As mobile navigation services go, Nokia Maps is up there with the very best - offering free turn-by-turn navigation to owners of Nokia phones, such as the Nokia Lumia 800 Windows Phone, to Symbian devices such as the Nokia N8 and Nokia 700. In 2011 Nokia Maps got even better. Find out more in our Nokia Maps year in review.

Nokia Maps comes pre-loaded with maps of your continent. More can be added over an online connection before setting off on holiday. Nokia Maps also features 2D and 3D landmarks of famous cities around the world, and public transport links are all marked. A search lets you find local amenities.

In July Nokia Maps version 3.08 replaced Ovi Maps, bringing with it new Nokia Drive features and a new look. The new Drive assistance added live traffic updates integrated easily with Nokia Maps.



There were many new reasons to love the new Nokia Maps 3.08 beta. These included a revamped driving interface that displayed key information when driving without being a distraction, an easier to use interface and easier to set destinations. Navigation on Nokia devices had never been easier. A web version works even for Apple and Android devices. 


Nokia Maps version 3.08 replaces Ovi Maps 



An update to maps.nokia.com also saw it get interactive heat maps displaying the most congested traffic zones. Areas marked in red featured the highest concentration of traffic so that you know where to avoid when revving it into town. In our full Nokia Maps 3.08 review the service performed exceptionally well. Nokia Maps performed admirably quickly in whatever was asked of it.

The new Drive features felt like a step forward, and still do. Weather functionality in August simply added to Nokia Maps‘ talents. In September Nokia maps had a record amount of users: 650,000 since the Nokia Labs Beta in February 2008. Nokia Maps was going from strength-to-strength.



Nokia Maps 3.08 review on your Nokia N8

In November Nokia Maps continued to add more features. The new Nokia Maps 3D view delivered photorealistic images of landmarks from all over the world. Dedicated pages for over 50 cities helped Nokia Maps discover new things to see and do in cities such as London, New York and Melbourne.

Combined with weather updates and detailed navigation, Nokia Maps continued to prove an invaluable feature. 

Now available for the Nokia Lumia 800, Nokia Maps has left the beta version. A new version - 1.0.45.86 brings a full release to the Nokia Lumia 800 and all the benefits seen previously. And it’s all completely free. Who needs a sat-nav when you’ve got Nokia Maps?



Nokia Maps v1.0.45.86 update for Nokia Lumia 800 – download it now!

Have you been using Nokia Maps this year? Why not let us know what you think in the comments section below.