Some apps are just the unchallenged best at what they do . Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , Snapchat , Vine — these are apps that have hardly any reverence of competitor . I ’d even be comfortable position Google Maps in that honored category , if it was n’t for Nokia ’s Here Maps .
Today , Nokia officially announcedHere Beta for Androidwith promise of an iOS variation for Spring 2015 . The long - clip and darling GPS map choice for Windows Phone , Here Maps became untethered from the platform during Microsoft ’s learning last year . The Maps Beta first premiered on Samsung devices earlier this year , then sideloading became an option , and now you could just straight download from Google Play .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9P3xf85R1w
But can Here Beta really replace Google Maps , the uncontested ( sorry Apple Maps ) GPS champion ? In some ways yes and in other way no , but irrespective , this loose app is deserving the test drive .
Design
In many respects , Here Beta and Google Maps take similar overture in design and layout . Search bar on top , ground beef menu button on the rightfield , with your Global Positioning System marking front - and - centre . However , from this possible action menu , you may quickly see where Google holds an bound over Here Beta . For one , integrate voice hunt from the top menu , which Here Beta is sorely lacking . Also , an in - depth find function for finding out more about shoes around you , whether restaurants , parks , or museums . Replicating Google ’s talent for search is not something easily replicate .
As for pure design esthetic , both hang tough with one another . Google gets a courteous protrusion from its Lollipop redesign , but Here Beta employ neon bluing and greens to make GPS markers and destination bolt down from the surrounding street name , restaurants , and other landmarks .
Directions
manifestly , directions is a big one . It ’s the whole rationality you ’re using the app in the first spot , and Google Maps and Here Beta are neck - in - cervix . Each have their own trivial quirks that might appeal to different user . Google Maps has bike - friendly directions as well as a “ fuck it , I give up ” pick that directs you to Uber .
Here Beta does a need minuscule whoremaster where it creates a running timeline of your slip . So if a train leaves at a certain time , a running timeline lets you know how early ( or late ) you ’re about to be . Also , you could set upper demarcation warnings for your trip , and Here Beta will warn you when you ’re importantly over ( between 0 mph to 18 mph ) . Perfect for avoiding speed traps and getting caught off guard by random velocity limit changes .
Other than that , the two are completely the same . Similar instruction suggest with traffic update , adjustable routes , and voice - assist navigation ( available in several unlike language ) .
Where Here Beta wins large is with offline maps . Right in the configurations card , click “ Download maps ” and select whatever state of matter , country , or continent you desire . Obviously these maps will take up some memory on your smartphone , but they ’re a bunce if you ’re stay put underground with no internet connective and no idea where you ’re go or if you ’re traveling overseas and unwilling to rack up roaming charge .
For example , download maps for one body politic fill up about 400 MB or you may download the entire United States for almost 5 GB . This rent you employ maps and piloting without any datum connection at all . Google offers a similar function though it ’s jolly buried and less useful than what Here Beta offer .
Is Here mapping best or worse than Google Maps ? The solution is neither . It ’s a breathing time of fresh air , a free app the helps change up the monotony of your single Global Positioning System single-valued function cosmos . Here Beta make for a lot of neat extra and could be the perfect navigation app for a band of hoi polloi , specially if you find yourself switch among hardware platform since Here Beta stretch across Android , Windows Phone , and shortly iOS .
In the conclusion , you ’re choose among two fantabulous choices . One just might edge out the other in a way that matters to you most . [ Google Play ]
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