One of the biggest tech rivalries is about to get bigger: Cupertino appears to be testing Street View-like, camera-mounted vehicles and hiring engineers to lead "Apple Search."

Google and Apple already compete in the mobile OS space, while both offer mapping apps. But a new report indicates that Cupertino is moving to bulk up its Web offerings.

An eagle-eyed Bay Area blogger spotted a mystery van driving around Claycord, Calif. The minivans, according to AppleInsider, sported an X-shaped frame mounted to the luggage rack, with what looked like cameras in each corner, and LiDAR sensors fitted to the back and front of the car.

There was no discerning signs or symbols on the van (unlike Google's clearly marked Street View vehicles), but the California Department of Motor Vehicles confirmed to San Francisco's KPIX that a blue Dodge Caravan spotted with the equipment is leased to Apple.

Apple Maps, of course, was famously criticized after the release of iOS 6 in September 2012. Improvements have been made over the years, but the one big advantage Google Maps has over Apple Maps is Street View.

Google also dominates Web search, another area Apple might be eyeing. Cupertino is now hiring an engineering project manager for something called "Apple Search."

"Apple seeks a technical, driven and creative program manager to manage backend operations projects for a search platform supporting hundreds of millions of users," the job summary said.

Little is known about the position, or its role in the company; the new hire will "play a part in revolutionizing how people use their computers and mobile devices."

Neither Apple nor Google immediately responded to PCMag's request for comment.