Google Decides To Charge Maps API Service Users!

BBC has reported that Google has decided to charge the users of its Maps API service from January 2012.

As per a rumour doing its round, Google has plans to charge $4 (approximately INR 198) for every 1,000 hits that will cross the usage limit of 25,000 hits per day. This decision is likely to affect 0.35% of users. The worst affected will be the travel agents, who use this service to give a clear idea about a destination that their clients intend to visit.

Google has accepted that developers need time to analyze the change, before identifying the step that needs to be taken. However, the organization is concerned about the viability of the service even when the same is being used by highest-volume for-profit sites.

A significant relevant development is that Apple has bought C3 Technologies, a company which has specialized in development 3D maps. It is being reported that while Apple’s immediate objective behind this take over is to provide 3D map service on iOS devices, its actual objective is challenge the market position of Google’s map service. Given the fact that iOS devices are powered by A4 and A5 chips, they are very much likely to be compatible with 3D maps.