Alibaba mapping a future filled with smart devices

Cash-rich Internet companies in China are deepening their commitment to online-to-offline deployment as they turn their focus to location-based services.

The latest attempt is that of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, China's top e-commerce site by revenue, which offered a full takeover of digital mapping firm AutoNavi Holdings Ltd on Monday.

The tie-up, aiming to woo China's growing legions of mobile users, will enable Alibaba to transfer some of its huge virtual business to real-world uses.