A new version of Nokia Maps has surfaced on Nokia Beta Labs, and while most updates tend to be a case of evolution rather than revolution, Nokia Maps 3.08 beta is definitely worth getting excited about if you're a driver. Read on to find out why.

Nokia Maps is one of the most loved Nokia services the world over. Its mapping services on their own are an invaluable tool to countless mobile users, while millions of drivers rely on its completely free turn-by-turn directions every single day.

And it's the latter side of Nokia Maps that has been given a serious shakeup in Nokia Maps 3.08, which is available to download now in beta form from Nokia Beta Labs.

You'll notice, by the way, that we're calling it Nokia Maps rather than Ovi Maps. That's because this release marks the switch back to the Nokia-centred naming convention we first heard about last month.

Here are the top 5 highlights why Nokia Maps is worth taking for a test drive right now:

Traffic-aware routing
The most exciting new feature in Nokia Maps 3.08 is traffic-aware routing, which dynamically updates directions in real time based on the very latest traffic information on the roads ahead. Traffic information has been a live feature on Nokia Maps for a while now – using a simple traffic light system to indicate potential traffic jams, but this is the first time you've been able to get intelligent routing that integrates this information automatically and responds instantly.

Revamped Drive interface
The Drive interface – that's the screen you'll spend most time looking at – has been given a whole new look and feel, with simple command buttons for Set destination, Drive home and Just drive (see below). A refreshed info bar shows key info while driving, and also gives quick access to the Options menu where you can adjust settings and options. These are then updated instantly as soon as you return to the Drive screen.

Just Drive
If you're driving on unfamiliar roads you don't want unnecessary info cluttering up the screen, but if you're just taking a drive and don't need directions, it's great to be able to see some detail on the surrounding area. That's what the Just Drive mode is for, giving you a whole new way to use Nokia Maps while also keeping tabs on your speed, total driving distance and other basic tools.

Simpler and safer
Every button press and glance at your Nokia's screen is, even if only a little, distracting your attention from the road, and Nokia has worked hard to make Nokia Maps simpler and easier to use with version 3.08. Icons are bigger, more touch-friendly features are supported – like being able to switch between 2D and 3D views with a simple side-swipe – and wide range of other tools and commands have been made easier to access, making the whole package safer to use while driving.

Easier to set destinations
Nokia Maps 3.08 is now easier to search and program destinations for too. You can now set a contact as a destination, provided you've linked that person to a place on the map at some point, while destinations can be selected from search, history, favourite locations and categories (nearby POIs) too.

Nokia Maps beta 3.08 is available to download now for all Symbian^3 handsets. Being a beta version you're encouraged to feed back your thoughts to the Nokia developers, but we'd love to hear from you too. Have you given it a try yet, and how have you found it in practise? Let us know in the Comments.