However good Google Maps might be, Samsung has decided that it can offer better. Teaming up with Nokia, a beta version of Here for Android is being made available exclusively for Samsung.
https://gizmodo.com/nokias-insanely-fast-new-mapping-service-looks-awesome-5960184
The new navigation app, powered by Nokia’s rather good backend, will become available for Samsung smartphones with the launch of the new Gear S smartwatch. In fact, the wearable will include turn-by-turn pedestrian navigation powered by Here, with the ability to sync routes with compatible handsets using the new app.
https://gizmodo.com/samsung-gear-s-finally-a-smartwatch-with-a-data-con-1627762083
Here was originally promised for Android, though it never actually arrived, so this is the first time it’s made it onto a Google-powered phone. While it’s not the first time Samsung has used Here—the mapping software already delivers navigation for its Tizen-powered smartwatches—it does further suggest that Samsung is keen to distance itself from Google.
https://gizmodo.com/nokias-new-mapping-service-is-coming-to-ios-and-android-5960189
But distance or otherwise, it’s unclear whether the availability of the app will drive users away from Google Maps. When something’s that good, why would it? [Here via Verge]
http://360.here.com/2014/08/29/here-samsung-galaxy-android/
