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It seems Google’s pockets have been itching as they start losing some of their bigger Maps partners. Apple has decided to create its own mapping service. Likewise, developers like Foursquare are not happy with the prices and finding greener pastures. With repercussions coming in fast, the Search Giant has decided to make things a bit more flexible for developers.
Developers have been paying $4 for every 1000 Map loads after a daily limit of free 25,000 hits. This price has been brought down to $0.50 per 1,000 third-party app map loads. In addition, Google is also relieving developers from “styled maps” distinctions. Such developers would get a lower usage limit before these changes.
The vast majority of apps using the API will not exceed the 25,000 daily hits. In fact, Google states that only about 0.35% of them exceed said limits. But there is no doubt companies of the likes of Apple and Foursquare reach their limit very quickly.
It is hard to say if developers will start flocking back to Google’s wing. We know Apple won’t. But at least current users and upcoming developers will see this as a great incentive. Google IO is coming next week, and we will probably be hearing more about the improved 3D map features. Which by the way, look rather impressive.
We know Google will be working hard to improve its Map services, and with lower prices it hopes to keep as many partners as possible.
[Source: Google Developers]
Hope to see google continue to dominate
Me too.
Show Apple what they’re missing!
I’m looking forward to seeing how inferior Apple Maps is. I’ve used plenty of turn by turn devices/apps but Google is by far the best.
if anyone watched apples wwwdc you along with millions of others wanted to puke when they said “revolutionary” new turn by turn navigation. I wanted to punch someone.
(edit)
I do own a mac book pro btw so yes I was watching it and I also work in the cell phone industry so I have to keep up to date. So please direct any hateful comments elsewhere.
I’m confused, who are you directing the EDIT towards, yourself?
Oh at myself sorry I try not to be biased either way but even hinting at the evil apple is like a dinner bell for some of the more wound-up android fans.
Death to Apple! LOL But realistically, Google has a good Navigation feature because they have perfected it over 5 years.
Time to reevaluate Google API :-)
Competition is always a good thing, as we can see here.
I suspected Google started charging because Apple was starting to make their own maps service and that Apple was somehow “stealing” the data for their maps from Google’s service and whatever the method was required Google maps to be loaded many, many times.
I don’t know how a company begins to make a maps application but it doesn’t sound easy to get it right and stealing is something Apple has always been shameless about.