Nokia Maps 2.0: free to download

After several months of beta testing, Nokia Maps 2.0 is available as a free download from the Nokia website.

Also available from the Nokia Maps site is the Nokia Map Loader application for Windows PCs; used to side-load maps from your desktop PC to your handset. Nokia Maps can download maps over-the-air as the application needs them, but these maps equate to large packets of data and can easily equate to expensive mobile data bills.

The upgraded mapping application features a range of new services including improved pedestrian navigation, which features maps that can be zoomed to street level. This feature will be enhanced when Nokia releases the 6210 Navigator with an in-built gyroscope — hardware used in unison with an accelerometer to orientate Nokia Maps with the direction the user is facing.

Similar to other mapping software, users can enter keywords into the Nokia Maps interface to search for local businesses such as restaurants and hotels. Additional services are available via the software's menus including voice-guided navigation subscriptions and downloadable travel guides for specific cities and regions.

For full details and to download the latest version of Nokia Maps visit the website.