Review of Nokia HERE Maps app for Android
Android / / December 19, 2019
In the category of mapping applications on the Android platform is the clear leader, no doubt, Google Maps. However, very soon this quiet life may come to an end, as is about to exit the application HERE expected from Nokia. We looked at the first beta version of the program and came to the conclusion that the fight will be serious.
Mapping service from Nokia has always been somewhat in the shadow of Android users due to the lack of appropriate mobile application. And it is in vain, because of the coverage and reliability of HERE Maps cards exceeds many competitors. Suffice it to say that they were using the world's leading producer of digital maps and geographic information systems Navtq. At present, HERE Maps covers 196 countries, including providing the navigation service in 96 countries.
When Nokia released a series of its own smartphones on Android, in which there were branded cards, the issue of development versions of HERE Maps for other devices it became only a matter of time. And so it happened: the company confirmed in a network flowed first beta.
At the time of the initial application asks to register, but you need it only if you are going to save their favorite locations and trips. The main place in the program window occupies the area map, only the top there is a search bar, and in the corners there are several small buttons.
With the menu button you can open the Control Panel program, on which the switch mode button to navigation ( "By car"), Recalling the list of places ( "Collections"), switching to offline mode, access to settings. On the right side is another to leave the panel, making it possible to change the style of the map display. In general, the information provided by the application of terrain seemed sufficiently detailed and accurate.
Motorists will appreciate the navigation function, which is available in the following mode or in Browse mode. The application has a function for voice prompts, including in Russian, but the necessary files you need to load extra. In the setting of the automotive mode, you can set the unit system, routing parameters include notification of speeding, and so on.
If you do not drive a car, then the Nokia HERE for you, too, will be a very useful application. It can not only get directions while pedestrian walks, but also knows all about the movement of the local public transport. To do this, you only need to specify the purpose of his journey, and the program will immediately spit out all possible options to achieve it with the number of transfers and stops.
Finally we have in store for you the most pleasant feature of Nokia HERE app, which is likely to be a trump card in the fight with Google Maps. The fact that all of its features can be used without an Internet connection. To do this, the menu you need to select "Download maps", and then specify their country. The cards have a rather big size, so it is necessary to take care that there is enough space on the SD-card.
In general, Nokia HERE app looks quite interesting and promising. Due to the diverse and relevant cartographic information, user-friendly interface and the availability of all necessary functions, it is fully capable to compete with Google Maps. And the ability to work offline can even tip the scales in the fight for the favor of users. The disadvantages are the lack of optimization and some "thoughtful" interface that will be felt especially on slower devices. However, we should not forget that this is only a beta version.
Download and try yourself Nokia HERE beta can here.