As some of you might already know, Nokia has released brand new Ovi Map with turn by turn navigation function, or GPS in Layman term. The new Ovi Maps which so far only compatible with Nokia’s latest smartphone, is available free of charge in more than 70 countries.

Unlike Google Maps which use data (internet) connection to run its turn by turn function, Nokia Ovi Maps doesn’t need that, although it still need data connection to occasionally update the maps. The release is like killing a bird with 2 stone. First, this is brilliant move as most Nokia’s smartphones (at least in this country) are running Garmin software which charge small fee to use it (I know there is ehem version for it). It surely hit Garmin and other GPS company that sell GPS software for Nokia phone. Secondly, Nokia has silently sent the message to the world particularly it’s rival, that they can offer better maps (from Navteq) with turn by turn navigation which is more practical to the rest of the world rather than specific for one region.

Beside a good camera, GPS is also one of the sought after function in smartphones nowadays. This is especially true for non geeks or person that looking for device with multiple function that easy to use. Whereas geeks will looks for OS or new technology that offer tonnes of stuff to explore and intuitive enough to use.

Having this maps gives Nokia an edge over it’s smaller as well as rising rival. This could be lethal weapon that Nokia really needs to explore mature market where the demand for high technology is extremely high and crucial to boost Nokia smartphone market share in near future. The only thing it lack now is fine OS (Maemo or S60) that capable of throwing strong challenge to Android, iPhone, WinMo , and Android or even WebOS.

Now back to the maps, I have a chance testing the Ovi Map briefly the day it was released. I don’t own any Nokia smartphone, but a friend of mine lend me his brand new E72, to get this maps installed. It is not a secret that most Nokia smartphone users that I know, aware of Ovi Store, but never had intent using it. So I have brief lecture with them about the benefit of having apps in your smarthone, and bla bla bla.

Well, after went through some installation process, I’m now ready to see how it’s work. I made a short journey from the office where I work at Cyberjaya to restaurant nearby that I have recorded below.

For turn by turn navigation in Ovi Maps, it has 2 mode which is Walk and Drive. Other existing option such as My Location, Places and etc is still there.

I use ‘Drive’ mode which Nokia has explained it very well on their website as “The Free turn-by-turn drive navigation, with voice and visual guidance in over 70 countries. Includes real-time traffic information, lane assistance, speed limit warnings, and automatic re-routing to help you arrive safely and on time“. Sound familiar?

I can also set the ‘home’ destination’ which will be stored in the maps for later use. That’s why if you watch the video carefully, the routing shown in the screen (in blue) is different from what we’re heading to. My sincere apology, that the video quality is bad. I merely want to see how it works, accuracy and etc. The outcome does not disappointing. As expected, the maps and route is accurate and able to bring us to the destination. It is short video indeed, and does not provide enough credit that it is going to works on other areas. Cyberjaya is not a big city although it is touted as Intelligent City, with roads that doesn’t change for years. So it make sense that the map is accurate, but if you test it at city center with frequent traffic change, the result may different

There are 3 view mode you can choose from, which are 3D, 2D and another 1 that I forgot. Enough said, you can find more feature here, or download it directly to your mobile phone from Ovi Maps or this page. Now I wish that I have compatible Nokia’s smartphone that able to run this GPS..