Windows 8.1 App Watch: HERE Maps

Nokia surely has got something going with its HERE map service, which up until now was only available on Windows Phone 8 devices. But the release of the company’s Lumia 2520 tablet has shook things up a bit, and I mean it as in a good shake up.

This new slate offers wireless connectivity, making it a perfect companion for travelling users. What this also means is that a quality map application is the need of the hour here.

The HERE Maps application is now up for grabs for all Windows RT 8.1 users — exclusively. Now here is a word you rarely hear with regards to the Windows RT platform, but things are slowly on the up for Microsoft’s ARM based operating system.

Here is the well-crafted official description:

“HERE Maps is a complete mapping app designed to work with or without a Wi-Fi or data connection. With HERE Maps you can download and take your maps with you on your tablet. Get walking, driving and public transit directions to the places you want to go, all completely offline.

HERE Maps is a perfect companion for your smartphone. Plan where you want to go and save places so you can find them easily with your phone when you’re out and about. HERE. Maps for Life.”

This new app has just recently been published on the Windows Store, and offers the same feature package that is available on all other Nokia devices — from dedicated city pages to the ability to view street level imagery.

Walking and driving directions are, obviously, available, as is the ability to share places with friends and contacts. In fact, as noted above, maps can be downloaded to the tablet and opened up even when Internet connectivity is not available.

Since this free app is only designed for ARM processors, Widows RT, Windows RT 8.1, Surface tablets and other such slates are the only ones invited to the party.

Click here to check out HERE Maps on the Windows Store.