If you’re a fan of Nokia’s mapping services and happen to own an iPhone, we’ve got some bad news for you. The company recently pulled its Here Maps app from the App Store, blaming changes to iOS 7 – the latest version of Apple’s mobile operating system – which have allegedly damaged the user experience.
In a statement to The Indian Express – and confirmed by the Finnish firm to TNW – Nokia said:
“We have made the decision to remove our Here Maps app from the Apple App Store because recent changes to iOS 7 harm the user experience. iPhone users can continue to use the mobile web version of Here Maps under m.here.com., offering them core location needs, such as search, routing, orientation, transit information and more, all completely free of charge.”
Here Maps for iOS was launched at a time when Apple was grappling with its own native app for mapping and navigation. It’s difficult to know what sort of traction the app has gained in the last 12 months, but Nokia’s comments suggest that it wasn’t worth the time or investment needed to keep Here Maps for iOS at a high standard.
A Nokia spokesperson told TNW that it Here Maps was still being developed as a cross-platform service: “In addition to Windows Phone, (we) have an Android SDK for OEM’s and also offer Here Maps for Firefox OS,” they said. “The team also recently announced a Here developer offering for Tizen. The Here team will continue to consider their options for iOS.”
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➤ The Indian Express (Via PocketLint)
Image Credit: Patrik Stollarz/Getty Images
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