Google Release Static Maps API - Why?
Google have today released a static Map API, for generating simple single image, non-interactive map images.
What are the benefits of this API?
To Google -> Decreased Bandwidth and processing, if static maps will suffice (for example a location map on a business webpage), then a single request on their data will be enough, rather than placing a map with panning & zooming capabilities on it.
To the User -> A single image map can be copied & pasted into e-mails & documents more easily for your average user, so that they don’t need an image editing tool.
So why do they feel this completely new API is required?
A slightly different operating mode (i.e. Single Image Mode) in the existing API with a simple set of instructions would surely be enough.
Google Static Maps API
eBay & up-bidding
I just bought an iPhone on eBay… And I’m happy enough with the price that I paid as most for sale were going for around the price that I paid.
However, looking at the bid history, I notice there seem to be many bids by bidders with a long history of bidding but not actual purchases, my “No Reserve” auction item looks like it exactly wasn’t. Perhaps sellers up-bidding with different accounts ?
