Nokia — GPS Obsessed

Nokia Maps 2.0 Out Of Beta With A Bunch Of New Features

by Justin

Nokia Maps 2.0

Nokia Maps 2.0 is ready to graduate from beta with a whole new list of features added to the service all thanks to tester suggestions and feedback. Some of the new features include a “My Licenses” category to see what licenses you’ve purchased, the addition of 7-digit postal codes in the UK, a flat menu structure for simplified route planning, increased GPS frequency, manual zoom, and the addition of latitude and longitude coordinates under the Details menu. The flagship feature added in the beta phase is network-based positioning which will position you within 5-10 seconds on a map using a pink circle. Once the GPS position is locked the pink circle disappears and the GPS position is used instead because it’s more accurate. This feature works on all AGPS-enabled devices, but users of the Nokia E90 mobile phone will require a software update that will be released in the near future. And for residents of New Zealand, Venezuela and Chile: you’ll be happy to know Nokia Maps 2.0 now works in your countries as well.

via nokia beta labs

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May 24, 2008 2 Comments

EU Investigating Nokia/Navteq Deal Apparently Fearful Of Monopoly

by Justin

Apparently fearful of Nokia’s power over the European navigation industry if the company’s proposed $8.1 billion takeover of map-maker Navteq goes through, the European Commission has announced an in-depth investigation of the competitive ramifications of the deal.

The Commission’s initial investigation into the deal exposed “serious doubts with regards to … competition concerns”, and the in-depth inquiry will focus on whether the purchase will increase the cost of or limit access to Navteq maps used by other mobile phone providers. This is turn would negatively impact consumers.

The European Commission has until August 8, 2008 to make a final decision regarding the impact on industry competitiveness in Europe. The United States Federal Trade Commission approved the deal in December of 2007.

This isn’t the first deal being investigated by the European Union’s trade body. GPS manufacturer TomTom is looking to purchase map-maker TeleAtlas, another deal currently being investigated by the European Commission.

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March 30, 2008 2 Comments

Nokia 6650 Featuring GPS Set For European Launch

by Justin

Another hot Nokia GPS-enabled mobile phone is primed for release during the 3rd quarter of 2008. The Nokia 6650 is available exclusively to European T-Mobile customers and features a 2.2-inch QVGA color display, HSDPA connectivity, keys for a built-in media player, and of course, integrated GPS. Of course, Nokia is never known to settle with just a few top-of-the-line features, they have to go all the way. That’s why the Nokia 6650 also features Bluetooth, a two megapixel digital camera and an SD card slot. Being exclusive to T-Mobile customers, it’s expected the Nokia 6650 will support T-Mobile features as well.

Via SlipperyBrick