Nokia and Samsung have announced that HERE Maps will soon be available to Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones for free in the future. HERE Maps allows users to download maps of entire countries or regions as opposed to Google Maps more basic caching of selected routes or destination, which makes maps available even when the device is without an internet connection. HERE Maps will also allow Galaxy device owners to share their location with others via the built-in Glympse functionality for sharing user info.
HERE Maps for Galaxy devices will also include free, voice-guided, turn-by-turn directions while users can also plan routes via car, public transport, or by foot through a pedestrian mode, however, live traffic updates and real-time transit schedules will still require a data connection for use. Nokia now claims maps are available for about 200 countries with turn-by-turn directions available in about 100 countries and transit maps are now available in 750 metro areas across 40 different countries, with more being added frequently. Samsung’s recently announced Gear S smartwatch will also receive HERE Maps support, with specific support for pedestrian guidance. HERE Maps for Galaxy will be available once the Gear S goes on sale in early October.
