Nokia is soon going to open the HERE Drive+ service for all Windows Phone 8 smartphones, which was earlier restricted to Lumia devices only. The company has announced to roll out an updated version of the Here Drive+ and Here Transit apps too work across Windows Phone 8 phones.
The locations and navigation based mapping service is known for working even on offline mode to save users from additional data charges, and offers voice-guided and turn-by-turn navigations.
The update to the Drive+ app will offer additional features including My Commute which will be able to track the most common routes taken by the users on regular basis and thus navigating them according to their daily driving habits. The company also claims that this feature will provide predictable and personalized commute recommendations based on current traffic conditions. This feature sounds quite similar to Google Now on Android and iOS.
Moreover, HERE Drive users will now be able to upgrade the navigation license from local to global coverage from within the app. This will allow them to access maps of other countries by paying an additional fee of EUR 15.49 (Rs 1,190) for that. This however will be accessible in selecte markets.
HERE Drive+ with global navigation license is available globally for free for the Nokia Lumia phone running on Windows Phone 8. However, those on other Windows Phone 8 smartphones will be able to access it for EUR 34.99 (Rs 2,688).
The HERE Transit update will simplify public transportation by adding a panorama view. This new design will ease the planning of routes and access previous destinations and favorites as well as nearby transit stations. HERE Transit will also be available for non-Nokia Windows Phone 8 smartphones in selected markets.
