Yandex Navigator App Launched for Windows Phone
Yandex is one of the most powerful companies when it comes to search and mapping in Russia, as a matter of fact Windows Phone devices in Russia do have Yandex as their default search engine instead of Google or Bing. That said, their Mapping service recently wet through a major platform overhaul which has enabled the company to update data from one unified platform. Recently, they introduced their Navigation App for Windows Phone platform which works for almost everywhere but services like will work for certain countries like Russia, Ukrain, Belarus and Turkey.
Launched as Yandex Navigator, the app is basically a port of their Android counterpart and hence you wont get the same native app feeling but it does the job. The app comes with pre-installed voice which shows up as you use the app and specially when you plan your route.
Features of the App:
- The maps is not available offline but keeps downloading as you use it and saves on the phone. This is claimed to be updated n monthly basis.
- You can plan your trip if you are in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Turkey. You get details about traffic information and route is adjusted according to that.
- Get voice turn-by-turn directions
- Use voice commands
- Search for locations by name or addresses, as well as businesses by name or category;
- Get warnings about road works accidents etc. and speed cameras.
- Mark location as favorites but there is no sync with any online account.
That said, the app is free to download and works everywhere but since it does not provide any native information and most of the features, users who already use this feature would love to use them, specially fans from the four countries. Good to see more and more mapping services coming to Windows Phone.
