Amazon to move away from Google Maps, as well?

Written by Andre Yoskowitz @ 18 Sep 2012 9:07 User comments (6)

It appears that Amazon may be moving away from Google's Google Maps service, just like Apple is doing with its new iOS 6 operating system.

Earlier this week, Amazon unveiled its own Amazon Maps API, giving developers a chance to build mapping tools into their applications that run on the Kindle Fire and all its variations.

While Amazon does not say its own service will be replacing Google Maps, or even if there will be a standalone app, there is certainly a chance.

Amazon would only go as far as to say that the API is a "simple migration path from Google Maps." You can use it to embed interactive maps into apps, as well as add satellite view, points of interest/business locations and other custom overlays.

The new Amazon Maps API is being powered by Nokia's Location Platform, just like Microsoft's Bing Maps.

Tags: Amazon Google Maps Maps api

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6 user comments

118.9.2012 22:23

i1der

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I see as huge loss for all Kindle/HD users... Google map is off the hook

219.9.2012 03:28

dRD

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I hate titles

Originally posted by i1der:
I see as huge loss for all Kindle/HD users... Google map is off the hook

Well, Google Maps is basically just a way to view maps. If Amazon can provide a better GUI to maps, IMO, it is great, as we need competition. Nokia's map data is top-notch anyway (and Google relies partly on 3rd party vendors for its map data anyway -- zoom out on desktop and look for the bottom-corner (C) texts and you see who provided data for that particular map view).

319.9.2012 18:47

A5J4DX

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google maps is the best right now

421.9.2012 06:18

bdaleypsu

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Gee, I hope it's as good as crApple's iOS 6 Maps.

521.9.2012 11:55

bmok

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Competition is good. I wonder if Amazon will ban Google Maps app on Kindle. That would be bad. That would be Apple-like, not good. Providing your own is fine. But banning the competition even though it's your platform, that's just not acceptable. I wouldn't buy Kindle if true. I wouldn't buy Iphone for the same reason.

This message has been edited since its posting. Latest edit was made on 21 Sep 2012 @ 11:57

621.9.2012 12:22

bdaleypsu

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Originally posted by bmok:
Competition is good. I wonder if Amazon will ban Google Maps app on Kindle. That would be bad. That would be Apple-like, not good. Providing your own is fine. But banning the competition even though it's your platform, that's just not acceptable. I wouldn't buy Kindle if true. I wouldn't buy Iphone for the same reason.

Wouldnt surprise me if they did. They want to keep the Kindles locked-down in their own little Amazon world. Much like Apple does with its products.

Looks like if you want some control over what you can do with your device, Android is the way to go.

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Amazon to move away from Google Maps, as well?

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