After my complaining two days ago about the devices now comes the time to give some praise as well. At the Mobile World Congress Nokia announced 2.0 incarnation of maps. At this point it's beta version but after playing with it fot the few days I've had it installed I must say it's now a MUCH better application than the previous version was. The first thing that I've noticed is the speed of rerouting; it now takes about 2 seconds to recalculate the route.
First thing first: The interface has been completely revamped and not feels more like a real GPS instead of a phone. The first thing that stands out is the colors; the interface doesn't look like something out of Toys-R-Us store anymore. It's mostly black, brick-red, some blue. Some might say it looks a bit dull but surprisingly it's quite "peaceful". One of the main features that I like a lot is the MUCH improved search feature. Since the interface now employs a transparent menus, the whole screen doesn't look as cluttered - which allowed to include the search window RIGHT on the main screen. All you need to do now is just start typing what you're looking for and get this.... press the D-Pad middle button. This button has not been used on ANY native application for soft menu buttons but in Maps 2.0 it finally got some useful functionality.
Next thing that I've noticed is another welcome improvement. Now I don't know if the software has anything to do with it but the GPS signal acquisition takes only about 30 seconds or less. I'm sure the assisted GPS (A-GPS) has something to do with it. It's simply a pleasure now to launch the software and in less than 30 seconds have the full signal. Next down the list is the menu structure. Most of it was redesigned and is in different order. At first I had a still moment where I could not figure out where such things as map view was but after a few seconds it all started coming back together and making sense. While in "cruising" mode if for example you want to switch to 3D Map, you have to press the "Options" menu button then go to map and switch to a different view. Now the cool part comes when you're in the turn-by-turn navigation mode (premium feature). That's when the middle button comes in handy again...press it and you are presented with three icons at the bottom of the screen letting you select Standard 2D, 3D or Directional navigation (arrows telling you where to go).. The application also gained another perk...it's now capable of showing the satellite view. The only drawback is that the satellite view doesn't seem to be stored on the phone and instead is downloaded "on the fly" through your data connection.
One confusing feature is the Search menu (not from the main screen but under the Options sub menu). In the old version the history of searches was right under the main search menu. In the new 2.0 it's hidden one level deeper...in Search / Favourites. After using the application for a couple of weeks I still forget where the history of searches is located at.
Another nice "touch" to Maps 2.0 is the overall feeling of a stand alone GPS unit. If you've played with Garmins, TomToms, or any other GPS receivers currently on the market you know the nice icon driven menu that allows you to get to settings, options, and everything else - well..you got that on board now as well..
I give Nokia Maps 2.0 a definite "thumbs up"
As you can see from the above menu you now have an option to add a stopovers in your route. I do not recall if that option was available in the previous version but if it was, It must have been hidden pretty well since this was a feature that I wanted to use many times in the past. My overall experience with Maps 2.0 has been pretty good and it's nice to know that this is a free application that gives you a plenty of features without paying a penny. I'm sure many people will bitch at the fact that you need to pay extra for turn by turn and voice guided navigation. To me this is not an issue. In the past I have paid for a monthly service ($13) which is basically three Grande Caramel Macchiatos from Starbucks...sure...it would be nice if it was completely free but if you look at any commercial stand alone GPS receivers - they too charge for services such traffic updates or city guides. With Maps 2.0 Nokia is giving away a good application with basic functionality but charges you for Turn by turn with voice, city guides and traffic info. Standalone GPS would be useless if it would not include turn by turn and you had to pay for it. Nokia is a Phone with GPS where GPS is a DEDICATED navigation device that makes money on other services. Look at it this way...Most GPS makers charge you for updated maps so in a year or so your maps may become outdated. Nokia gives them away free of charge. Charging for extra services allows Nokia to offer the application with base functionality free of charge.
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