So the fight between mobile phone manufactures have geared up very well now. Current scenario not only demands a great hardware from manufacturers but also a powerful software with a lot of integrated services. If you are thinking about HTML email support or a powerful web browser, then you are wrong. These have become a must have in mobile phones and are not specially demanded as they are expected to be available right out of the box.
What is rocking the market now is NAVIGATION. Not just navigation, but navigation with voice and turn by turn directions. Navigation of this sort was previously a premium service but now its coming built in or available as software update for most devices from almost all the manufacturers.
To start with, let’s go with Android who was the first to bring Navigation with voice and turn by turn directions in to the Motorola Droid through their firmware 2.1 update. Currently, Google’s Nexus One comes with this service pre-installed. Other Android powered device like HTC Hero is also expected to get this feature soon.
We all know how cool is Google Maps. The detailed view, street view, satellite view are all awesome and navigation is very smooth as well. Those who do not own an Android phone still can enjoy all the features except voice guided navigation and turn by turn directions through Google maps for Nokia phones which can be downloaded from google.com/maps through your phone’s web browser.
But why Navigate without voice and turn by turn directions when Nokia already provides a solution for it. And that too forever ! Nokia recently announced their Navigation Service as free for ever through “The Big Ovi Announcement Online Event”. Ovi maps provide you the following services.
Free Drive navigation
Free Walk navigation
Free maps and map updates
Free Events guides
Free Lonely Planet guides
Free Michelin guides
You can also choose from different languages for voice which is very helpful. The following devices are currently supported. Nokia X6 32GB, Nokia X6 16GB, Nokia N97 mini, Nokia N97, E72, E55, E52, Nokia 6730 classic, Nokia 6710 Navigator, Nokia 5800 Xpressmusic, Nokia 5800 Navigation Edition, Nokia 5230. More devices are being added.
Now the main players who are deprived of these services are Apple fan boys and the Windows Mobile Users.
Recent reports suggest that Windows Mobile 7 will come with free Navigation services but there are no strong evidences which indicates it. Google officials did say that they will release the same navigation app for iphone soon with all the services which Droid has. But no word has been heard on that after the release of Nexus One.
However, we have seen in November 09 a job listing from Apple calling iphone software engineers to develop a new map application. Apple said that they want to take maps to next level and asked to rethink how people used maps and found things. Apple also acquired the maps company Placebase which is a clear indication that there is maps app at work. But we are not sure when it will be available. Will it be introduced along with iPhone 4G or through the next software update ?
The Big Question is, which phone would you buy if Navigation is one of the primary feature you use. Comment below citing your reasons.