HERE Maps for Windows 8.1 updated – and available globally

Since we introduced HERE Maps for Windows 8.1 in February we’ve received some very positive reviews, but also tons of suggestions how to improve the app. We listened carefully and we’ve refined the app with many changes under the hood. And we’ve also introduced some new features that you asked for.

Here are three of the best and most-requested.

Manual positioning

Many of you use devices without a GPS chip (e.g. a desktop PC) and if that’s the case, HERE Maps for Windows 8.1 relies on network positioning. But if your ISP or your business network provides us with incorrect information, you can now manually set your position when you open the app, by tapping on the green dot indicating your position on the map or in its settings panel.

Your position is automatically detected, but you can change it

You can set your location manually either by panning the map or entering an address

You can always switch from ‘manual’ to ‘automatic’ location detection

You can also set your location in the settings, where you can also change units

New city pages

One of the most-used features of HERE Maps for Windows 8.1 are the city pages, which allow you to explore what’s good in your neighbourhood or wherever you’re going. We redesigned them to make them even more relevant and to bring exploration to the foreground

The new city pages

You can explore places directly on the city pages

Explore major cities in the world, when you zoom out

You can see more detailed weather forecasts and all the places also on the map

Route options and waypoints

We also improved the way you interact with the map and plan your routes. In fact you can now change route options to avoid modes you don’t want e.g. ferries or toll roads.

Route with ferries

Route without ferries

You can also add waypoints to your route and rearrange them via drag-and-drop, very useful if you’re planning a road trip to visit many places. And by the way, you can now also print your route.

You can add (up to 8) waypoints to your route

Perhaps you’re planning to visit a client in the afternoon but you want to make a stop on your way there in a nearby restaurant. That’s easy with HERE Maps for Windows 8.1, because you can explore places around your route and automatically add them as waypoints.

Explore places along the route and add them as waypoints

And, yes, HERE Maps for Windows 8.1 is now available globally.

What’s your favourite new feature of HERE Maps for Windows 8.1? Let us know in the comments section below.

NOTE: The app has just been released, and may not yet have arrived in your version of the Store. If it's not there, then try again in a few hours.