Nokia's Here Maps to expand to all Windows 8.1 devices

All Windows 8.1 users will soon be able to tap into Nokia's free mapping and navigation app.
Currently limited to Nokia's Lumia 2520 tablet, Here Maps for Windows 8.1 will land in Microsoft's online Windows Store over the coming days, Nokia said on Friday. Starting its new journey in North America and Europe, the app will be free to download for any PC or tablet owner running Windows 8.1 or Windows RT 8.1.
Like other mapping apps, Here Maps offers navigation and directions, points of interest, and satellite and 3D images of any location. Maps of entire countries can also be downloaded to use offline. But the Windows 8.1 version adds several improvements over its Windows Phone 8 predecessor, according to Nokia.
The new app promises to be faster. Pages of cities load four times quicker than before, Nokia said, courtesy of rendering and optimization tweaks. In addition to using your finger to control the app on a touch screen, you can use your mouse and keyboard on a PC.
The latest version also displays high-resolution satellite images to show roads, houses, and other areas in much greater detail. The app will keep track of your search and route history and sort your list of businesses and other places by distance or rating.
Nokia didn't reveal a specific ETA for the new Here Maps app. Curious Windows 8.1 users wlll want to check the Windows Store over the next few days.