Nokia has announced that it will share its Drive, Maps and Transit apps with other Windows Phone handsets. Under the new name “Here”, users of non-Nokia handsets will finally be able to use the Finns’ excellent navigation software.
However, Nokia does point out that the “first and best” versions of the software will remain on its own smartphones. But that’s not too much of an issue: if you’re using Windows Phone, any leftovers from Nokia’s great navigation software are worth grabbing.
Nokia is keeping the rest for itself though. Today, it also announced that all its camera apps — Glam Me, Cinemagraph, burst-mode image corrector — will only feature on Lumia devices.
Update: The Here app is available for download now on Windows Phone. [Nokia]
Press Release
• At MWC Nokia announced HERE for Windows Phone 8. HERE Maps, HERE Drive (with regional navigation), HERE Drive+ (with global navigation), HERE Transit and HERE City Lens are available now on the Windows Phone Store.
• Formerly known as Nokia Drive, Maps, Transit and City Lens, these services will be rebranded under the HERE umbrella.
• All places search will be saved in the HERE cloud so that you can access them from here.com, HERE Drive (+), HERE Maps, HERE Transit and HERE City Lens.
About the HERE suite of applications:
The HERE experience is built on the world’s most complete and accurate map data based on 25 years of mapping technology leadership. We offer today the only true offline maps experience, the largest indoor map inventory, and the largest public transport coverage of any location service to date.
• HERE Maps has been designed to help you find places anywhere, get reviews, photos and then plan a route to get there.
• HERE Drive is for all of you who frequently use a car, to commute or travel. It has a unique user interface developed for in-car and arm-length use. This particular version for all Windows Phone 8 smartphones includes navigation for your region.
• HERE Transit is for public transport commuters who want to know the best time to leave the office or for partygoers who want a one-tap access to information on the next bus home.
Developers gain access to exclusive Nokia technology
• Nokia announced more than 130,000 applications are now available on Windows Phone.
• Nokia is also opening up its APIs in imaging, location and music to encourage developers to build unique and innovative application experiences for Lumia. New apps from Burton, GoPro and FourSquare are already taking advantage of these opportunities, while Nokia announced a new cooperation with Dreamworks Animations SKG. The partnership will see Dreamworks developers use Nokia APIs to deliver rich, interactive entertainment experiences, exclusively for Nokia devices, starting from the second half 2013.