Nokia Maps v1.2/1.02 - good and bad
I own two Nokia N95 handsets and after reading about the release of the latest version of Nokia Maps (aka Smart2go), I decided to install the new version on one of the handsets. The other handset continues to run the »old« Maps version, v1.0/1.01 - the one that was included with the most recent firmware revision, v12.0.013. Between these to versions, a third version - v.1.1 - circulates on the net.
Ok, so whilst riding my bike to work this morning, I decided to conduct a minor comparative study of the two versions.
The first and very significant difference between the two is the time it takes the application to get satellite lock-on. The time it takes the »old« v1.0 to do this is measured in minutes in my experience. Sometimes about one minute, but between 4 and 5 minutes this morning. In comparison, the new version locks on in a matter of seconds. My measurements are not sufficiently accurate to decide if it is 15 or 20 seconds, but it is within that range. That is very fast.
Very cool and this difference is not caused by Assisted GPS (A-GPS) or not - both versions have A-GPS. BTW: A-GPS settings can be edited at »Tools« | »Settings« | »General« | »Positioning«.
And now something not so cool. I was recently made aware that tracking was removed from Nokia Maps v1.1. This feature enables you to track your position relative to a planned route. Unfortunately, tracking is also missing in the new v1.2. The only plausible explanation is that Nokia wants to have more users buy additional navigation services with Maps. The way Maps v1.2 is, route planning is not much good without purchase of additional services. Routes can be planned and way points shown, but if the user wants to know how he/she is moving in relation to a route, it costs money.
Too bad, Nokia has chosen to cripple the Maps application in this way :-(
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
February 3rd, 2008 at 01:59
i too enjoyed having the tracking feature. But just updated to v20.013 which has the later maps. But was thinking could i just update back to the v12.01 with early maps.then save that to comp and then update to v20.013 and then bring old maps back. In other words have both on my phone.!!!
Or if you know of any better map software or other ideas- please e mail me.!!!
Thanks Coxy