Nokia said today its Nokia Maps application has been updated with an improved user interface and search functions, and a faster map download. The Nokia Maps service offers maps and routing in more than 150 countries, and is the handset maker's first step into potentially lucrative real-time positioning services, which it sees as crucial for its core business.

Nokia Maps is being integrated into Ovi. Ovi is the door to Nokia's Internet services, including the Nokia Music Store, Nokia Maps and N-Gage games. It will also be an open door to web communities, enabling people to access their content, communities and contacts from a single place, either directly from a compatible Nokia device or from a PC.

Basic route planning is free, although users may incur data transfer fees from their carriers. Other navigation upgrades are available for a fee. Nokia charges for a voice-guided navigation feature as well as other city and travel guides. Guides contain information on local cafes, music and clothing stores, museums and Wi-Fi hotspots, Nokia said.

Both new versions of Nokia Maps and the Nokia Map Loader are freely available to download for selected devices at http://maps.nokia.com .