HERE Maps Review – Another Worthy Apple Competitor

Our rating:

By: Nokia gate5 GmbH

Version #: 1.8

Date Released: 2012-11-19

Developer: Nokia gate5 GmbH

Price: 0

User Rating:

Loading...

Download App

With the perceived weakness of Apple’s revised built-in mapping application, it was only a matter of time before other companies got in on the act.  This includes a well-known company called Nokia, which has its own cell phone empire.  But is it worth the download?  Does it stack up against Apple’s product?  Yes and no.

Like Apple’s Maps, it has flaws.  Pinch and zoom is slightly buggy.  For example, if what you want to zoom into is on the side of the map, rather than locate your fingers, the app only zooms into the center of the map.  Even in terms of its general presentation, it’s not that impressive.  There are voice directions, but only one voice to choose from and unavailable when driving.  It’s only for walking.

Of course, the app has some nice features such as live traffic and a public transportation view.  The app even provides walking directions for the pedestrian in us.  Unlike Apple’s Maps, they haven’t misplaced anything in the ocean.

HERE Maps isn’t vector-based like Apple’s, so the loading of maps is slower.  There are also no 3D views or any of the impressive bells and whistles of Apple’s offering.  There is a social media aspect which lets you share places of interest, but so what?

Given that the app is free, it’s worth one’s time to download and experiment with.  However, it’s not quite refined enough to be serious competition to Apple’s built-in offering.  The real competition will take place when Google finally releases its own mapping application.