Looking to capitalize the struggling Apple Maps on the iOS 6, Nokia has launched their latest maps app with Here.
Here is touted as the first location cloud to deliver the world's best maps and location experience across various operating systems, not just the iOS 6.
"People want great maps, and with Here we can bring together Nokia's location offering to deliver people a better way to explore, discover and share their world," said Nokia President and CEO Stephen Elop. "Additionally, with Here we can extend our 20 years of location expertise to new devices and operating systems that reach beyond Nokia. As a result, we believe that more people benefit from and contribute to our leading mapping and location service."
The free app comes as criticism for Apple Maps reached extreme levels leading to Apple CEO Tim Cook to issue an apology to customers.
Cooks note included, "With the launch of our new Maps...we fell short on this commitment. We are extremely sorry for the frustration this has caused our customers and we are doing everything we can to make Maps better.
But with Nokia trying to give Apple customers an alternative, it might not be proving successful, already.
Alexandra Chang of Wired reported, "For some strange reason, the maps are blurry, giving the app an unfinished look. As for the menu buttons and app navigation experience, Here Maps feels stale and outdated. Some of the most popular and successful iOS apps shine based on design, but Here Maps seems stuck in a Symbian past."
Chloe Albanesius of PC Mag reported, "Can Nokia HERE for iOS make consumers forget about Google Maps? Not just yet. In exploring the app on an iPhone 5 , the layout of Nokia HERE is similar to Apple Maps. It quickly found my location in Brooklyn and elsewhere in the borough, but had a bit of difficulty when it came to Manhattan."
The app is compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad devices with iOS 4.3 or later. The app is optimized for the iPhone 5.
To download the Nokia Here app, click here.
For complaints on the Apple Maps, click here.
For a slideshow on missteps on Apple Maps, click here.
For alternatives to Apple Maps, click here.