You are probably aware that Nokia started offering Ovi Maps with free walk and drive navigation starting with the end of January. Well, the launch of their improved product was a success, since it reached over 1.4 million downloads since 21 January 2010. The first million was reached in just one week following the launch.
Anssi Vanjoki, Executive Vice President, Nokia claims that the download rate right now is a download per second, 24 hours a day. It’s clear what Nokia is trying to do, that is lead the market in mobile maps, navigation and location-based services, while competing with the likes of Google Maps.
Nokia used its NAVTEQ acquirement for this purpose and will get the cash lost from not charging navigation service users from the huge sales of smartphones with navi features enabled. Also, new location-aware apps will be developed, some of them generating profit and operators will also join in with extra initiatives.
The most popular 5 models that Ovi Maps was installed on are: Nokia 5800 XpressMusic, Nokia N97 mini, Nokia N97, Nokia 5230 and Nokia E72. Also, the top five downloading countries are as follows: China, Italy, UK, Germany and Spain.
[via nokia]
