Monday, February 9, 2009

Nokia Maps 3.0 (beta) Updated, Now Works WIth N82




Nokia Beta Labs has just released an updated version of Nokia Maps 3.0 which allows Feature Pack 1 devices like the N82 try out. I won't be installing it on my N82 just yet as I'm currently using the Nokia 5800 full time for review. Probably the biggest updated in Maps 3.0 over the current 2.0 is the ability to lay out your route on the Ovi.com website from your PC before a trip or long day of travels, as pictured above. Funny this comes just after the recent release of Google Maps. The differences between the two applications are obvious. So far Google Maps is doing a better job of search results and quick lookups, while Nokia Maps is better for turn by turn directions and pre-planned trips.

Check out the details from Beta Labs...

Hi all,

Firstly, our Maps team would like to thank those who have provided feedback, bugs, blog entries, suggestions and surveys over the last few months - This has been extremely helpful in enhancing and “fine tuning” the product – so please keep them coming in! :-) We do review all of your suggestions and where possible we look for opportunities to build them into the product.

Now to the exciting stuff….the Nokia Maps Team is pleased to announce an updated release of Maps 3.0Beta. One of the eagerly awaited news is that this updated version now supports S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 1 devices and N96!

In addition to this, there are also some new features/enhancements to the previous release:

  • Start-up sequence takes you to your current position as soon as position is found. If your position is not found in few seconds, you are taken to last known position
  • You can rotate the map, so you can for example view 3D landmarks from all directions. Just press 4 and 6 in map view. Pressing 5 takes you back to ‘north up’ view
  • In 3D view mode, you can tilt the view by pressing 2 and 8
  • 2D/3D mode works with all map modes, i.e. with Map/Satellite/Terrain
  • My Favourites menu is cleaned up and History list is moved higher in menu
  • My Places has option “Point me to” for any saved place/landmark, you the direction to that place on the map
  • In addition to the synchronisation of Favourites and Collections with Ovi MapsBeta and vice versa (use in online mode, enable Internet connection), you can now plan routings on Ovi MapsBeta and synchronise to your device
  • Finally, many bugs have now been fixed

Maps 3.0Beta works with all Nokia devices based on:
S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 1 (E71, E66, 6110 Navigator, N95, N95 8GB, N82)
S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 2 (N96, N85, N79, 6650, 6210 Navigator, 6220 Classic, N78)

Try it out for yourself and let us know feedback!


Check out the video demonstration...



Once again, I won't be trying this out for a few more days. Use at your own risk and remember that it's still in beta, be sure to leave your comments/questions at the Beta Labs blog. Let us know what you think of the application, I'm curious to hear from all of you.

Click here to find the download page.

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