Nokia HERE Drive updated, no longer Nokia-exclusive

Nokia has updated its HERE Drive application for Windows Phone 8, bringing some new features but most importantly, the app is now no longer a Nokia exclusive, meaning anyone with a Windows Phone 8 smartphone can now benefit from Nokia's free turn-by-turn navigation.

Features-wise, the updated HERE Drive app now comes with a feature called My Commute, which teaches the everyday commuter about their driving habits and provides recommendations for things such as traffic. Speaking of traffic, a new Traffic view is also now available, giving drivers real-time traffic information while driving. Other new features include an interactive compass, simpler settings and the ability to upgrade to a global license from within the application.

At the same time, Nokia has updated HERE Transit for Windows Phone 8, also dropping the Nokia exclusive tag. The update brings an improved interface that's more streamlined, as well as a dedicated favorites screen. The app works across 740 cities in 52 countries with this update, which is now available in the Windows Phone Store.

Download: Nokia Drive | HERE Transit

Update: Installation issues and app crashes are affecting some users, causing Nokia to temporarily suspend downloads of HERE Drive. A fixed version will be available shortly.