All of us at NokiaLB believe that Ovi Maps is definitely an awesome navigation solution that helps many users everyday to get to their destination. We were lately telling you how to easily find a Lebanese POI and integrate it into Ovi Maps, let's now talk about the benefits of using the free navigation application for everyday use or for occasional navigation. We will also compare Nokia's free solution with the only other reliable Lebanese navigation system, NavLeb, and analyze which one is better and accurate. Also, keep in mind we tested both of the solutions recently in Lebanon and are definitely able to tell you which system is the best.

Let's begin with what seems to be the most important factor when you decide whether to use the product/service or not: its price. NavLeb exists in several variants, the cheapest being $ 300 while Ovi Maps is completely free. This first difference is already an excellent asset, but it might mislead as you're probably thinking "If there's a $ 300 difference, then Ovi Maps is not as good as NavLeb!". Don't be so sure! Even if NavLeb is a good GPS Navigation solution, Ovi Maps has many features that NavLeb cannot possibly offer that we will examine later on. Also, unlike any other navigation system, Nokia offers free Map Updates directly via Nokia Map Loader.

A second point making Ovi Maps an excellent navigation system is its integration with other services, that are not offered by any other GPS Navigation service in Lebanon. Indeed, Ovi Maps can synchronize your favorite routes and places with the online Ovi Maps service so that you never lose anybody's address and always have them updated. Ovi Maps also integrates with your phone's contacts, allowing you to simply select a contact and navigate to its address without the need to check anything else. Other services include weather data, local events and even premium city guides, such as Lonely Planet and Michelin (some premium content may not be available in Lebanon), all for free.

A third reason why Ovi Maps is excellent, especially in Lebanon, is the fact that it supports satellite view. Although this might not seem very useful at first, we need to keep in mind Lebanese streets are not very clear (no numbers etc.) and this kind of view makes it much easier to locate buildings or other specific venues. you're looking for The advantage compared to other GPS systems is that you can check satellite maps directly on your device, which prevents you from having to use your computer. Hence, you can check a place even if you decided to go there at the last moment!

Another element making Ovi Maps unique is its social features, especially the "Share my position" one, allowing you to post your current location on Facebook. This lets you keep your friends updated about your latest position and helps your share thoughts about nice restaurants, parks or other venues!

What is also extremely important when choosing a GPS system is the map data provided with it. Nokia uses its own maps (as it bought Navteq a few years ago), which makes it very reliable but also updated very often. The fact that maps are not paid lets you download them whenever new modifications are made, allowing you to have very accurate data that takes new routes and changes into account.

Moreover, if you were thinking of using your GPS system in another country, you can be sure your Nokia device will be there to guide you, anywhere in the world. It can handle both car and pedestrian navigation (the latter not being so useful in Lebanon) wherever you are and bring you to the nicest places when you go abroad! Ovi Maps can be used in either portrait or landscape mode, letting you choose which one suits you best.

Also, Ovi Maps offers advanced features that help you drive safely, such as automatic zooming and lane guidance (lets you know what lane to stay on) anywhere in the world (even in Lebanon), which is extremely useful, especially when you're not sure what exit you have to take. Finally, let's keep in mind Ovi Maps offers other excellent features that may not be available in Lebanon but that do help in other countries (and could help you if you travel too), such as free traffic information, safety camera alerts, speed limit warnings and more!

In addition to these awesome possibilities, let us remind you that you carry your Nokia device everywhere in your pocket, which can be very useful in the event you get lost, as your phone offers free navigation without any other need than having its battery charged.

Now if you were thinking of comparing Ovi Maps to Google Maps, let's quickly explain this: Google Maps is not a GPS navigation service, it's an online maps and itinerary system. It doesn't provide you with turn by turn navifation guidance and cannot be used as a GPS replacement. Nevertheless, Google Navigation, which is currently available in the US, Ireland and the UK, lets people use drive from point A to point B but is only installed on Android devices and no version for other devices exists at this time.