Nokia’s Ovi Maps have been a prized possession for its smartphones for years. Up until recently when Finnish giant struck a deal with Microsoft, Ovi Maps was limited to Nokia-only hardware. That changed when it was confirmed all manufacturers of Windows Phone hardware would be given access. What we didn’t know was that Android and iOS would also be included. Now that Ovi Maps is available across all four platforms (Symbian, Windows Phone, Android, iOS) will it replace Google Maps?
Tagged ‘Ovi Maps’
Earlier today we told you Ovi Maps APIs would be supported by the Windows Phone 7 Mango update — now we have a new twist. Smartphone insider extraordinaire, Eldar Murtazin, has confirmed WP Mango design guidelines do not require front hardware buttons and “LG, HTC will have such phones.”
Conflicting reports and rumors go hand in hand. We’ve seen Windows Phone Mango design guidelines list hardware button requirements. The Nokia Sea Ray leak suggested a different policy. Now we have new evidence from Eldar Murtazin in support of a button-less design.
It’s been quietly developing in the corner while Google Maps does cartwheels in the spotlight but Nokia’s Ovi Maps has just jumped forward with a new Google Earth-battling option. The Ovi Maps 3D beta is free to grab now and uses Navteq’s maps and a pinch of software smarts to offer up a new 3D view for cities that you can swoop around.
Nokia hasn’t revealed much about how the Ovi Maps 3D option works but it certainly looks like a smart alternative to Google Earth’s Sim-City-gets-real schtick. You can grab Ovi Maps 3D for yourself at the link below…
Out now | £free | Ovi Maps 3D
Making the our list of best Nokia apps for January was Ovi Maps 3.06, the latest edition of Nokia’s navigation software. One of the best features in version 3.06 is that you no longer need a computer or cable to download street maps. Here’s a rundown on the new features:
Ovi Maps doesn't have a dedicated cycling mode, but if you're heading away from major highways its pedestrian function is perfect. It brings completely free maps to those using pedal power. Whether you're riding on B-roads or across fields, it’s a great way of getting free navigation and makes it easier than ever to get where you’re going.
What you’ll need
We used the 
Free mobile navigation means 
What you’ll need
To use the latest version of Ovi Maps, which offers completely free navigation, you’ll need one of Nokia’s smartphones. You can use touchscreen or non-touchscreen handsets. We chose the 
Ovi Maps has revolutionised mobile navigation, bringing free maps to users of the latest Nokia mobile phones. There’s loads to know about Ovi Maps, so we’ve been looking at the software in depth. Unlike many satnav devices, there’s a dedicated pedestrian mode, taking you where few people have been before – at least, not if they’re taking directions from a bog standard satnav. Read on to find out more about navigating on foot with Ovi Maps.
