Nokia Ovi Maps for free
Nokia has just announced that the latest version of Ovi Maps sat-nav system is now being made available for free forever. Ovi Maps is a mapping and GPS navigation software for Nokia smartphones.
The new version of Ovi Maps includes detailed maps, car and walking navigation for over 180 countries. It also has turn-by-turn voice guidance for 200 cities in 74 countries which includes major Malaysian cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Johor Bahru.
All new GPS-enabled Nokia smartphones from March 2010 will come with this fresh version of Ovi Maps installed and existing users can download it on to their phones from the Ovi Maps website any time.
Currently, only few devices feature in the supported phones list. This includes the Nokia N97 mini, 5800 XpressMusic, 5800 Navigation Edition, E52, E55, E72, 5230, 6710 Navigator, 6730 classic and X6. Other Nokia smartphones will soon receive a firmware update to make them compatible to receive the new maps.
Ovi Maps is special owing to the fact that it uses hybrid vector maps that are far less data-heavy than typical map images. This translates to faster updating and response times on the phone. Also, unlike competition Google Maps, Ovi Maps doesn’t need a network connection to function. Nokia claims there are no hidden costs involved in the downloading of the new version.
If you happen to own one of the supported devices listed above, you might want to start using it again.
Will this spell the demise of Garmin and TomTom who are charging for their GPS mobile apps?
