You probably already use Google Maps 3.0 every day on your main computer to find places, get directions and track down shops – but how about on your S60 phone? Sure, it’s easy to do so using a up-to-date Nok like the 5800 but what about something a little older? So, we downloaded the latest version on to my N81 8GB to try it out. That’s right – our GPS-less, location-free, gets-lost-in-its-own-back-garden N81. But how does it stack up with a little software tweaking? Read on and fsee how Google Maps stacks up…

Unlike Nokia Maps, Google Maps uses information from mobile network towers to plot your position on its familiar, cartoony maps. Although it claims an accuracy of around 1000 metres, firing up Google Maps after a brief, painless install had my location instantly pin-pointed to with about 25 metres – that’s as good as some GPS systems – and all without the lock lag or battery burn.

The app itself is incredibly impressive. Zooming in and out of maps is smooth and sharp, overlaying satellite and live traffic views takes mere moments, and everything is as legible and usable as it is online. You can even call up the latest Street View features to summon up a scrollable, street level photographic panorama of individual streets throughout the US, Europe, Australia and Japan.

Adding a favourite is a matter of a few button presses and, of course, you have full access to all the businesses and attraction on Google Local, complete with reviews, contact details and pins in the digital map.

Getting directions is  just as easy. You’ll often want to start from your current location, then you can specify an address, attraction or favourite to get directions to, by car, public transport or on foot. Directions are returned as turn-by-turn lists or on the map, with clickable icons at each turn giving you the option of a Street View – pretty much the best mobile navigator I’ve seen.

Of course, all this requires some (occasionally hefty) data downloads. A screen of satellite view imagery runs to about 140KB and while Google Maps usually warns how much it’s downloading, it doesn’t do such a good job if you’re browsing quickly around the map.

But that’s a tiny, tiny complaint. Whether or not you already have Nokia Maps on board your S60 3rd Edition phone, Google Maps is a superb addition – and if you don’t have GPS on board, it’s absolutely essential.

Details
Size: 1261KB
Price: Free
Download Google Maps