BBC: Phone giant Nokia has launched a free map and navigation service for its handsets that analysts believe could challenge stand-alone sat-nav devices.
The service stores maps on the phone, cutting down the need to update and download new ones over the network.
Ovi maps will initially be available on 10 handsets and will offer so-called “turn-by-turn” navigation, similar to that in existing GPS devices. It can display local data from travel guides, such as Lonely Planet.
Users can also post their location to Facebook. Nokia said that it expects third-party developers to build new applications for the service.
“It’s like a giant mash-up environment,” said Anssi Vanjoki, executive vice president of Nokia at the launch.
The firm estimates that it has already sold 83m phones that can use the service, which can be downloaded for free from its Ovi application store.
Mr Vanjoki said that it would be preloaded on all compatible phones offered by Nokia from 21 January.
Previously, Nokia owners had to pay for its premium navigation service. Analysts at CCS Insight said the move could be viewed as a “competitive response to Google”, which also offers a free live sat-nav for its Nexus One handset and the Motorola Droid.
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