Nokia Maps 3.0 beta now available.

If you guys check the Nokia Beta Labs, you’ll see that Nokia Maps 3.0beta is available for you to upgrade from Maps 2.0 and other previous versions.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrJ45g1xbPY]

I use MAPS a lot whenever I’m jogging/walking (mostly walking, haha) along some new areas I’ve never been to, either trying to get to some new place or getting back home from one. I don’t use the voice guidance-sat nav bit much as all I really need is to see where I am, relate that to what direction I’m moving towards then just plod on towards that particular destination. Plus it’s not so practical to keep looking down at the screen when your running or walking, for either the sake of it falling out of your hands or even getting mugged.

Maps 3.0 has a whole host of new features that makes the full liscenced navigational experience more appealing. For example, if you travel by foot or by bike, Nokia Maps utilises vibrations before next turns saving you from having to view the screen. In addition, there are now shortcuts through paths/parks and the likes, not making you go through an unecessarily longer route because it thinks you’re a car.

For both vehicle and pedestrian navigation, there are including new 2D/3D hybrid satellite views, including 3D landmarks, terrain maps and more clearly marked streets. When driving, you now have lane assistance, speed limit warnings, improved sign post design and new ‘Route overview’ mode during navigation, as well as real time traffic info.

MAPS AND OVI

Nokia Maps 3.0 allows browsing maps online through OVI, save your favourite places then sync them to your phone.

GETTING MAPS 3.0

To get Maps 3.0, you will need to have installed a few things first.

1. PC SUITE

2. Nokia Maps Updater

3. Nokia Map Loader 3.0

Maps 3.0 beta will require the installation of NEW compatible maps and voice guidance files, so no simple .sis files available yet. I’ve got Maps 2.0 installed, and apparently,

“Nokia Maps Updater will not work if you have installed Maps 2.0 to your phone as a sis file. This will be fixed.”

I’m guessing that’s why I’m getting the “your phone is not supported” error. :/

Instructions:

1. Download and install Nokia Maps Updater to your computer.
2. Connect your device to the computer (preferably with USB cable, but can be done via bluetooth), and open Nokia Maps Updater.
3. Select your language from the list.
4. If more than one device is connected to the computer, select your device from the list.
5. When Nokia Maps Updater has found updates, select to download them to your device.
6. Accept the download in your device when prompted on the device display.

Tags: Nokia Maps 3.0 Applications Navigation

Category: 3rd edition, Applications, Freeware, Nokia, OVI, S60, Video