The next step towards real LBS
With the announcement today about the transformation of Nokia Maps to Ovi Maps and the associated Ovi Map Player and API, Nokia has set the bar higher for mapping integration across platform and device. Because of the seamless integration of functionality between computer and mobile devices, the individual users, as well as developers, will be able to benefit and contribute to the evolution of location based services.
Whether you want to do a simple address search, or spend some time having fun with the mapping features (3D view, night view and various other modes) it’s rapidly becoming a powerful application in its own right. What makes it really interesting though is the way it seamlessly works across the desktop (or laptop) and your mobile device. Set up routes in one, and use them in the other. Save favourite locations when you’re out and about and then share them when you get back to base. There’s a bunch of functionality in there that helps this service really come to life, and become indispensable to those who get to know it.
Which leads us neatly onto the exciting news. For developers and third parties, the Ovi Maps Player API means it now only takes a couple of lines of JavaScript to add Ovi Maps functionality to third party websites and web applications. The possibilities here are pretty endless. Signup is open now for developers to start making the most of the Ovi Maps Player API beta program. Head over to Forum Nokia if you’re interested.
This video touches on the potential LBS possibilities, but barely scratches the surface.
