Nokia Maps ‘Here’ Is Released On iOS

Nokia Maps’ ‘Here’ has been released as a universal app for Apple devices, compatible with both iPhones and iPads.

Nokia Maps is generally available through a web browser and has been included as an app in a number of Nokia smartphones, most recently its Lumia range of Windows Phone-powered devices. However last week, the Finnish manufacturer announced plans to release a cross-platform navigation service on Android and iOS.

Maps Here

The Here app includes maps for nearly 200 countries, and features community databases that are created and updated by users in certain territories. It features step-by-step voice-guided walk navigation that takes into account pedestrian paths, parks and alleyways when determining the best route. It also includes directions for journeys by car and using public transport.

‘Here’ offers users four views: map, satellite, live traffic and public transport, and it is possible to save map areas for offline use so that they can be avaliable in areas without data coverage.

Nokia will doubtless be keen to take advantage of the less than positive reception that Apple Maps got when it debuted with iOS 6 earlier this year. Apple Maps was reported to feature numerous inaccuracies, missing towns and businesses as well as the misplacement of famous locations in bodies of water.

Apple CEO Tim Cook took the extraordinary step of apologising to the customers for the frustration and inconvenience caused, and even suggested that iOS users download rival mapping applications from the App Store, or create a shortcut to Google or Nokia online maps.

Google, which had been the default mapping provider to iPhones and iPads until iOS 6, is reportedly working on its own application which has apparently entered final testing stage ahead of  submission to the App Store.

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