Nokia will release a mapping application for Apple devices to fill the hole left by Apple's much-criticised home-grown Maps application.
The application, called Here, will run on Apple’s iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices. It will be available ‘soon’ for free.
The company is also working with Firefox maker Mozilla to integrate its maps into the new Firefox OS browser, and will release a software development kit for Android developers. A Windows Phone version of the application is already available on Nokia’s Lumia devices.
The Here app for iOS offers features such as voice-guided navigation, public transport directions and offline support. Specified maps can be downloaded in advance to work when not online.
Apple CEO Tim Cook was forced to apologise to Apple device owners after wide criticism around glaring errors in its new Maps service, rolled out with iOS 6 and the iPhone 5.
Users complained the service, based on TomTom data, contained major gaps in information and geography.
The backlash forced the unexpected departure of Apple’s iOS software head Scott Forstall, a move reportedly prompted by Forstall's refusal to sign a letter Apple issued apologising for the faulty Maps app.
The Apple maps application replaced Google Maps in iOS 6. Google is yet to announce a standalone application for the operating system.
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