The Google Maps app logo.
Credit: Reuters Photo
Google earlier this year's I/O Connect event in Bengaluru in July, slashed Maps platform fee for local developers and startups in India.
Google reduced fees by up to 90 per cent. This included up to 70 per cent lower pricing on most APIs, and a collaboration with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) which offers developers up to 90 per cent off on select Google Maps Platform APIs.
Now, the search engine giant has come up with more lucrative incentives to make good use of Google Maps in India.
Starting from March 1, 2025, developers will have access to $6,800 (approx Rs 5.70 lakh) worth of free monthly usage, a substantial increase from the previous $200 (around Rs 16,971) credit.
With the new incentives, app developers can incorporate Google Maps API in their platform to deliver the best services. It will come in handy for companies which offer services such as e-commerce, food delivery, online cab facility and other segments.
“Maps are a crucial component of ride-hailing experience, and we appreciate Google Maps Platform's India and ONDC Pricing Program. As we innovate in the shared mobility space, sustainable growth is key, and this pricing helps manage costs while ensuring a great user experience. We value Google's efforts to enhance experience, launch new products, and support local businesses.”Shan MS, COO, Namma Yatri
It should be noted that Google Maps' India coverage spans over 70 lakh kilometres of roads, 30 crore buildings, and 3.5 crore businesses and places.
Earlier this year, Google Maps introduced several India-centric features including flyovers, narrow road callouts and also Address Descriptors to precisely locate a place in complex road networks of the cities.
In a related development, Google has introduced Gemini AI to Docs. With just text prompts, it can produce photo-realistic images of people, landscapes, and animals with more clarity compared to rival AI models.
Users can make good use of Gemini AI to add full-bleed images that cover the entire page of a document. And, it can even be used to create inline images such as digital restaurant menus, marketing campaign briefs, or a promotional flier.
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