Nokia has announced today that all Windows Phone 8 devices will now have access to the company’s powerful mapping and navigation services. Aside from its announcement that Nokia will rebrand its location-based services – Nokia Maps, Nokia Drive Beta and Nokia Transit – to the HERE suite of apps, the new HERE suite will now also be available for non-Nokia Windows Phone 8 devices.
The rebranded HERE suite includes three key mapping services previously unique to Nokia devices: Maps, Drive and Transit. Nokia Maps is renowned as one of the true alternatives to Google Maps, and has recently been integrated with Nokia Drive Beta, arguably the most complete turn-by-turn car navigation system for mobile. Nokia Transit is a newer addition to the company’s services, which provides a unique turn-by-turn navigation when walking or even using public transportation.
Hence, the HERE apps suite is one of the most comprehensive mapping and navigation service that is available on any mobile platform. The announcement states that the HERE suite will be available for other Windows Phone 8 devices in eight countries – Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Spain, the UK, and the US. It definitely adds a significant advantage to own a Windows Phone 8 device now – we’re just wondering how many more of Nokia’s “differentiating” factors will be shared with other Windows Phone 8 devices.
(Source: Windows Phone Blog)
