Google said application developers are now permitted to use the Static Maps API outside of a web browser.
This may be done, for example, to add thumbnail maps to mobile applications, providing the map image is linked to Google Maps.
Developers of mobile apps that are sold through an online store such as the Android Market and Apple App Store no longer require a Google Maps API Premier license.
This brings the Terms of the web-based Maps APIs into line with the Terms of the Android Maps API and iOS SDK.