mobileu.co.uk

New version of Ovi Maps unveiled by Nokia

Mobile phone giant Nokia has unveiled a new version of Ovi Maps for its smartphones, including "high-end walk and drive" navigation at no extra cost to users. The firm says the move marks part of its strategy to lead the market in mobile maps, navigation and location-based services.

While mapping services are a common feature on mobile devices like Apple's iPhone, the RIM BlackBerry and Nokia's own smartphones, this is the first occasion on which turn-by-turn voice navigation – normally associated with dedicated GPS units – has been made available for free by a handset manufacturer.

The new version of Ovi Maps includes car and pedestrian navigation features for 74 countries in 46 languages, as well as traffic information for more than ten countries and detailed maps for over 180 countries.

"We can now put a complete navigation system in the palm of your hand, wherever in the world you are, whenever you need it – and at no extra cost," remarked Anssi Vanjoki, Nokia's executive vice-president.

Current owners of Nokia smartphones that are compatible with the new version of Ovi Maps can download it free of charge from the Nokia website.