Nokia has announced the launch of a new version of its Ovi Maps software. It now includes live traffic updates delivered by Australian company Sentinel.
The latest version of Ovi Maps offers a number of other new features including high-resolution aerial images, 3D landmarks and terrain maps.
The live traffic information is available as a free service for users using Ovi Maps online but it is a subscription-based service on Nokia's range of GPS-enabled mobile phones. For mobile users, the service will cost $6.99 per month or $35.99 per year.
Traffic information is currently only available for Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and a selection of European countries. Nokia says the service will be expanded to include other Australian cities "later in the year."
"This is the first service of its kind on mobiles in Australia and the first outside of Europe for Nokia," said Bruce Webb of Nokia. "We’ve integrated the mobile experience with the traditional desktop experience which allows people to pre-plan their journey at home and synchronise with their mobile device."
The latest version of Ovi Maps is available for download at www.nokia.com/maps. Nokia's N86 and 6720 Navigator smartphones, due for launch in Australia in the coming months, will come preloaded with the latest version. A selection of current compatible Nokia mobile phones, including the N95 8GB and the recently launched Nokia N97 smartphone, can be upgraded to the latest version.
