Nokia updates smartphone navigation
Nokia today announced plans to make walk and drive navigation free on its smartphones as part of a new version of Ovi Maps.
This updated version will include a number of new features such as turn-by-turn voice guidance for 74 countries in 46 languages, and traffic information for over 10 countries, as well as detailed maps for over 180 countries.
“We want to make using your mobile for navigation as familiar as using it to send a text or take a picture. We believe that making the best maps with voice guided navigation available for free will be the catalyst to do this,” explained Anssi Vanjoki, Executive Vice President, Nokia.
“Why have multiple devices that work in only one country or region? Put it all together, make it free, make it global and you have something that is truly useful and can help you get round almost any city in the world whether you’re on foot or driving,” Vanjoki added.
Ovi Maps is built on a technology known as hybrid vector maps. Vector maps are high quality but less data intensive and allow users to continue to navigate even if the network connection is lost.
This means that maps downloaded or updated across a network connection are roughly half the size of bitmaps used by other mobile map providers noted Nokia. The hybrid technology also ensures that any downloaded map data is stored on the device for future use.
Turn-by-turn and voice guided navigation has also been incorporated. This includes lane assistance, traffic information, safety camera and speed warnings.
Nokia updates smartphone navigation
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