Nokia Ovi Maps Available for iOS and Android Users Now

[azzu]

Although Nokia’s market share might not be doing as well as it used to, that’s not stopping the Finnish company from rolling out new devices and sharing their technology with others. By the latter statement I’m talking about the very recent discovery that Nokia’s own mapping software i.e. Ovi Maps is soon going to be available for other smartphone OS'. That means Apple and Android mobile users without any navigation software loaded onto their devices can avail of Nokia’s generosity. It was already quite obvious that Nokia WP7 devices would not be losing out on this system either so I guess Nokia decided, why should anyone lose out.


However, here’s the catch, if you can even call it that – although there doesn’t seem to be an application in the works just yet, according to thehandheldblog, the Finnish company has announced an HTML5 powered, mobile optimized Nokia Maps website. The site can be accessed from your iOS or Android powered device, activate your GPS settings and you’re good to go. iOS offers multi-touch zooming but Android will have suffice with Zoom-In and Zoom-Out buttons.


You can access the maps via your device's browser here – m.maps.ovi.com, and you’ll be able to find your way around your location with ease with a-GPS services aiding you. Switch on your GPS module for accurate readings though. I’m sure most of you are wondering why bother with Ovi when Google Maps comes preloaded with iOS and Android? The answer is for those using smartphones with these operating systems in countries where the search giant has not yet managed to dole out navigation for their maps. This is where this online service will be most handy.


So far Nokia has made no official announcement about this latest update in the Ovi Maps segment, but it won’t be too long a wait I’m sure. And I have to agree with the mobile community, it’s only just rolling out so if you find bugs, chances are that they’ll be weeded out with a few updates that shouldn’t be too far behind. Right now, it’s extremely basic and very simplistic so don’t expect too much, but with a few updates over time, Google could be looking at some serious competition, especially if Nokia also decides to take it to the “streets”, if you know what I mean.

Great news ...for Ovi map lover ,Wud really appreciate if they release App for Android ( although its highly unlikely)

Source : Nokia Ovi Maps Available for iOS and Android Users Now

aZZu

[sygeek]

Good decision. I must say, Ovi maps is better than some of the other apps out there.

[Zangetsu]

aZZu,

Thanx for the good news...& OVI Maps rocks

[mrintech]

Thanks for sharing

[PraKs]

Duh, Nokia has officially left OVI, why give dead cow to iOS now ?

[thetechfreak]

Good find Azzu

But I still prefer Google maps.

Will try to get this app for my iPod and post here how it actually is

[cyclops]

Originally Posted by thetechfreak

Good find Azzu

But I still prefer Google maps.

Will try to get this app for my iPod and post here how it actually is

Ovi will need GPS. Is iPod having GPS?

[thetechfreak]

Originally Posted by cyclops

Ovi will need GPS. Is iPod having GPS?

No

Isnt there Web-based edition(other than GPS) like Google maps

[Zangetsu]

Originally Posted by cyclops

Ovi will need GPS. Is iPod having GPS?

no...ipod doesn't have GPS.
but one can use Wi-Fi for the Maps

[gameranand]

Ovi maps are quite useful. Helped me from getting lost sometimes.
I am glad Nokia made this announcement. Nice find Azzu.

[desiibond]

yes. Ovi maps is actually much much better than most other maps.

1. offline (no need to connect to internet, atleast on nokia devices)
2. much more detailed (atleast in India)
3. navigation is top notch

[sujoyp]

I use OVI maps very often soo its a very good news for me...

[ejvyas]

Does it require data/wifi access for phone or can it work offline ??

[gameranand]

^^ For Nokia Users it works even on offline but I guess Andriod users need to be online.