Nokia Offers Free Turn-By-Turn to Ovi

Cell phone developer, Nokia, has announced that they have added a free turn-by-turn GPS navigation system to ten of their cell phones. The Ovi Maps applications bring both driving and walking maps to the device. This is sure to bring additional competition to traditional GPS manufacturers, such as Garmin, Tom-Tom, and Magellan.

While many of the functions require a wireless connection, Ovi Maps can store local maps internally which will not require a cellular connection for use. This can save on both roaming charges as well as preserve the phone’s battery. The local maps will come previously stored on the phone and will encompass a large area. For example, UK citizens who purchase a phone with Ovi Maps will have pre-loaded maps of much of Europe.

Other functions, such as turn-by-turn driving or walking instruction and real time traffic data will require a wireless connection. While this map function is already provided by Google in the United States, Nokia’s Ovi Maps will better serve an international audience. The new service is available in nearly 75 countries, has instructions in 46 languages, and has maps of 180 countries.

Some of Nokia’s cell phones which will come standard with the new application are the N97 mini, E52, E55, and E72.