Nokia blesses all its smartphones with free voice-guided navigation

21 January, 2010 Tags: Nokia

Nope, there is no mistake in the title. Today, in a swift game-changing maneuvre, Nokia announced that all their smartphones will get voice-guided turn-by-turn navigation through Ovi Maps for free. All you need is download the free new 3.3 version of Ovi Maps and you are good to go.

According to the company this new version includes high-end walk and drive turn-by-turn voice navigation at no cost at all. Ovi Maps navigation is currently available in 74 countries and 46 languages, with even traffic information for more than 10 of those.

In any case this is a huge leap forward for Nokia and the value of their handsets. The Ovi Maps is even better than the Google's free Google Maps navigation as it doesn't necessarily need internet connection on-the-go to work - you can preload maps from a computer to escape data charges.

In addition Nokia have also substantially upgraded the Ovi Maps application itself, so it now packs a cooler looking interface, the Lonely planet city guide and Michelin restaurant guide with lots and lots of points of interest. There's also an events guide that lists all events happening within a 3km radius of your position and provides you with details on each one.

So what are you waiting for? Follow the link and get your free Ovi Maps update and you can use the voice guidance on your way back from work. You can also download it straight from your Nokia handset through the SW update utility.

More here.

edit: Is the Nokia 6720 a "Smartphone"?

Nokia announced that all their smartphones will get voice-guided turn-by-turn navigation through Ovi Maps for free

Apparently not....... I have a one year old 6210 Navigator and the new software (3.3) is not compatible with my phone.

So I think the correct news is "Nokia has announced that SELECT smartphones will get voice-guided turn-by-turn navigation through Ovi Maps for free.

I heard they are doing firmware updates on the old phones so they can run the ovi 3 maps but cant confirm the accuracy of this.

Anyway, its an excellent offer - seemingly in response to googles nexus 1 phone released early jan

...I have a one year old 6210 Navigator and the new software (3.3) is not compatible with my phone...

From this Nokia web page:

Compatible devices: Nokia X6, Nokia N97 mini, Nokia N97, E72, E55, E52, Nokia 6730 classic, Nokia 6710 Navigator, Nokia 5800 Xpressmusic, NOkia 5800 Navigation Edition, Nokia 5230. To find Ovi Maps for other mobile devices visit Maps Support

--

Maestro

Compatible devices: Nokia X6, Nokia N97 mini, Nokia N97, E72, E55, E52, Nokia 6730 classic, Nokia 6710 Navigator, Nokia 5800 Xpressmusic, NOkia 5800 Navigation Edition, Nokia 5230. To find Ovi Maps for other mobile devices visit Maps Support

And your point is?

I can tell you that if you select that option you are directed to the webpage with Ovi Maps 3.0, which does NOT offer free navigation.

Hmmm how about a refund for those who brought it?