After securing a deal to power maps on Samsung’s Galaxy and Tizen smartphones and wearables, Nokia has revealed plans to bring its impressive Here maps app to iOS and Android.
Although it will initially be a Samsung exclusive, Nokia plans to roll out the navigation app on both of the major platforms by the end of the year.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Nokia plans to take the fight to Google Maps and Apple Maps with a free app that will not require an internet connection in order to work.
Both of the major platforms tend to require an active Wi-Fi or data connection in order to generate driving directions before GPS keeps users along the way. However once the maps are downloaded, Here will be a fully offline experience.
The presence of offline driving directions be the killer feature for some, especially for users travelling and driving abroad. Google Maps does have an offline mode tucked away, but its app is mainly designed for use with a data connection.
The launch on Google and Apple’s platforms will of course be subject to the two companies’ approval, but Nokia expects it to be smooth sailing.
The firm believes there’s a market for alternatives to the standard mobile navigation experience, which is currently dominated by Google and, by default, Apple.
"I'm convinced people are looking for alternatives," Nokia Here's Sean Fernback said.
"Google Maps is a good solution for many, their maps work very well, but it has looked the same and done the same for a long time."
Here Maps has been available on iOS before as Nokia Maps, but the firm pulled the app in order to focus on its Windows Phone and Windows 8.1 offerings.
Will you be downloading Here Maps when it arrives on your iOS and Android device? Let us know your thoughts below.
Read more: Nokia Here heading for predictive mapping
Via: CNET