Samsung secures exclusive access to Nokia HERE maps

HERE for Android. Image: Nokia.

HERE for Android. Image: Nokia.

Samsung has reached an agreement with Nokia to secure exclusive rights to its HERE maps service as it looks to give its Android users a new alternative to Google Maps. The new HERE app for Android will only be available on Galaxy-branded smartphones and tablets, and there will be a HERE companion app for Samsung’s new Gear S smartwatch.

HERE will be a free download for Galaxy users, and just like Google Maps, it will provide turn-by-turn directions for walking, driving, or public transport, and users will be able to choose from multiple routes to avoid things like toll roads. It boasts features like offline maps; satellite, transport, and traffic views; and live traffic information.

HERE also allows you to share places with friends and family, and save your favorite destinations in the “Collections” section, which can be synced with other devices. What’s more, Glympse integration allows you to share your real-time location with the people you trust, so they’ll know exactly when you’ll be arriving.

Image: Nokia.

Image: Nokia.

When paired with a Gear S smartwatch, HERE can provide directions on your wrist over Bluetooth, so you don’t need to keep your phone out to see when your next turn is. Simply tell the HERE app where you want to go, then let it beam each step to your watch as you travel.

HERE currently offers maps for almost 200 countries, and turn-by-turn directions are available in around 100 of those. The HERE map for Android will be available “when the Samsung Gear S arrives in stores,” which is likely to be next month.