Nokia’s ‘Here’ maps coming to Windows 8.1 devices

Users of devices running Microsoft's Windows 8.1 operating system may soon get a new option as far as map apps are concerned.

Nokia said it will be rolling out its "Here" maps app, presently available only on its Lumia 2520 smartphone, to Windows 8.1 laptops, desktops and tablets.

"Both Windows RT and Pro devices will be supported. The app will be free and available from the Windows Store," Nokia said in a blog post.

According to Nokia, the app is an all-in-one mapping solution, and will combine "vector, satellite and 3D maps, points of interest, search and route planning."

"Complete country maps can also be downloaded for offline use, just like you may be used to doing on Windows Phone 8 smartphones," it added.

Other improvements from the initial version include:

• Speed: The offline maps load "a lot faster" than using a website for navigation, with city pages loading up to four times faster due to progressive rendering.
• Mouse and keyboard support.
• Support for high-resolution satellite imagery.
• High resolution satellite imagery.

Nokia also said the app will keep a record of a user's search history and routes he or she had calculated.

"When you see a list of places, you can sort them by their distance from you, or by their rating. The app also takes advantage of Windows 8.1 preloading, which gets the apps you use frequently ready to launch in the background for a faster start," it added. — VC, GMA News