When we launched the Amazon Maps API in November 2012, we wanted to enable you to quickly and easily add mapping functionality to your Fire apps. With today’s release of the Amazon Maps API v2, we build on that functionality to offer an even richer mapping experience featuring fast and fluid 3D vector maps, including 3D landmarks, for your Fire tablet and Fire phone apps. The Amazon Maps API v2 also supports drawing API’s (circles, polylines, and polygons), fragments, multiple maps, and more, enabling you to deliver a customized mapping experience to your end users.

The integration process was straightforward since the API was the same as Google’s API. It was a matter of changing the import statements, GoogleMap to AmazonMap. There were no code or workflow changes made to our app and we were ready to submit.  – Ajit Pol, Sr. IT Project Manager, Parkmobile

Android Developers Can Easily Reach Fire tablet and Fire phone Users

There is no better time for Android developers to reach the growing Fire device customer segment with their existing Android app, or an entirely new app.

For existing Android apps using Google Maps API v2, the Amazon Maps API v2 provides a simple, API parity solution for developers. Porting apps is a simple four-step process (detailed documentation):

1. Add a reference to the Amazon Maps API v2 Library;
2. Update your Android manifest to declare the FireOS API level and reference Amazon Maps API v2;
3. Rename Google specific namespaces and classes to their Amazon equivalent; and
4. Remove your project's existing dependency on the Google Play services library.

For new Fire tablet and Fire phone apps, the Amazon Maps API v2 provides all the needed features to enable rich mapping functionality within your app. Add location context to your app by displaying high-quality 3D vector maps with fluid panning and zooming. Customize your map with markers to show a specific location on your map. Draw polylines to connect two or more locations or draw polygons to highlight a neighborhood or circle an area on your map. Amazon Maps API v2 allows you to add these features and more to your application. Examples include:

The Amazon Maps API v2 is compatible with Fire OS 4.5.1 and higher which is available on 3^rd and 4^th generation Fire tablets and Fire phone.

Getting Started is Easy

1. Set up your development environment for creating Android apps for Fire phone and Fire tablets;
2. Download the Amazon Mobile App SDK and configure your project to use the Amazon Maps API;
3. Register your app to download and test map tiles;
4. Review the developer guides and reference materials to learn about the Amazon Maps API classes and methods:
   • Understanding the Amazon Maps API v2
   • Displaying an Interactive Map
   • Drawing Markers and Objects on the Map
5. Test and submit your app to the Amazon Appstore.