Nokia to offer free maps app, service for rival handsets

Nokia has unveiled plans to offer a free maps app on rivals' devices.
Maps will initially be released on Apple iOS devices offering downloadable street plans for offline use, and audio-based directions for pedestrians.
Nokia is also developing a version for Mozilla's forthcoming Firefox operating system, and will release software tools to allow third parties to make use of its data on Android devices.
The move is designed to help the firm compete against Google's rival product.
Nokia already powers maps available on Windows Phone handsets, Amazon's Kindle tablets, Yahoo services including Flickr, Garmin sat-nav kits, and about four out of five cars with in-built map displays. Last month Nokia also unveiled a deal with Oracle that will see the business software firm make use of its location services in its products.
Nokia claims more than 20 years of expertise in the area thanks to its acquisition of Navteq for $8.1bn (£5.1bn) in 2007.