Ovi Maps is one of the best-loved parts of Nokia's software portfolio, all the more so for the fact that it's totally free. So we're particularly happy to report that the latest Ovi Maps 3.07 Beta for Symbian^3 devices like the new Nokia X7 and Nokia E6 has emerged fresh from Nokia's Beta Labs. Join us after the cut for the full low-down.

It's not long since Ovi Maps 3.06 graduated to the Ovi Store, but the folks over at Beta Labs never sleep, it seems, and have just hatched version 3.07 in beta form for all Symbian^3 devices. That means the Nokia N8, Nokia E7, Nokia C7, Nokia C6-01 and the pair of new faces launched last week, the Nokia X7 and Nokia E6.

So what does the latest version add to Ovi Maps' already rich set of features? Quite a bit, as it happens, though all the main Ovi Maps functionality you know and love is unchanged. For added convenience, you can access Maps, Drive, Check in and Guides with a single tap straight from the homescreen, while there's a new tab in search covering only favourites, while predictive search now works in offline mode too.

Place pages have been given a design overhaul, with new-look image galleries, user reviews and descriptions by business owners, leading guides and local content providers.

Nokia has also made it easier to change the map view when in Drive navigation mode – simply tap the Views icon and you can now pan the map to see the next move and explore the map within the route overview.

Also new is the ability to see the weather forecast for a location or city by tapping on Guides.

Add these new features to some of the smart innovations from previous releases, such as being able to update via Wi-Fi and find recommended places nearby when browsing a Place or Address page.

It's all in the Ovi Maps 3.07 Beta – available to download from Beta Labs now.