Nokia Beta Labs has released an update to the Nokia Maps app for S60 3rd Edition phones that adds realtime traffic updates to the device.
Using data gathered from collaborators ARC Transistance (they only sound like a form of radiation, they are in fact a Europe-wide body of automotive clubs like the AA) the Maps app will show traffic troublespots near your vehicle updated in as near to real time as your connection and their servers will allow which will let you steer your way trhough any roadworks, jams or other hazards.
Not that you should be gazing at your mobile while driving, of course. Hmm. Maybe you should get a passenger to check it for you.
There seems to be a slight bug in the current release that causes the app to download too much trafifc data at once, so it might be worth holding off on this one for a couple of days.
Nokia Beta Labs has used the Mobile World Congress to announce the release of Nokia Maps 2.0.
The new version of Nokia’s rival to Google Maps Mobile now has maps covering over 200 countries - many of which feature 3D and satellite imagery.
Version 2.0 has added Walk - a pedestrian route finder that complements the existing Drive in-car navigation system. Walk can give information about the surrounding area and shortcuts and can use the built-in compass of the Nokia 6210 to show which way you are walking.
Also new is the selection of downloadable multimedia city guides that point out notable features with audio and video descriptions.
Maps is fully compatible with built in and external GPS but seems to lack the My Location ‘pseudo GPS’ feature included in the latest Google Maps release although, given My Location’s lack of precision, this may not be such a loss.
As this is still a beta, Nokia recommend not trying to use their Traffic Info service and advise that some of the new map data might be drawn incorrectly.
