Nokia to Open Up Navigation Platform
Nokia is making a foray into the mobile applications market, saying Thursday it plans to make its smart2go navigation platform available at no charge to select Nokia S60 and Windows Mobile devices.
Eventually, application support would be expanded to other S60 and Windows Mobile phones, as well as additional phone platforms including Nokia's Series 40, Microsoft's Pocket PC and Linux operating systems.
Smart2go, also to be called Nokia Maps, allows for mapping and routing for over 150 countries, and turn-by-turn satellite navigation in over 30 countries. Users can also view their location as well as search for points of interest near their locations.
Nokia says it will preinstall the application on all future NSeries devices. Phones without GPS capabilities would be able to use Nokia Maps by adding a special adapter to their phones.
"Nokia is on track to build the world's most connected location based platform for mobile devices which also opens up interesting opportunities for future services," Multimedia chief Ralph Eric Kunz said.
Mapping data would be downloaded directly to the device on an as-needed basis. Turn-by-turn navigation would be a premium feature, and customers would be able to purchase navigation licenses in blocks from a one-week to three-year term.
However, if the user only requires directions to a location, that option would be offered at no cost. "By offering Nokia Maps and smart2go for free on your mobile device, cost is no longer a barrier for anyone to enjoy the convenience of maps and routing on-the-go," Kunz added.
Those interested in finding out more about the service can visit the smart2go Web site.