Guest blogger: Stefan Gimeson from Nokia Maps team
Maploader 2.0 is now ready to graduate from betalabs and will be available at http://maps.nokia.com. I want to thank you all for the valuable and useful feedback over the last few weeks, and I really hope you will like the finished version. Major fixes in the release version:
- Vista 64 issue is fixed
- S40 support added
- Included pc suite drivers in the installer that should make maploader independent from PC Suite
- Many, many bug fixes
For the future we are working on a nicer look for the whole application and shop, a history function that will let you manage maps on the device and of course a Mac version. Also, we are planning on adding more localized versions.
So, stay tuned, many interesting and useful features coming up. Thank you all for your ideas and feedback, I hope you will continue to be active here on betalabs. And - for you on the northern hemisphere - I whish you all a great summer.
(NOTE: Due to holidays and technical issues, we are unable to update the Beta Labs website and remove Map Loader 2.0 beta from the Beta Labs offering before Monday. Sorry for the inconvenience.)
Guest blogger: Stefan Gimeson from Nokia Maps team
With Map Loader 2.0 you can buy navigation and city guides directly from your PC!
Map Loader 2.0 includes a web shop where you can purchase and download navigation, traffic information and city guide licenses directly to your device. There is no need for activation, just download and you are ready to explore your world.
The new “Services” tab will let you browse through Drive*, Drive&Walk*, Traffic* and City Guides before deciding what to buy. In addition, the clear and easy to understand graphical representation will show what region is covered by the license. You will see exactly what you buy before buying.
Selecting “Guides” will let you browse through City Guides and Multimedia Guides from all over the world. Selecting one will show you information on the contents and you can download them directly to your device. It has never been so easy to find the right guide for your destination!
New connection mode
Map Loader 2.0 now supports PC Suite connections. This means that you can connect several devices over USB or Bluetooth connection. Mass storage mode is also supported for older Nokia Maps versions and memory cards. In mass storage mode the new “Services” tab will not be available and Map Loader 2.0 will behave like Map Loader 1.x. On startup, a popup will show connected devices and will let you choose the drive/device to use. Make sure you have the latest PC Suite installed (http://www.nokia.com/pcsuite).
Shop
After selecting a navigation license or downloading a guide you will be transferred to the payment page. Enter you credit card data; confirm payment and the license will be downloaded to your device. Your credit card data is sent over a secure https connection. You will also receive an email receipt.
Purchased licenses
In the bottom of the “Services” screen, there is a list of your previously purchased licenses and their expiration date. This will help you to see when it is time to renew you licenses.
Feedback
Download Map Loader 2.0 and let us know what you think! Make sure to uninstall any older version of maploader before installing Map Loader 2.0. Note that this is still a beta, so there are some limitations:
- Not tested on S40, so please don’t use it
- In “Drive & Walk” the navigation region “Russia & Ukraine” is only navigable in Russia.
- Disconnecting and reconnecting a device while Map Loader 2.0 is running can sometimes lead to unexpected results.
- Make sure your phone time is correct before buying any licenses.
* shop content depending on Nokia Maps version
