Google has announced a significant reduction in API prices for Indian developers using the Maps platform. This move aims to reinforce Google’s dominance in the mapping services market by making its tools more accessible and affordable.
The company is cutting API prices for the Google Maps Platform by up to 70% for Indian developers. This strategic price reduction is intended to make it easier and more cost-effective for developers to integrate Google Maps into their applications. The initiative also counters the recent push by Ola, which has been promoting Ola Maps for its tailored features and localized solutions at a lower price.
In addition to the general price reduction, Google is offering up to 90% off select Google Maps Platform APIs for developers working on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). This special pricing aims to support innovation in India’s digital commerce sector, providing developers with advanced tools at a much lower cost.
Google is also enhancing its offerings with the launch of new Google Wallet APIs, designed to simplify the integration of loyalty programs, tickets, and gift cards, enabling businesses to offer more seamless and integrated digital wallet experiences.
Additionally, Google has expanded access to its Gemini AI models, known for their ability to process diverse data types, including text, images, videos, and code. The Gemini 1.5 Pro model, which offers an enlarged context window for processing large amounts of data, is now available to all developers in India. Google also introduced Gemma 2, the next generation of its open models, featuring significant performance and safety enhancements.
Google’s initiatives include a commitment to support 10,000 Indian startups in their AI endeavors. In collaboration with MeitY Startup Hub, Google will provide up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits to eligible startups. This support includes AI-first programming through programs like Startup School and Appscale Academy, as well as several AI innovation programs such as the nationwide Gen AI Hackathon and the Solve for India Startup Bootcamp | AI Edition.
