Nokia just announced that its mapping and navigation platform smart2go would be free for all. The platform is a hybrid map solution combining map data from Tele-Atlas and Navteq which can be downloaded directly via wireless network (e.g. GPRS/3G/WLAN) and stored on the devices memory card as needed
smart2go platform allows for mapping and routing in over 150 countries and has support for full turn-by-turn satellite navigation in over 30 countries. The application allows people to view where they are on a map, search for points-of-interests (POI) around them and create routes to get them there free of charge. Nokia plans to start offering the smart2go application for free, on Saturday, February 10th, for selected Nokia S60 and Windows Mobile 5.0 devices initially and has plans to roll out support for most of the major mobile OS platforms including Nokia S60, Series 40, PocketPC, Linux and other Windows Mobile devices.
So you’ll be able to download all the maps for free but if you want a full fledged turn-by-turn navigation system you’ll have to upgrade and buy a licence. These licenses will be available in various terms, from a week to 3 years.
When traveling to a new country for holiday one can download the relevant maps via PC in advance and subscribe to the navigation service for the duration of the holiday at affordable cost.
The free downloads will be available starting today. We have no information on the pricing yet but the sample images give us a clue:
Perhaps 7.99€ per week? Oh by the way, you’ll probably need a bluetooth GPS receiver if your mobile device doesn’t have one. If you must have a brand name check out Nokia LD-1W.
