Nokia Maps on your iPhone

Google reported to also be working on an iOS mapping app

a woman

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

If you're an iPhone user and you've had enough of Apple's latest maps app, there may be a solution just weeks away.

Apple replaced Google's maps app with its own version in its latest iOS 6 operating system for iPhones, but the company came in for some heavy criticism, even forcing Apple CEO Tim Cook to publicly apologise to users.

Nokia has announced it will release a free maps app called 'Here' in Apple's App Store within a few weeks, according to The New York Times. The company is also releasing a toolkit for programmers to make Nokia power maps apps for Android phones.

Nokia has said that in order to make its mapping app competitive, it needs lots of users – but due to low sales of the company's Lumia smartphones, the company was facing a predicament. The more people who use the app to look up directions or search for locations, the smarter the app gets. Nokia will continue to add exclusive features to the maps app for its own phones, although the iOS version will feature voice-guided walking navigation and public transportation direction – something the Apple map app lacks. Users will also have the ability to download maps to use offline, which can be handy in tunnels, and will also make location searches much faster.

Not to be outdone, Google is also reported to be working on a map application for iPhone and iPad users – but it may not be released before the end of the year. Google had been surprised by Apple's decision to replace its app with an Apple version, and will take time to develop it's own, which may include 3D imagery, borrowed from Google Earth.

Judging from the popularity of iPhone 5 sales, with both Telstra Corporation (ASX: TLS) and Optus – owned by Singapore Telecommunications (ASX: SGT) reportedly running out within hours of going on sale in Australia, there's likely to be many users not enamoured by Apple's map application and looking for an alternative.

A solution may be at hand – coming not from Apple itself, but two of its largest competitors, Nokia and Google.

Oil, copper, and gold continue to be in high-demand — and their popularity doesn't look to be slowing. We've uncovered three companies poised to benefit from the rising prices of these commodities. Get our brand-new report — "3 High-Risk/High-Reward Resources Stocks" — FREE!

More reading

Motley Fool writer/analyst Mike King doesn't own shares in any companies mentioned. The Motley Fool's purpose is to help the world invest, better. Take Stock is The Motley Fool's free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. Click here now to request your free subscription, whilst it's still available. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on ⏸️ Investing

Close up of baby looking puzzled
Retail Shares

What has happened to the Baby Bunting (ASX:BBN) share price this year?

It's been a volatile year so far for the Aussie nursery retailer. We take a closer look

Read more »

woman holds sign saying 'we need change' at climate change protest
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs that invest in companies fighting climate change

If you want to shift some of your investments into more ethical companies, exchange-traded funds can offer a good option

Read more »

a jewellery store attendant stands at a cabinet displaying opulent necklaces and earrings featuring diamonds and precious stones.
⏸️ Investing

The Michael Hill (ASX: MHJ) share price poised for growth

Investors will be keeping an eye on the Michael Hill International Limited (ASX: MHJ) share price today. The keen interest…

Read more »

ASX shares buy unstoppable asx share price represented by man in superman cape pointing skyward
⏸️ Investing

The Atomos (ASX:AMS) share price is up 15% in a week

The Atomos (ASX: AMS) share price has surged 15% this week. Let's look at what's ahead as the company build…

Read more »

Two people in suits arm wrestle on a black and white chess board.
Retail Shares

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX:TPW) share price stack up against Nick Scali (ASX:NCK)?

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX: TPW) share price stack up against rival furniture retailer Nick Scali Limited (ASX:…

Read more »

A medical researcher works on a bichip, indicating share price movement in ASX tech companies
Healthcare Shares

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since its IPO

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since the Polynovo (ASX: PNV) competitor listed on the ASX in July.…

Read more »

asx investor daydreaming about US shares
⏸️ How to Invest

How to buy US shares from Australia right now

If you have been wondering how to buy US shares from Australia to gain exposure from the highly topical market,…

Read more »

⏸️ Investing

Why Fox (NASDAQ:FOX) might hurt News Corp (ASX:NWS) shareholders

News Corporation (ASX: NWS) might be facing some existential threats from its American cousins over the riots on 6 January

Read more »