Nokia Maps 2.0 anything but pedestrian

Hey, go take a walk, why don't ya? That is, with Nokia Maps 2.0. Nokia announced at GSMA 2008 that its newest version of the mapping and software application is now available in beta form, and it brings a number of enhancements, including more advanced pedestrian navigation. This makes complete sense to me, given that cell phones and smartphones make for better handheld navigators than in-car GPS. Of course, I realize not everyone lives in a place where you can walk to your destination, but for those who do, the new features of Nokia Maps 2.0 are pretty awesome.

First, there's the Walk function that gives you visual turn-by-turn directions and also provides information about surrounding streets and buildings. In newer handsets like the just-announced Nokia 6220 Navigator, you'll also get a built-in compass. And we're not talking about a simple digital compass. The map will move with every direction for more accurate orientation. Nokia Maps 2.0 also adds the option to purchase multimedia city guides that give you photos, videos, and audio streams of your destination. And of course, it will continue to offer in-car guidance.

Nokia Maps 2.0 is available for selected devices from the Nokia Beta Labs Web site, and the company hopes to bring the application to the mass market along with a Series 40 version during the first half of the year.