Nokia will be bringing its navigation software to vehicles around the world, the company has announced.
Speaking via its own Conversations blog, Nokia confirmed an embedded in-dash navigation system dubbed Here Auto, as well as a Here Auto Companion app for Android and Windows Phone smartphones.
Like the Windows Phone Here Drive app, you can set your destination from your smartphone or on the here.com website, after which you will be given voice-guided instructions to reach your destination inside. Maps for 95 countries can be downloaded free as required.
Here Auto will also provide lots of other useful information such as parking availability, indoor maps and even street level images to help you figure out whether you’re in the right (or wrong) place.
Usefully, Here Auto can be used offline. Although a data connection will provide the most up-to-date information via continuous over-the-air updates, it’s not absolutely necessary. This could potentially save you a lot of hassle and money when travelling in foreign countries where roaming charges can prove costly.
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The Here Auto Companion app, coming to Android and Windows Phone, allows you to remotely connect to your vehicle. Besides being able to synchronise your favourite places and most commonly travelled journeys, it will be possible to locate your car by using the LiveSight augmented reality feature.
Here’s mapping software uses Navteq technology as its foundation, thanks to its acquisition of the mapping specialist for US$8 billion back in 2007.
Nokia says the Here Auto and the Here Auto Companion app will be integrated into the next generation of Continental’s Open Infotainment Platform and is working with partners such as Magneti Marelli to bring it to market.
Exact car models to benefit will be revealed at the Frankfurt motor show on September 10th.
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