The iOS version of Nokia's cloud-based mapping service has been released on Apple's App Store. The service boasts a number of compelling features and undoubtedly aims to capitalize on the problems encountered by iPhone and iPad owners while using Cupertino's own Maps app.
Nokia Here provides access to all of the company's mapping data, regardless of the platform you're using. The web-based version has been available for use since the announcement on November 13th (compatible with Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer and Safari), and you can even fire up the service on devices running Android 2.2 and up.
The iOS app, based on HTML5, offers some compelling functionality, including the ability to save a geographical area for offline use and voice-guided walking directions. The service will also feature public transport directions, as well as the company's Collections service, which lets users save their favorite locations to a personal account. Lastly, Nokia has included a Community View feature which allows users to see (you guessed it) community-sourced information about the local area in addition to the company's own offering.
The release of the service on Apple's iOS is significant due to the negative reaction to the company's own Maps app. An upgrade to iOS 6 removed the popular Google Maps app from user's iPhone or iPad, replacing it with Apple Maps, the quality and accuracy of which fell short of what consumers have come to expect from Cupertino's products.
Nokia has also partnered with Mozilla, and plans to bring a mobile web version of the maps service to the company's Firefox OS sometime in 2013.
When I tested the system out I noticed the map quality was not good and that the directions were very bad. For a rout I know is used a lot there wasn't any transit directions but there was walking directions that would take me 11 hours (leave at 5am maybe get the 4:20 ferry). The driving directions were at least good enough but just hardly.
This news article needs revision as it is lowering the credibility of the website by giving a good review to a product that still needs much development and new satellite map.
As for nokia. Things like this make or brake on first reviews. You now have tons of people saying your map is terrible instead of great. You make it better but you would still have tons of people saying it is terrible to get over. On the other hand you should stick with it instead of making a new one before the last one has time to develop properly.