Nokia's HERE Maps now available for the Nokia Asha 501

Most low-priced, entry level handsets like the Nokia Asha 501 don't offer the user the opportunity to use a mapping feature like HERE Maps. Yet, Nokia announced on Wednesday that the mapping application will be available for the device. It is a smart idea by the Finnish based manufacturer because it differentiates its entry level model with the competition. Most other phones in the same price range as the Nokia Asha 501 simply do not offer a mapping solution.

The Nokia Asha 501 will host a beta version of HERE Maps made specifically for phones without a GPS system. Users will be able to scour 200 countries looking for directions on how to get from one place to another by car, public transportation or by walking. When requesting information for a route while driving, information like real-time traffic is used in order to get you from point "A" to point "B" quickly.

Besides using a standard map view, HERE Maps will also show you satellite images as well as a map for those using public transit. Both of those views are about to be updated to show a higher quality image. HERE Maps (beta) is now available as a free update from the Nokia Store.


source: Nokia via Engadget