Nokia may be trying hard to regain control over their slipping position in the market, but they seemed to have gotten one thing right, an area even Apple did not manage to excel at; the maps technology. With Nokia’s latest Lumia 920 going on sale, the company needs to cash in on their strength!
Apple’s Maps app in the latest operating system was the company’s attempt at trying to keep Google Maps out of their products. However, the app is far from being fully equipped to be released. In times like this, Nokia’s official blog seems to have done a good job of reminding readers and users that providing an excellent mapping experience is an area they excel at. The blog goes on to state that their apps have been developed using Navteq maps, automotive-grade and accurately developed over a period of 20 years, implementing the use of robust processing of functionalities like geocoding and routing, use of precise data while ensuring that the end result is user friendly.
The City Lens feature in the Lumia 920 provides detailed information on several things, ranging from bus stops to restaurants. This app works in co-ordination with Nokia Drive, an app that provides driving directions and routing. It also complements Nokia Transport and Nokia Maps which offer directions through the use of public transport in 500 cities, while Apple provides in none, and turn by turn directions to pedestrians in 110 countries respectively. It also provides a map of venues in 38 countries, voice-guided directions, and recommends places and people you could meet when around a certain location. The app also offers information about live traffic in 26 countries while Apple offers it only for 23 countries. Unlike the apps offered by Samsung and Apple, this even works when offline, allowing users without any network coverage to find out directions.
Analysts would agree that Nokia’s navigation and mapping services should indeed be highlighted since they are the best in the industry. After all, the company invests over $8 billion in NAVTEQ. The app is capable of constantly improving its maps and works in 9 out of 10 GPS systems in cars. Clearly Nokia needs to make their mapping service their selling point for their new Lumia phones. As for the iPhone 5, Apple is struggling to meet the demand with the supply!
