Content Maker Network Blog

Mobile device major Nokia has unveiled a free navigation service on its handsets, a move that could deal another blow to manufacturers of satellite navigation (sat-nav) devices.

To start with, the new free service named Ovi Maps will be available on ten models of handsets, which according to Nokia is equivalent to nearly 83 million handsets already sold by it. The service will also be pre-loaded onto all Nokia handsets sold from January 21. Users will be able to avail of ‘turn-by-turn’ navigation, for different routes depending on whether they are walking or travelling in a vehicle. Ovi Maps will enable the maps to be stored in the phone itself, thereby, bringing down the load on the network. Thus, users in Britain will have access to 2D and 3D European maps, and more maps can be downloaded whenever needed.

Nokia said it hoped that other developers could design new applications to integrate them with their service. Launching the service, Executive Vice President of Nokia, Anssi Vanjoki called it a “giant mash-up environment”.

However, Nokia’s free mapping service could mean lower profits for sat-nav device manufacturers like TomTom. What’s more is that Nokia is not the only company to take such a step. Earlier, Google had also declared that it would offer free satellite navigation on its new Nexus One handset and on the Motorola Droid.

It is obvious both Nokia and Google believe they can still make good profits through contextual advertising. However, this will not allay the fears of any of the sat-nav makers, like TomTom, who still follow the more traditional business model.

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