Nokia Here, could win the maps war on iOS

Nokia recently launched “Here” their new mapping and turn-by-turn navigation app for iOS, Android, Windows Phone and PC. Even though it was initially built in to Nokia’s Lumia Windows Phones as a replacement for Nokia Maps, it will also be released as a free app download for rival platforms iOS and Android, and on PC.

What makes “Here” better than other offers, yes Apple I am looking at you, is the fact that it offers not only the standard options but also allows the user to personalize their choices with the possibility of saving favorite destinations and locations in an area known as ‘Connections’. Furthermore the map has been created in such a way that it works offline in a way, in other words you can easily load up a route at home and use Here to get you there without needing a 3G connection on your phone.

For the iOS users among our readers you will be pleased to know that “Here” uses HTML5 technology.

Another great feature is that “Here” will provide you with view traffic updates, incident reports and public transport timetables that update immediately. Places will also be integrated, with the option to view top places to eat, for example, within your area.

An Android version of the app will be launched in 2013, as will an iOS app that is effectively a mobile version of the website. Windows Phones will be able to get the app in the very near future.