After Google announced a 70% price cut for Google Maps API, Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal challenged the tech giant by announcing an even more reduced pricing structure and the future product roadmap for Ola Maps.
“As promised, here's our response to @googlemaps’ ‘belated’ price cuts. It’s time we build world-class alternatives to big tech giants and empower Indian innovation! I’m very excited to announce a further reduced pricing structure and our future product roadmap for Ola Maps @Krutrim,” he posted on X.
Ola Maps has announced a new pricing structure and is now available on the cloud with a free one-year subscription. The updated structure includes a free tier for 5 million API calls per month, covering the needs of over 90% of Indian developers and startups. For larger volumes, Ola Maps offers prices at half of Google's reduced rates, with additional benefits for long-term commitments.
Furthermore, Ola has introduced a special offer for startups and SMBs building on the ONDC platform, providing three years of free access to Ola Maps.
Regarding Google’s price cut on the Maps API, Aggarwal criticised Google for its delayed response in adjusting prices and localising payment options, saying, “Dear @Google, too little too late! Reducing prices for @googlemaps and ‘offering to price in ₹’ after #ExitGoogleMaps. Don’t need your fake generosity!”
Ola Maps has seen significant interest from the developer community, with over 10,000 developers signing up and transitioning their workloads to the platform. This support is seen as a testament to India's readiness to develop its tech solutions.
Astro India AI and KPN Fresh Product are among the early adopters of Ola Maps. Astro India AI has enhanced its user experience by integrating Ola Maps' Autocomplete service, while KPN Fresh Product has seamlessly incorporated Ola Maps' Location services into its e-commerce platform, benefiting from precise geocoding and routing.
New Features In Map
Ola Maps announced that it will introduce a suite of powerful new APIs. The Routes APIs will offer advanced features like traffic-aware directions, a distance matrix with multi-modal transportation options, and specialised routing such as two-wheeler routes and toll information.
The Places APIs will enhance search capabilities, enabling users to find nearby locations, perform natural language searches, and access detailed place information. Additionally, the Maps APIs will provide flexible solutions for both static and dynamic map integration, allowing seamless embedding of rich geographical data into applications.
To support these API offerings, Ola Maps is launching feature-rich SDKs for web, Android, and iOS platforms. The Web SDK will empower developers with functionalities including custom markers, interactive info windows, and advanced visualization tools like heatmaps and marker clustering.
Unique features such as automatic localisation into Indic languages and extensive map customization options will also be available. The Android and iOS SDKs will provide native support for dynamic maps, custom markers, intuitive user controls, and will similarly support localisation and customisation. These SDKs will integrate seamlessly with the Places SDK, offering intelligent features like place autocomplete and detailed place information.
Ola Maps will also deliver robust platform features designed for developers and businesses. The Map Style Editor will allow users to create, edit, and publish custom map styles, while a dedicated test environment will enable experimentation before full integration.
Comprehensive developer resources, including documentation, tutorials, and a community forum for knowledge sharing, will be available. Users will receive changelog notifications and have access to strong customer support through an automated ticket system with defined SLAs and chat support.
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