Nokia Maps fights back against iOS as HTML5 web app

PanARMENIAN.Net - Nokia have posted to the Nokia Conversions blog to let the world know that Nokia Maps is now accessible just about anywhere with a web browser, SlashGear reported.Nokia says that Nokia Maps for Web will work on iOS devices running 4.3 upwards, Android 2.2 and up, as well as the Nokia N9, and even webOS, although they do note support on those two platforms is experimental. There’s also support for BlackBerry’s running OS 7.0 and up.

Right now there’s navigation support for cars, public transport, and walking, similar to Google Maps. There’s also support for audio directions: when plotting a route with Nokia Maps, the user will be prompted to download a 2MB audio file, after which a voice will guide with the typical “turn left” or “turn right” direction instructions, although right now voice navigation is only supported for journeys travelled by walking. Map overlays include a satellite view, public transport routes, and a live traffic view.

Nokia Maps works remarkably well on an iPhone 4S running iOS 5.0.1, even if it’s a web based app. The resolution of the maps isn’t as high as at Google Maps, for example, but routing is quick and accurate.