Nokia Maps

iOS 6 users looking for a way to replace Apple Maps may want to check out the new Nokia HERE Maps application now available in the App store. The app delivers features that Apple Maps lacks like voice-guided walking navigation and public transportation routes. Users can also download and save maps to use later without a data connection.

Other features include: The ability to search with history and suggestions, easy social network sharing, the ability to organize your favorite destinations into "collections", walk navigation through pedestrian routes, parks, alleyways, and of course public transportation and driving directions.

Nokia plans to enter the Maps fray by bringing its own mapping application to iOS and Android devices. The company announced on Tuesday it is preparing to release a maps app called "Here" in the Apple App Store. The new application will be free for iPhone, iPad and iPod owners.

Nokia hopes offering the application free of charge to iPhone users will help keep the mapping platform competitive. Stephen Elop, chief executive of Nokia, said in an interview that the app needs users to help make the system smarter, but Nokia doesn't plan on giving all of its services away for free. For example, the City Lens app, which allows users to see information about a location when pointing the camera at it, will remain a Lumia phone exclusive.

“For the location platform to be at the highest quality, one needs scale, and you need as many different people contributing as possible,” Mr. Elop said. “Of course, Nokia will build apps, some of them unique to Lumia devices, that gain a competitive advantage for Nokia.”