Google Blocks First Person Shooter Maps Promotion and other Google Geo News
Google has moved to block "Google Shoot View," one of the creepiest Google Map modifications yet. It's a website that let you look at Google's popular, first-person Street View images down the barrel of a virtual, shootable M4A1 rifle.
There's no real "game" with blood or points, but Google revoked access to the API to the Dutch ad firm that created it cited a breach of Terms of Service.
- MSNBC
It turns out Amazon, despite using Android to power its Kindle Fire, does not want developers building on the platform using any Google services, including Google Maps.
So, to make its maps work on the Kindle Fire’s version of Android, Zillow’s app offers a mobile version of its regular online maps—which are already supplied in almost all cases by Bing. GPS-enabled services are turned off on the Kindle Fire app, but users can still search for an address or location to find homes they’re interested in scoping out.
It's not a huge will for Microsoft/Bing/Bing Maps but it's one platform where Bing might rule.
- Xconomy
Google Map Maker got an update:
With today’s update, the service has been improved, with a particular focus on first-time users. There’s now a new pop-up box that appears on the screen when you first visit the website, walking you through the tool’s use. In five screens, Google explains the icons used, how you add and edit places, add roads, and review edits by others. And it’s all so darned pretty. (Google is getting pretty – this still seems weird.)
Will the change encourage more edits and additions? Should OSM have a look to see how it might make its update process more accessible?
