In releasing a free map and directions application yesterday, Nokia took aim at Google and a variety of handheld GPS suppliers got caught in the cross fire.
Nokia’s new version of Ovi Maps includes high-end walk and drive navigation including turn-by-turn voice guidance at no extra cost. The application has detailed maps for more than 180 countries, voice guidance for 74 countries, in 46 languages, and traffic information for more than 10 countries.
Why have multiple devices that work that work in only one country or region? Put it all together, make it free, make it global and you almost double the potential size of the mobile navigation market. Nokia is the only company with a mobile navigation service for both drivers and pedestrians that works across the world. Unlike the legacy car navigation manufacturers, we don’t make you buy maps for different countries or regions even if you’re only visiting for a few days. We offer both navigation and maps free of charge, with all the high-end functionality and features that people now expect.
Unlike other mobile mapping applications, Ovi Maps has a lot of functionality without using mobile data – making the application particularly attractive for travellers who can get concerned with roaming data charges around the world.
By removing costs associated with global navigation for drivers and pedestrians, Nokia is activating a massive user base for location-based features, content and services, part of a strategy for Nokia in mobile, navigation and location-based services.
The announcement leverages Nokia’s 2007 acquisition of NAVTEQ. Nokia is said to be the biggest camera manufacturer in the world. With Ovi Maps, it may quickly become the world’s largest handheld GPS manufacturer.