Free Satnav, Download Ovi Maps or Google Map App?

Google launched its free satnav system for android phones back in October of last year. Nokia announced the release of a new version of its premium OVi maps in January.

The Google system was only available in the US until April 2010 but it is now available in the UK and Ireland. Ovi maps are available for worldwide use in fifty languages right now.

Both systems offer almost everything that Garmin and TomTom offer but at a greatly reduced price- zero. The only real catch is that you need to own a smart phone that is suitable for one or the other system. Another potential limitation is that you need quality internet access and might need to think of your tariff.

Buying a GPS Navigation System in 2010

If you are thinking of buying a navigation system in 2010, it might be worth thinking of a new smart phone instead. The prices of a smart phone and a quality navigation system are very similar.

Even if you don't have an Android phone or a smart phone from Nokia (and don't want to buy one), you can get a lot from Google maps. The system offers driving directions, POI, live traffic and street views for many mobile phones and PDA's. There is table below of what is available for a range of devices.

What Phones can Use Google's Free Satnav?

If you already have a recent android phone with a GPS capability it will probably be suitable for the free satnav service on Google maps. If your phone doesn't have GPS you might be able to hook it up to a simple GPS reciever (by bluetooth is easiest) and still make use of Google maps navigation.

If you are looking for downloads for your android just tap maps on the homepage screen.

What Phones can use Nokias Free Ovi Maps?

Anyone of these: X6, N97, N97mini, N96, N95 8GB,N95, N900,N86 8MP,N85,N82 plus all 2011 models.

Where can I get the Downloads?

There are additional maps, updates and services on the sites below.

USA: nokiausa.com//nokia-ovi-suite

UK: support.ovi.com support-suite-get-new-maps-to-your-phone

Android Phones with GPS

What does Google Maps Free Satnav offer?

For a free service this offers a lot. There is no lane assist or multi-route planning as yet but there is everything else that Gamin or TomTom offer and a lot more besides.

• Voice commands
• Live Traffic
• Turn by Turn navigation
• The most powerful POI information with all of the data on the net available to find anything that you want.
• Google street maps have photographs of real locations so you know exactly where you are.

If I don't have an Android What Can I get out of Google Maps?

Google maps turn by turn by turn navigation and search by voice is only available on Android but there is plenty of other useful stuff to be had for most GPS capable phones..

• The my location command will tell you exactly where you are.
• Business Listings will find you a hotel, restaurant or anything else in any area
• Visual driving direction are available on most advanced phones

Check out the table below for full information.

Download Google Maps for non-Android Phones

Whatever phone you have you can visit m.google.com/maps on your phone's browser and microsoft will work out which download to send you. Or do the following:

IPhone

Tap maps on home screen

For WIndows

http://www.google.com/gmm/GoogleMaps.CAB

What do Nokia's Ovi Maps Offer?

Nokias Free Ovi Maps

• Ovi maps offer turn by turn navigation for both drivers and pedestrians using  NAVTEQ technology. 
• POI, optimized for both drivers and pedestrian navigation.
• It is available in over fifty languages
• The maps are worldwide so no buying and loading a new map if you visit another country.