14 DAY TRIAL // Nokia's HERE has just announced a public beta for its Android Maps application where users will be able to test the latest features added by developers before they go into the stable version.
According to HERE, the reason why they kicked off this beta program is that they have accelerated the release cycle, so the devs need people to constantly test the new features they are introducing to their maps application for Android devices.
With the help of the public beta program, HERE hopes to gather as much performance data and feedback from users as possible. Helping developers pinpoint bugs and issues in new beta versions of HERE is another reason this program exists.
The first new feature included in the beta version of HERE is the “contextual menu,” which can be tested as soon as you sign up for the program.
In order to access it, simply long-press anywhere on the map to bring up a shortcut menu to quickly see location info, share a location, get directions, or start drive navigation.
If you decide to sign up for the new program, you should know that the beta version will replace the stable iteration of the HERE app on your Android devices. Because of that, you might experience various issues since the beta is less stable than the regular version of the app.
Obviously, if you wish to sign out of the beta, you can simply download and re-install the stable version of HERE maps from Google Play Store.
Follow the instructions to enroll today
Keep in mind that, in order to be able to test HERE beta for Android, you will need a device powered by Android 4.1 or later, which should be equipped with at least 1GB of RAM.
Also, you must join the HERE Beta Program Google group and then visit the dedicated page of the beta app on Google Play store, directly from your mobile device.
Choose the Become a Tester option and then open the Play Store app on your mobile device to install or update the HERE application with the beta version.
Developers promise new features and fixes every month. All the new changes will be announced on HERE's blog, as well as in the beta app description on the Play Store.
