Google lower price of Google Maps API

Google lower Maps API usage fees and simplifying limits for both Styled and regular maps. Here are the details:

• Changes to pricing. While the Maps API remains free for the vast majority of sites, some developers were worried about the potential costs. In response, we have lowered the online price from US $4 per 1,000 map loads to 50¢ per 1,000 map loads.
• Simplified limits. We’re eliminating the previous distinction between Styled Maps and regular unstyled maps. The same usage limits and pricing now apply to applications using Styled Maps and the default Google Maps style.

Source: Google Geo Developers Blog -Lower pricing and simplified limits with the Google Maps API