Nokia to Offer Free Turn-by-Turn Navigation Software Globally, Official

Latest Update: Download link live. 3 video after the break.

What is Nokia thinking (although it is damn good for consumers)? They announced that they are going to provide turn-by-turn navigation software globally and they are going for free. Yes, FREE! And it will cover 74 countries in 46 languages and maps available over 180 countries. Wow! No other updates available but soon, more information will arrive.

Engadget confirmed that Nokia is really providing free maps. I copy the update.

Update 2: Nokia just made the download link live. Hey, where’s the N97 and N900 love?

Update 3: And it’s official. Starting today, Ovi Maps walk and drive navigation is free across the globe. Drivers receive turn-by-turn voice guidance including lane assistance, traffic information, and safety camera and speed warnings while pedestrians will be guided on shortcuts through parks and pedestrian-only zones in over 100 cities across the globe. It all works off-line too, which should extend battery life and keep that navigation humming even while puttering about in data dead zones (take that Google). From March 2010, all new Nokia GPS-enabled smartphones will come installed with the new Ovi Maps application and pre-loaded with local country map data and walk and drive navigation with access to Lonely Planet and Michelin travel guides at no extra cost. However, just 10 devices from Nokia’s massive catalog are available today — a list that includes the N97 Mini, 5800 XpressMusic, 5800 navigation edition, e52, e55, e72, 5230, 6710 navigator, 6730 classic and X6.

(source)