It doesn’t hurt to have more than one mapping/navigation app on your smartphone but sadly for iOS users, it looks like there will be one less option. Nokia has officially pulled its HERE Maps from the Apple App Store last week.
Remember the whole Apple Maps fiasco when it was first launched and users had no choice but stick to it because iOS 6 back then didn’t support Google Maps? Well, several months later, Nokia came to the rescue by releasing its Here Maps app for iOS users but sadly with the launch of iOS 7, and perhaps because Apple has set a deadline for all developers to have their apps optimized for iOS 7 by February next year, Nokia has taken HERE Maps off the App Store. When contacted, a spokesperson from Nokia said that they had to take the action because “iOS 7 harm the user experience”.
“We have made the decision to remove our HERE Maps app from the Apple App Store because recent changes to iOS 7 harm the user experience. iPhone users can continue to use the mobile web version of HERE Maps under m.here.com, offering them location needs, such as search, routing, orientation, transit information and more, all completely free of charge.”
Sure, you can still access the mobile web version of HERE Maps by pointing your browser to m.here.com, but let’s face it, a web version will definitely not be able to give the same smooth and lag-free experience as a dedicated app.
How many of you are relying on Nokia HERE Maps on your iOS device?
(Source: Engadget)
