Amazon cosies up to Nokia for Google Maps alternative
Amazon has unveiled a mapping API that offers an exit strategy from Google Maps for its developers. The new API is aimed at devs who want to incorporate mapping into apps on Amazon's pocket cash registers tablets such as the Kindle Fire, and uses Nokia's mapping services – Nokia Location Platform.
Although the ruthless retail giant wouldn't say what powers the Google Maps alternative, Nokia didn't need much persuasion to crow about a win. Nokia Location Platform is a wholesale offering based on the eye-watering €5.7bn ($8bn) acquisition of Navteq in 2007. Yahoo! maps uses Nokia's services, as does Bing Maps – although Bing draws in map data from lots of sources. Read more...
Apple finally credits OpenStreetMap for use of its mapping data in iPhoto app
Following its decision to drop support for Google Maps and utilise the OpenStreetMap Foundation’s (OSM) data in its new iPhoto iOS app, Apple has finally credited its use of the Foundation’s open mapping data — having originally neglected to do so.
Soon after the launch of the new iPad (on which the new iPhoto app also runs), OpenStreetMap updated its official blog, stating that it was “rather pleased to find they’re [Apple] the latest to switch to OpenStreetMap,” adding that that Apple used its own map tiles “made from OpenStreetMap data (outside the US).” Read more...
French court lays le smackdown on Google Maps
A French court has found Google Maps guilty of unfair competition and ordered the Chocolate Factory to pay a fine and damages to a French mapping firm.
Bottin Cartographes had complained to the court that Google France and its parent Google were creating a dominant position for themselves in the market by providing their web-mapping services to businesses for free.
The commercial court in Paris agreed with Bottin and ordered the search giant to pay €500,000 (£415,600) in damages and interest and a €15,000 (£12,470) fine.
Bottin provides its maps for a fee and said that Google was undercutting it with its crazy free map strategy, which it would then change once it had gained control of the market. Read more...
Google Maps can now track buses and trains in real time
The Google Maps team on Wednesday announced an update to both Google Maps for Android 1.6+ and Google Maps for desktop that incorporates real-time mass transit data, letting users not only plot their bus and train routes, but also track them in real time.
Currently, the live transit data is only available in six cities worldwide: Boston, Portland (Oregon), San Diego, San Francisco, Madrid (Spain) and Torino (Italy) and the tracking feature is tied into transit stations included on the map. Read more...