The New updates in Google Maps/Google Earth APIs Terms of Service

As the Google Maps APIs continue to grow and evolve, we periodically review the Google Maps/Google Earth APIs Terms of Service, which define the terms under which we offer these APIs to developers. Today we are posting an update to these terms which contains a number of notable changes. These changes are intended to encourage use of the APIs in mobile applications, and secure the long term future of the APIs as location aware applications become ever more ubiquitous.

Developers are now permitted to use the Static Maps API outside of a web browser, for example to add thumbnail maps to mobile applications, providing the map image is linked to Google Maps. Developers of mobile apps that are sold for a fee through an online store such as the Android Market and Apple App Store no longer require a Google Maps API Premier license. This brings the Terms of the web based Maps APIs into line with the Terms of the Android Maps API and iOS SDK.

There are also a number of changes that relate to advertising and usage limits. To ensure that we can continue to offer the Maps APIs to developers for free, we now require that any new Maps API applications going forward display any advertising delivered in the maps imagery, unless the site concerned has a Google Maps API Premier license. The opt-out from displaying such advertising that was offered in earlier versions of the Terms will continue to apply to any existing Maps API applications. Information on exercising this right of opt-out will be provided on this blog at least 90 days prior to the launch of any such advertising.

We are also introducing transaction limits on the number of maps that may be generated per day by commercial Maps API web sites or applications. These limits are documented in the Maps API FAQ and will take effect on October 1st 2011. Commercial sites that exceed these limits may be required to purchase additional transactions or a Maps API Premier license. Additional transactions will be offered online at an affordable rate which will be published on or before May 2nd 2011.

Commercial sites that consistently exceed these limits and do not purchase additional transactions online will be contacted by a Maps API Premier Sales Manager to discuss their licensing options. Not for profit applications and applications deemed in the public interest (as determined by Google at it’s discretion) are not subject to these limits. In addition, Non-profits are also encouraged to check out their eligibility for the Google Earth Outreach program.

In addition to the most notable changes detailed above, there are many other minor changes and clarifications, and we therefore recommend that you read the complete Terms and the Google Maps API FAQ. You can also discuss the Terms with other Maps API developers on the Google Maps API forum. Please note that Google’s Developer Relations team, who monitor the forums, are not able to offer legal advice. However any frequently asked questions or areas of confusion will be clarified in future FAQ and Terms updates.

Edelman on Favors

“Don’t wait for, expect,
or rely on favors.
Count on earning them
by hard work and perseverance.”

–Marian Wright Edelman (1939 – )
American activist
founder of the Children’s Defense Fund

In 1899, in one hour after dinner, Elbert Hubbard wrote a 1500-word essay (10-minute read) titled “A Message to Garcia.”

It’s one of our favorites (so much so, we included it in SalesTough).

A true story of the initiative and responsibility of a man named Andrew Rowan, the piece went on to be printed more than 40 million times (it’s still well-known with the big dogs of business and required reading for Marine Corps recruits and Naval Academy students).

Hubbard’s first sales job… selling soap.

Read it online or download a free copy (share it with your team).

Got young kids? Download and read them the children’s version we created (Rowan to the Rescue).
_____

Revolutionary Sygic Aura GPS navigation

Sygic Aura GPS navigation





Sygic Aura is the professional turn-by-turn offline car navigation app, that changes everything.

Maps and locations pre-loaded, eliminate data transfer



AURA comes with all data pre-loaded, so it will never let you down. Data storage is faster, more stable and cheaper than data transfer from an Internet connection. Wherever you are, use AURA to find your destination without any roaming costs. Places, addresses, maps, wiki information, city guides, navigation and voice guidance – all are pre-installed.

Enhanced maps make the difference



AURA transforms maps into a real 3D product with building and landmark details. City and elevation maps make your position easier to find.

Social networking




Connect with your friends *(only register buyer user have this connection)
Pinpoint where friends are on a map, their online activity and when they last connected. These details are visible from your contact list – go ahead and share your position and status with them if you like!

Book hotels, restaurants or movies



Looking to get a bite to eat in your area and then see a movie? Nothing makes it easier than AURA. See locations near you and call to book your seats – then hook up to enjoy your evening!

Search for any destination



Addresses, postcodes / zip codes, contacts, shopping, accommodation, restaurants, pubs, ATMs, social life activities, entertainment, transportation, post offices, and tourist attractions – all come pre-installed in AURA and are available without any data transfer. Locations are sorted by distance, category or name.

Find your way by car or on foot



Get door-to-door routing based on fastest or shortest path, and find your way to a destination. Never get lost again with all maps pre-installed, and eliminate fear of roaming costs or hefty fees on your data plan.

It comes with Intuitive design, easy to read as you drive, crystal-clear spoken voice instructions and route guidance. Advanced lane guidance with up-to-date signpost information.

User interface automatically fits in-car requirements by fonts and symbols increased

* Door-to-door navigation with voice-guided real-time driving instructions in more than 20 languages (”After one hundred meters, turn left, then immediately turn right”)
* Speed limits on roads and thousands of safety cameras pre-installed
* Real-time voice-guided manoeuvres with distance to direction or full junction list
* Distance to destination with estimated time of arrival
* Lane assistant to know which lane to take on roads
* Highway symbols to know which city and driving information to follow up on symbols ahead
* Community shared traffic and speed traps information (*only Connected)
* Real time traffic information shared by users or approved by traffic content providers

Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later.

Compatible with Android 2.x