Nokia partners with Samsung to bring HERE maps to Galaxy smartphones

Samsung is slowly moving away from its dependence on Google’s Android OS. The South Korean technology giant started that effort by squeezing its young Tizen OS into the Samsung Z which debuted in June. Samsung followed suit by ditching the well-publicized Android Wear platform in favor of Tizen for its 3G-capable Gear S smartwatch.

Now Samsung is intensifying its coup by signing a partnership with Nokia to brings its iconic HERE maps on Galaxy smartphones. Samsung isn’t pulling out Google Maps though, rather, it is offering its users a reliable option in Nokia’s HERE system.

Nokia HERE for Samsung Galaxy phones is still in beta, so expect a few glitches. Samsung already announced that it would feature Nokia HERE on the Gear S. HERE is also expected to launch on other Android phones, although we don’t know when.

HERE is free to download, and, similar to Google Maps, it works without an Internet connection. HERE users can also save maps and locations – another key feature. Furthermore, HERE for Samsung’s Galaxy phones can work with Glympse and Samsung Car Mode. 

Source: Nokia