New Ovi Maps 3.0 Version From Nokia Beta Labs

by Mike Macias on September 11, 2009

N97 Maps Beta

Nokia Beta labs has been hard at work the past month updated the Ovi Maps application with new features and much better touch optimization for the Nokia N97, 5800xm, and all Symbian S60v5 devices. The maps & navigation experiences hasn’t just been updated -- there are a handful of new city guides & local events that make this a must-have application. That’s something I was never able to say about Nokia or Ovi Maps in the past, seeing how Google Maps has always been my favorite choice.

Whether you explore a city on foot, hit the road driving, plan a trip, or just want to get the best out of a new destination, Ovi Maps is always at your fingertips on your mobile and PC or Mac.

New Features

Improved application start up
Brand new menu with one touch access to content and services
New and improved one-box search
New features in car navigation service: ‘Drive home’ and ‘Track me’,
New features in the pedestrian navigation service: ‘Walk home’ and ‘Track me’,
Text-to-speech for voice guidance in car and pedestrian navigation, currently available for English and German. More languages will follow for the commercial release.

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Check out this video demonstration of Ovi Maps 3.0 beta:

I’m personally loving the 5 day weather forecast and movie times that are available in this new version. I have used this beta version alot the past few weeks and so far it’s been very solid. The GPS locks in under 20 seconds in my experience which is faster than most standalone GPS units I’ve used.

Combine this application & the beautiful large screen with a car holder for the N97 and you have yourself one awesome GPS car setup.

Download: Visit nokia.com/betalabs for more information.

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Article by Mike Macias

Mike has written 77 articles for your enjoyment.

On The Web: http://twitter.com/mikemacias

About: Mike is the editor-in-chief of N97fanatics.com and a huge mobile fanatic. He also runs MaemoFanatics.com and the popular E71fanatics.com. Contact him via email at contact@n97fanatics.com or at his Twitter page.

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  • Great tip, Blaxx!

    I've only just started playing with the new Ovi Maps today, but I think I'm missing out a little bit compared to your guys' experience...for instance, it appears that Ovi Maps Beta doesn't have 'Satellite' view option available. I have what appears to be a satellite view when I zoom out considerably...but this is at the state level...I'd like satellite view a little closer.

    I'm also having some trouble with the compass. I had no problem calibrating it with my previous Ovi Maps, but I can't seem to figure this one out (any tips for this Beta version, guys?). I'll keep playing with it tomorrow.

    Last thing: my position was more accurate by three miles when I was indoors!

    Basically I blame all of this on where I live. I'm kind of in a remote part of the world as far as mobile techonlogy is concerned (Cabo San Lucas, Mexico). I still really like everything that Ovi Maps does for me, but I'll just have to wait for some of the other benefits to reach us down here (I searched for a business and got a place 6,000 miles away! Too far for me to walk to get a haircut).

    Like I said, I've really only begun to start playing around with it, but so far it looks pretty nice; I would suggest it to anyone.

    MD 7
  • I forgot to mention that I love the 'Lonely Planet' integration. I can't wait to take it on a field test...

    MD 7
  • Like Mike, Google Maps has always been my first choice when it comes to on-device GPS when I need to locate something nearby or confirm somewhere I'm driving to but this new Ovi Maps beta is really closing the gap. The fact that they have made it a lot more touch-friendly is the biggest part of this. They still have a bit of a ways to go with the search function but I'm loving this.

    By the way, here's something interesting that you may or may not have already known. When you mark your favorite locations in Ovi Maps, either on your device or your PC, Google Maps also marks them as well.
  • This application is amazing! I can finally search locally and find things in my area. On prior map applications from Nokia I wouldnt be able to find many POI, this application is much improved.
  • Matt Towsey
    Is it just me or does the lack of a post code locater bug anyone else? I've tried the search bar and it seems a little bit hit and miss at times.
  • Betty01
    I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

    Betty

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