Image from Mobilecrunch

I was reading through Techcrunch/Mobilecrunch this morning and came across Nokia’s announcement first unveiled in the UK that Nokia is launching free Ovi Maps with Navigation.  A US announcement is scheduled for later today according to Mobilecrunch.

From MobileCrunch:

Some of the features of the new, free Ovi Maps with Navigation:

• Maps are stored locally, and no continuous data connection is needed
• Traffic Information in 10 countries
• Lane assistance, speed trap warnings
• Pedestrian mode, including shortcuts only possible on foot
• Free Lonely Planet/Michelin travel guides

If Google Maps with Navigation hasn’t killed the GPS market, this might help it go further down the drain.

I don’t think this will killed handheld GPS’s as there are special versions that have more features than a Tom Tom. Garmin produces many different GPS systems that are more useful in hiking situations than a Tom Tom. However, road navigation units like the Tom Tom may have their days numbered.

Check out MobileCrunch for the announcement and to download the application for your Nokia X6, N97 Mini (not the standard N97), E72, E55, E52, 6730 classic, 6710 Navigator, 5800 Xpressmusic, 5800 Navigation Edition, or 5230.