Nokia users to enjoy free navigation services

BANGALORE, INDIA: Nokia has reportedly revealed that its latest version of map software will now include turn by turn directions and will be pre-loaded completely free of charge onto every GPS enabled Nokia handset from March.

Some Nokia SmartPhones will be able to make use of the free SatNav function immediately and these SmartPhones include the Nokia N97 mini, 5800 XpressMusic, 5800 Navigation Edition, E52, and E55, E72, 5230, 6710 Navigator, 6730 classic and X6 with N97 and others to be added to the list soon.

With the latest announcement Nokia users will have the added bonus of having completely free navigation services doing away with the need for a separate system.

“It’s all in there with no hidden costs or surprises, meaning you get unlimited access to free sat-nav for the entire lifetime of your device” it said on a Nokia blog.

Ovi Maps produced by Navteq, a mapping firm which is now owned by Nokia, will cover no less than 180 different countries with voice guided turn by turn directions for pedestrians and drivers available for 74 of these countries and covering 46 different languages.

“We want to make using your mobile for navigation as familiar as using it to send a text or take a picture” said Nokia Executive Vice President Anssi Vanjoki when commenting on the company’s announcement.

“We believe that making the best maps with voice guided navigation available for free will be the catalyst to do this.

“Why have multiple devices that only work in one country or region? Put it all together, make it free, make it global and you have something that is truly useful and can help you get round almost any city in the world whether you’re on foot or driving” Vanjoki said.