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Hate Apple Maps? Good news: Nokia’s Here maps are now up for free download for the iPhone and iPad. They certainly look different, and are packed with NAVTEQ maps, so should be accurate, unlike Apple’s attempt. Voice-guided walking directions, offline maps, public transport, and driving directions are all there too. I just can’t figure out how to activate the compass. [iTunes]
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The word “maps” is mentioned six times in this post!
You made me count
Well it is about maps and four of them are actually part of the names of the products, It’s like complaining an iPhone article uses the word phone a lot.
I wasn’t complaining, just making a light note of it.
Remember how many times Surface was mentioned in the Surface Launch video?
That’s actually a marketing technique. Constant repetition of the products name has a hypnotic effect.
Well it didn’t work on me!
So someone’s repeated “Google” over and over at you then Darrell?
It was probably “Android” since I didn’t even have a Gmail account until just before I got my G1.
This just in, an article about maps, contains the word maps. How dare they?!
The letter “i” is used five times in your comment!
Keyword friendly
between this and Google Maps impending arrival Apple Maps doesn’t have much of a chance does it.
Well, it depends if you can use the damn compass, which it seems you can’t in Here. Maybe that’s an Apple only restriction, but then again, things like AR apps certainly use it, so what’s the deal, Nokia?
Yeah, and it’s not like Here and Google Maps won’t continue to improve as Apple Maps plays catch-up.
Perhaps in a couple years it will be ‘good enough’ for most people, and the majority will use it just because it’s already installed on their phone. A bit like Internet Explorer.
I suspect that already happens, people like my other half (bless her) don’t really know how to use a smartphone and are not aware of options and alternatives. She’s in for a shock as she is about to inherit my Gnex with Android 4.2.
What’s the alternative to Google maps on android then?
For proper navigation I personally use Co-Pilot
Yeah, I use TomTom so I know I’ll always have a map – whether I have a data connection or not. I just wasn’t really sure there was a competitor to google maps on android. I guess nothing at the same level even if there is.
Nothing! Conform to the Evul! or suffer in eternal damnation!
Well, when you put it like that, how can I refuse? In all fairness I probably will switch back to Google maps but I’m always open to new experiences!
There are several, including TomTom and Route 66, but given that Google Maps and Navigation are a)Free and b)Good I’ve never needed them.
That’s what I figured.
At the very least it could mean that if Apple were to reject Google Maps then it’s not for their stupid clause of “copying existing functionality” and perhaps more of a technical one.
Sucks about the lack of compass and the maps seem kinda blurry, I’m happy to keep using Apple Maps for now.
Apple Maps-Killing?
The maps look like they are photographs of actual over folded maps, that have been hand drawn!
not sure what’s all the buzz about. downloaded, installed, tried and i really don’t get it. it’s not retina ready, it’s not smooth, results are pretty much the same or worse than with standard maps.
Yep, it’s pretty rubbish
Doesn’t scale, only snaps to fixed scales rather than infinite scale variation.
It’s cool to hate Apple maps though, or is this another Nokia promoted post?
Same experience here.
Pretty basic. Public transport routes don’t work. Meh. I’ll stick with Google maps until Apple sort it and even then we’ll see. Least Apple are allowing competition on the app store.
I’ve got a Nokia Lumia, and I can’t stand Nokia Maps for the pure reason that, just like in your attached picture, it does not show all the road names unless you zoom in close. If I open it in London, I wish to be able to see ALL the road names, not just main roads. Google maps manages this, why can’t they? Is there a setting I am missing on this or something?
The setting you require is not on your phone. If you look in your local phone shop you will find the “Buy Android Phone” toggle, select this and you maps will instantly become clear and functional.
I’m very inclined to, I had an iPhone, got bored with it. Got a Windows phone, and now I’m bored with that. Looks nice but not much substance.
If you are inclined to go off contract I can recommend the Nexus 4
I’m teetering on the edge of ordering through O2 as have business contract with them – bit put off by 16GB storage though and no expandable so I’ve been eyeing the Note 2 instead… can’t decide but need to get sorted soon as my iPhone 4 is now only good as an app toy, lucky to get any signal at all now and if I do, well the call will drop.
“my iPhone 4 is now only good as an app toy” – so it’s in mint condition then?
I already am off contract, have been for the past 2 years, I’ll never tie myself down with a contract again! I was looking at the Nexus 4…not sure about the disco ball back to it though!
The effect is actually very subtle. Only if you angle the phone in a certain way to a bright light is it visible. Obviously camera flash tends to show it off
Does anyone have any idea when then might go back up on the play store? With JulianT complaining about a 3 week delivery I can imagine its not going to be this year that I’ll manage to get my mitts on one.
Well it’s hard to say since we don’t know so many of the factors, but I suspect they will fulfil all the outstanding orders before opening for sale again. They may also try to build up a greater stock before offering them for sale again to prevent another “sold out in 30 minutes” situation.
Downloaded it. Used it for 20 minutes. Deleted it.
Bloody awful, and worse than Apple Maps (which really isn’t that bad)