Ovi was formerly the name for Nokia's maps and app store services.
Nokia has included a map and GPS application on its phones and smartphones since 2006. The service is free to download for Nokia users who do not already have it on their phones. Whether you want to walk to a strip mall, take a drive out of town or find the nearest bus stop, Ovi Maps may be the solution. However, it is only offered on Nokia phones-not on the HTC Desire.
Background
Nokia Maps, formerly known as Ovi Maps, is the default GPS and mapping application on phones manufactured by Nokia. The HTC Desire is an Android-based smartphone that is available on local cellular networks, such as U.S. Cellular and Cellcom in the United States. Because it is an Android phone, it does not use a Nokia operating system. The HTC Desire is also not able to connect to Nokia's Ovi app store or software update service to download the original app or map updates. Thus, Nokia Maps is not compatible with the HTC Desire, nor can you install the application on any HTC phone because the company does not make devices with Nokia software.
Online Alternatives
While you cannot install Nokia Maps to your HTC device, you can use Google Maps, the default maps app that comes with Android devices for navigation and directions. Like the Web-based version, Google Maps allows you to search for types of businesses near your location and navigate to and from those locations. You can input an address or GPS coordinates for turn-by-turn or voice navigation and save locations for use in the future. Google maps does not integrate with third-party social networks, but you can also join Google Latitude to update people on your current location. Sygic apps are compatible with Android devices as well and offer the same or similar services as Nokia Maps. You can download individual or map packs for a fee. For example, at time of publication, the USA map costs approximately $28 dollars, while the Asia, Africa, Europe and America pack costs over $110 dollars.
Offline Alternatives
If you are looking for a navigation app for your Android phone and want to avoid data usage, you can consider an app that allows you to download maps for use offline, like Nokia Maps does. MapDroyd is one such app that relies on the MicroMap format to compress the maps and save them to your phone. Map data is compiled from OpenStreetMaps, an online service similar to Google Maps. You can browse the server to determine which maps you would like to download, saving room on your phone or memory card. During use, the app will rotate the maps and use any angle required, according to your position or that of your phone, depending on the setting you use. MapDroyd is available for free from the Android Market.
Considerations
If you are a fan of the Nokia Maps application but do not have a Nokia device, you can still use it in your Web browser, similar to Google Maps. Nokia Maps allows you to search for locations and businesses and get directions. You can view the maps in satellite and terrain or, if you install the compatible plugin, in 3D mode. When available, Nokia Maps will provide information about public transportation options and live traffic feeds. As of publication time, Nokia Maps does not contain as much information as Google Maps, so you may not be able to find as many destinations.
Tags: Nokia Maps, Google Maps, your phone, allows search, Android devices, Android phone, application phones