Nokia launched its Maps app for Windows Phone last year, shortly after the launch of its beautiful Lumia 800 device. Part of a suite that compromises a package of Lumia-only “value apps,” Maps has become an essential tool for most users not overly happy with the built-in Bing Maps solution.
Nokia has updated Maps to version 2.0, and as any good second version would do it improves upon the core functionality by adding a number of excellent features. Most importantly, you can now add favourites by pinning certain areas on the map. These can be synchronized between maps.nokia.com and m.maps.nokia.com, the desktop- and HTML5-based mobile versions respectively, so you’ll always know exactly where you’re going.
The company has also added a social element to the mix by allowing users to take photos of places. Along with those snaps, reviews can be left for places such as restaurants and landmarks; this is Nokia’s way of battling Google Maps Local right where it hurts.
Lastly, Nokia has improved the live tile functionality in Maps. You can now pin to the home screen the exact walking, transit or car-based directions to a single destination; if you need to go home and don’t know how to get there, the app will figure that out based on your current location. Very handy.
You can download Nokia Maps from the Windows Phone Marketplace if you have a Lumia device.
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