Pushing location beyond Nokia

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Sudhir Chowdhary: Nov 26 2012, 04:47 IST

Just as search engines like Google and Bing redefined the ‘what’ category and Facebook redefined the ‘who’ category, Nokia is attempting to redefine the ‘where’ category to help people discover the world around them, courtesy its mapping technology. The Finnish handset maker, which claims to be the largest mapping company in the world—it has maps for more than 190 countries and more than 100 of these maps can be navigated—and gets one billion search queries annually, plans to deliver its maps and location services across more screens and operating systems. That is, beyond cars and beyond Nokia devices.

In this direction, Nokia has launched a maps app for Apple devices—iPhone, iPad as well as iPod Touch. Available for free on iTunes, the app is compatible with devices running on iOS 4.3 or later versions. It will include offline capabilities, voice-guided walk navigation, and public transport directions.

Nokia has also demonstrated an Android operating system-based app and announced plans for the availability of tools for Android device makers in early 2013. This is aimed at enabling partners to create location-based apps for Android devices with Nokia’s location and mapping content. The new mapping products have been branded as a new service called HERE. That’s not all: Nokia is also partnering Mozilla to bring new location experiences to the Firefox operating system. Nokia plans to debut a mobile Web version of HERE Maps for the new Firefox OS next year.

In simple terms, HERE is Nokia’s new brand for its location and mapping service for

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