Nokia updates Maps application

Trial version available now

11 February 2008 9:59 GMT / By Katie Scott

The Beta version of Nokia Maps 2.0 is now ready for Nokia handset owners to download and trial.

Updates to the package include better navigation when you're on foot, new satellite images and support for integrated compass orientation as well as links to buy new multimedia city guides (including ones from Berlitz).

The key new feature is Walk, which, as its name suggests, is for those of you who prefer to walk then drive.

"The pedestrian navigation efficiently walks you from A to B with visual turn-by-turn guidance. It helps you to locate yourself by giving information about the surrounding buildings, streets and parks (including pathways through the park) and in newer handsets, like the Nokia 6210 Navigator, points the direction in which you are walking; using the handset's built in compass for orientation", says Nokia.

Nokia Maps 2.0 also sports a redesigned user interface.

As with the previous version of Nokia Maps, map users will receive a free 3-day Navigation trial, for Walk and Drive, plus an additional free 10 minute City Guide trial.

The service uses vector maps provided by TeleAtlas and Navteq, Nokia Maps now has maps covering over 200 countries, with over 70 of them navigable, the manufacturer adds.

Nokia continues that if your Nokia device doesn't have built-in GPS, you can also use an external GPS module with a compatible device.

And in separate news, a Series 40 version of Nokia Maps is to arrive in the coming months.

Full tags

Phones, Software, Nokia, Car And GPS, MWC2008