How to: Install Nokia Maps 1.0 pre-launch (beta)!

As you all know by now, the recent v.12 firmware did not include the latest and highly anticipated Nokia Maps v1.1 (formerly known as Smart2Go). This is a guide on how you can download and install Nokia Maps beta, which recently was made availible to some bloggers around the globe. Nokia removed the update for the Nokia N95, probably after reports of things not always working as expected.

So what that this new version do?

• New indicators: GPS status, bandwidth indicators
• Map improvements: Coloring, details, horizon, country borders & time zones
• Unified search: All search methods in one menu & intuitive search interaction
• Improved category search: Multi-level search (Eat + Drink -> Restaurants -> Thai)
• Faster navigation start: Starts before full route calculated, starts w/o GPS fix
• Faster MapLoader: Download speed improved significantly & voice command download
• New regions: India and Indonesia plus better coverage in Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore (in total more than 100 countries/over 50 navigable).

Installation:

1. BACKUP YOUR PHONE – VERY IMPORTANT!
   Use Nokia PC Suite Backup to your PC and the backup function on your phone – backup phone to memory card.
2. FLASH YOUR FIRMWARE
   v12.0.013 is the latest, *#0000# will show your version on the screen of your phone.
3. INSTALL NOKIA MAPS (beta)
   Download and install the updated version.

   For the Nokia N95, the beta version can be found here (as it was removed from the Nokia Maps site, dont worry it’s freeware):
   Rapidshare.com

   The Nokia Maps site has released official updated versions for other devices such as the N70, N72, N73, N76, N93i, 6110 Navigator and 6120 classic. Get those here:
   http://mobilesearch.nokia.com/A4160036?maps

   WARNING!
   This version of Nokia Maps is NOT the final version. This beta version replaces the original version which was included with the firmware on the N95. Thus, it’s not listed in the Application Manager as a removable application. You’ll have to wait for a proper firmware update if things go wrong. The final version will include the 3 day trial navigation, this one does not.

4. DOWNLOAD YOUR MAPS
   Go get Maploader v1.1 and enjoy free digital maps & voices on your phone. The new Maploader software now comes with voice commands in 24 languages and the download speeds (both for maps and voices) are MUCH better (we’re talking max 10 minutes for a country, instead of the ~6 hours it took before).

   You’ll find the software here, here or here.

Have fun!

Many thanks to nickfd whom requested this article in the forums.