod's new casing will be carved out of a single, large and thick block of sheet metal, making the device lighter, thinner and sturdier. Although it may be a significantly stronger product, with it being made out of one slab of metal, it seems that it would be harder to take the iPod apart for second-hand replacements and repairs, meaning that consumers would have to turn to Apple directly for all their iPod needs.

However, having it made out of one block of sheet metal would reduce the costs of creating it. Does this also mean it'll be cheaper for consumers as well? Please, Apple, let it be so. [iPodNN]

Sincerest apologies to those who had their hopes up for a cheaper, multi-touch smartphone: It looks like the Palm Pre may cost more than $200. [Palm Pre and All Things Digital]

Also, it could be the way the pic was taken, but the red color just doesn't seem right. Or maybe I'm starting to go color blind. Either way, it could be a case or a legit (RED) iPhone 3G. Or maybe it's just a nice, glossy paint job by someone who wishes there were a (RED) 3G out there in the wild.

Regardless, this kind of simple announcement is one we could easily expect to see Apple making at MacWorld this week.

Update: Thanks to Julio, we have a link to the source. It's a real product, but a fake (RED) iPhone. No surprises there. [Nowherelese]

FCC Chairman Kevin Martin:

"Application designers need to understand what will and what will not work on the network, and consumers must be fully informed about the exact nature of the service they are purchasing."

"Particularly as broadband providers are trying to provide tiers of service, it's critical to make sure that we are understanding that the broadband network operators are able to deliver the speeds and service that they are selling."

Poor Comcast, it really is looking like their whole P2P vaudeville show might not stop the FCC after all. If none of this made any sense to you, check out our quick guide to ISPs and network practices, and what they mean for you. [Reuters]

Keep in mind that the return rate for standard hard drive failures is only about one to two percent. Crave narrows down the most probable manufacturer to be Dell, who pointed out when admitting that SSDs suck for small data packets (like in Outlook) that Samsung is about to drop a new SSD that doesn't cry itself to a slow churn when faced with them. Not exactly an admission, but about the best you could expect out of a flack.

That said, it doesn't really address the whole issue of a 20 percent fail rate, which doesn't exactly stoke the lines with people ready to throw down the platinum card. [Crave]

I have not heard of one single report from any of [Toshiba's retailers] indicating returns, in fact our meetings went well and retailers will continue to offer our HD DVD players as a choice for high definition.

Most of that assertion about the upcoming DSLR seems to be derived from reading the tea leaves of a Nikon website saying orders for the positively-reviewed D40x (pictured above) have been halted, raising speculation that this is the model that might be replaced by the D60. Either that or Photography Bay is just making things up.

Beyond that, we'd like to know what features might be included in this alleged D60. We're rooting for a Live View viewscreen, for one thing. [Photography Bay]

When studying the signal in problem areas, they noticed a peculiar, strong signal that jumped all over the 2.4GHz band...that their diagnostic software labeled as "unknown emitter."

When they plugged in an Xbox 360 in a free area, the IT staff was able to re-create the signal. They believe that the interference is coming from Microsoft's proprietary wireless standard that they use for the 360's wireless controllers. While it's similar to Bluetooth, they designed a system that could be closed to third parties...that may now be making other third parties suffer.

Personally, while I've never had problems with my Wi-Fi, the 360 doesn't get along with my wireless surround sound headphones as the PS3. I couldn't figure out why this was happening, but chalked it up to my own network idiosyncrasies. Anyone out there have similar problems? [pcworld]

back at its headquarters, Google is already operating an advanced high-speed wireless network under a test license from the FCC, according to people familiar with the matter. The company has erected transmission towers on its campus for the network. Prototype mobile handsets powered by the Android software are currently running on it.

More over, according to the usual "people familiar with the matter," they're grinding out a plan to toss in all $4.6 billion or more all on their own because going in with partners promises complications in bidding setup and outcomes, as well as pissing off company A by going in with company B.

Why even jump into the messy, messy world of network operation when they've already got a hand in the jar with Android? The feel-good reason is that Google wants networks to be more open and competitive to drive more innovation and better, unrestricted services without artificial carrier walls and lockdowns.

The selfish side is that open networks mean carriers can't make it hard to use Google's wares or make Google pay carriers to get at customers. There's also the potential revenue of subscriber fees—hey, open doesn't mean free—and ads across the network, according to at least one analyst group.

Whatever Google decides, we'll know by Dec. 3, the deadline for declaring an intent to bid. And should they win, don't cream your jeans about the wild, woolly West of an open wireless network just yet, since Google—and any other winners—won't get their hands on the network until 2009, when analog broadcasts go dark. [WSJ]