Nokia has announced to make its smart2go mapping and navigation platform, available for free download (www.smart2go.com), which would enable millions of people to use the most comprehensive map coverage offered on a mobile device. The platform allows for mapping and routing in over 150 countries and has support for full turn-by-turn satellite navigation in over 30 countries.

Smart2go allows user to view exact location on the map and search for points of Interests (POI). It will be offered free from Saturday, February 10^th, for Nokia S60 and Windows Mobile 5.0 handsets at first but has plans to support the major mobile OS like Linux S40, Pocket PC etc. It also plans to pre-install it on Nokia Nseries with the name “Nokia Maps”. And now, by paring your non-GPS enabled mobile device with a Nokia Wireless GPS Module LD-3W or other compatible GPS module, Nokia Maps can provide the same fantastic navigation experience for a broad range of Nokia devices.

The platform contains over 15 million POIs that help people explore the most interesting sights, restaurants or accommodations around them. Customers can select their favorite locations and send them to friends by multimedia message, Bluetooth wireless technology, infrared or e-mail. They can also send map excerpts and routes or save map screen shots to the gallery on the device. Recognized brand names like McDonald's will have the option to place branded icons across the world's digital maps downloaded onto millions of mobile devices.