Nokia’s HERE ties up with Samsung

Nokia-owned digital maps company HERE has tied up with Samsung. This will see the launch of the app on Android platform. And, it will remain exclusive for Samsung Galaxy smartphones for the time being.

HERE will also be available on smart devices powered by Samsung’s own operating system Tizen, including the Samsung Gear S smartwatch, which was unveiled on Thursday.

HERE is a free app, and features maps for almost 200 countries with 100 of them featuring turn-by-turn walking or driving navigation. Traffic information is available for over 40 countries, and public transport info is available for over 750 urban areas worldwide. For the Samsung Gear S, HERE is developing an app called Navigator which offers turn-by-turn walk navigation and public transit routing.

The app provides a complete stand-alone experience, including the ability to store map data locally on the device and use it offline for navigation, directions and search.

The deal will also enable to pair the app with the upcoming Samsung Gear S and Samsung smartphone, which means the routes can be synced between wrist and phone.

HERE apps will be available for download from the Samsung GALAXY Apps store when the Samsung Gear S hit stores, which is expected in the fourth quarter.

“We believe that maps and location-related functionality are essential for any operating system. HERE aims to deliver fresh maps, platform services, and location cloud experiences to as many people and businesses as possible, independent of the device and operating system they are using,” Sean Fernback Senior Vice-President Everyday Mobility, HERE, said in a statement.