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Nokia Mapping Goes Free

Nokia announced plans to make its smart2go navigation platform available free to select Nokia S60 and Windows Mobile devices.

Eventually, application support would be expanded to other S60 and Windows Mobile phones, as well as additional phone platforms including Nokia’s Series 40, Microsoft’s Pocket PC and Linux operating systems.

Smart2go, also to be called Nokia Maps, allows for mapping and routing for over 150 countries, and turn-by-turn satellite navigation in over 30 countries. Users can also view their location as well as search for points of interest near their locations.

Nokia says it will preinstall the application on all future NSeries devices. Phones without GPS capabilities would be able to use Nokia Maps by adding a special adapter to their phones.

Mapping data would be downloaded directly to the device on an as-needed basis. Turn-by-turn navigation would be a premium feature. PC World reviews GPS options.

“By offering Nokia Maps and smart2go for free on your mobile device, cost is no longer a barrier for anyone to enjoy the convenience of maps and routing on-the-go,” Multimedia chief Ralph Eric Kunz said.

Meanwhile, Skyhook’s Wireless Position System is partnering with Sirf, a supplier of GPS Chips, for Wi-Fi Location. Sirf supplies GPS chips to TomTom, Garmin, Magellan, and others. Sirf will integrate Skyhook’s system in dual-radio GSM/Wi-Fi phones and other mobile devices. WiFi location info can complement satellite-based GPS where receiving satellite signals is problematic or slow.

Skyhook’s Loki toolbar lets laptop users integrate their location in a browser. A plug-in for the AOL’s Instant Messenger 6.0 client (FAQ) lets you see where your buddies are if everyone has Loki’s Wireless Positioning Service (WPS) plug-in installed.