Nokia beta labs have unleashed Ovi Maps 3.04 on the world in it's beta form.

Included in this new version that I've found online so far:

- WLAN positioning
- Improved speed to fix the positioning lag issues
- General improved positioning
- Improved search for cities
- Map zooming with improved speed

Everything I've read so far has been very positive but I will of course be trying out for myself and encourage others to do so (although apparently the install's rather large...)

betalabs.nokia.com/apps/ovi-maps-beta-for-mobile

Installed (without a hitch and very fast) over the top of 3.03. Thought I'd post the changes I've immediately noticed.

- Positioning was insanely fast and I'm in the office right now so indoors.

- The position dot graphic has changed

- Search has changes now to be more finger friendly with a large "Go" button and an even larger "Browse Categories"

- Events, Weather, Lonely planet and Michelin all appear unchanged (but they weren't exactly broken before) Weather does seem to benefit from the improved positioning

- Compass implementation is good provided you fling your phone around to calibrate it (good old figure of 8)

- Everything feels very responsive compared to the old betas (v3.02) but only slightly snappier than v3.03

I can't test the WLAN positioning yet but I'm not expecting much considering Nokia's database must be fairly empty at present.

If I get chance I'll do a quick test of driving navigation in my lunch break, but overall Nokia really should be commended for turning Ovi Maps around from the Bug-ridden Betas that were thrown out following Version 3

They've also added back the multi-point routing and select from contacts for your destination.

Presently have to do this through route creation though.

mbrett wrote:
They've also added back the multi-point routing and select from contacts for your destination.

Presently have to do this through route creation though.

Ah I'd missed the contacts bit thats a welcome return! Stops me having so many damn favorites otherwise...