Nokia announced new versions of Nokia Maps and Nokia Map Loader, applications that were downloaded more than 1 million times each since their launching back in February. Michael Halbherr, a Nokia official, spoke about the new features of Nokia Maps at the Canalys Navigation forum in Barcelona. As of today, the new version of Nokia Maps can be downloaded, bringing more coverage and an improved user interface for more devices.

The new Nokia Maps benefits from a streamlined user interface with detailed categories and enhanced nearby search. "We have taken a lot of the consumer feedback that we received when we launched Nokia Maps and are feeding that into the next versions of the product", Michael Halbherr said. "Many people were saying that they didn't know how much data they were using, so we have added a data download counter in the map view. We also added a GPS status indicator so that you know when your device is connected to the satellites."

The Nokia Map Loader, used to easily side load maps on to mobile phones, was also updated. "We are happy to report that we have a new and improved PC Map Loader available for users to download. The improved Map Loader transfers the maps up to 10 times faster than the first version and enables downloading the voice guidance files", the Nokia official said.

Additionally, Nokia is updating the map coverage too, raising the number of countries covered to more than 150, with over 50 of them being navigable. Mr. Halbherr declared: "Our goal is to have the world covered. We want our navigation customers to feel assured that when they travel abroad, their Nokia device has the relevant maps for them. A map is like an insurance policy against getting lost, you need it most when you are lost, and when that happens, it is invaluable."

As in the case of the old versions, the new versions of Nokia Maps and Nokia Map Loader can be downloaded for free from Nokia's website.