It would be really nice to stop using Google for the places search and maps. This might come at a cost (features missing from the APIs we use, things not looking as slick, less data available) but I think it's worth looking into. Other than the warm feeling provided by using free/community data and services, we might also benefit from fewer restrictions on how we use, e.g., a directions API (Google naturally want to monetise theirs).
Point for discussion
It would be really nice to stop using Google for the places search and maps. This might come at a cost (features missing from the APIs we use, things not looking as slick, less data available) but I think it's worth looking into. Other than the warm feeling provided by using free/community data and services, we might also benefit from fewer restrictions on how we use, e.g., a directions API (Google naturally want to monetise theirs).
Potential replacement services/APIs
Feel free to add to this list.
. Maps: http://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Android . Places: http://developer.wikitude.com/en_GB