Appstore Blogs
Click here
to watch the exclusive webinar replay on YouTube!
Following up on the latest in a series of webinars covering Amazon devices, game services, and mobile applications, here’s a list of questions we collected during and after our presentation on the Amazon Maps API.
Q: Can we see some best practices about creating apps that support both Google and Amazon maps, if possible without doubling the codebase? So long story short: is there a way to hide the map implementation like behind a Factory pattern, or something like that, or we have to work with two separate projects?
A: You could create a common map library using a factory pattern. Others may prefer maintaining separate code bases, dependency injection...etc. Unfortunately, there is no single good answer. It depends on the goal and scope of your team.
Q: Can we use Amazon maps on regular Android apps?
A: No, at this time the Maps API does not support non-Kindle Fire devices.
Q: Is it preferred to save that geocoding locally so we dont make lot of calls?
A: Yes, avoid excessive network operations would improve the performance and battery consumption of your app.
Q: If our app has a map in it, is there a way to support the Kindle devices in China and Japan?
A: The Amazon Maps API is supported in countries where Kindle Fire tablets are sold, except for China and Japan
Q: Is there restrictions on how many geocoding calls we can make?
A: At this time, there are no specific usage quotas or limits for the Maps API. However, we reserve the right to throttle or shut down your application in the event we reasonably believe your use of the Maps API exceeds typical or expected usage and/or creates material technical burdens on our (or our partner’s) systems.
Q: What's the benefit of using Amazon Maps over Goolge Maps API?
A: Google Map API requires Google Play Service, which is not available on Kindle Fire tablets.
Q: Can we do geocoding of an address outside of the mobile app?
A: No, at this time the Maps API does not support query outside of a mobile app.
Q: How does Amazon Maps compare with Google Maps with respect to features?
A: The Amazon Maps API offers interface parity with the Google Maps API v1. At this time, the Amazon Maps API does not support Traffic, Street view, and Trackball gestures.
For more information, please visit
https://developer.amazon.com/sdk/maps/faq.html
Q: Can the maps be cached locally?
A: No, at this time the Maps API does not support map caching.
Q: Is there a way to get Amazon Maps in a Fragment?
A: At this time the Maps API does not support fragments.
Q: Pretty cool maps, who is the map data provider? TeleAtlas, NAVTEQ?
A: Nokia.
Q: There are several build targets in the amazon api(in eclipse, 3 only for API level 17). If I build on e.g. Kindle Fire 7(3rd generation) will it be ok for e.g. Kindle Fire HDX 8(3rd generation) as well?
A: Yes, the 3rd generation of Kindle Fire tablets are compatible with API level 17
For more information, please visit
https://developer.amazon.com/sdk/fire/specifications.html
Don’t miss out on our next webinar event:
Integrating GameCircle in Your Android & iOS Games
on October 16th, 2013 @ 10:00 AM
Pre-register here!
Integrating GameCircle in Your Android & iOS Games
on October 16th, 2013 @ 10:00 AM
Pre-register here!
