HTC has updated their Locations app to add support for turn-by-turn voice navigation (car and pedestrian), as a paid for option (£17.50 per year in the UK). Also new is the ability to download maps for offline use, which should cut down on data costs. The update puts HTC on a more equal footing with Nokia in terms of software differentiation, but the cost difference means the advantage still lies with the Finnish company.

HTC Locations previously provided mapping, place search and routing functionality, but the key aim was to keep track of your favourite places (footprints). In this area it is broadly equiavlent to Nokia Maps or Bing Maps, although its place database is not as comprehensive as Nokia's of Microsoft's offerings.

The turn by turn navigation functionality, which is a re-branded version of Route 66, requires a license to be purchased after the included 30 day free trial has expired. After the trial period is over voice turn-by-turn navigation can be purchased from within the application. The exact cost varies by country. In the UK the pricing is £3.99 for 30 days, £17.50 for a year or £26.99 for an unlimited license. Speed camera alert functionality can also be added at a cost of £1.99 for 30 days or £5.49 for a year. 

Maps can, optionally, be downloaded for offline use (i.e. without a data connection). The size of the maps is dependent upon the country; helpfuly some larger countries are divided into regions, which should mean you shouldn't have to usee to much of your precious internal memory.

The navigation functionality of HTC Locations is equivalent to that provided by Nokia Drive. HTC Locations' implementation and UI does not feel quite as slick as Nokia Drive / Nokia Maps, but it does have the advantage of having everything contained within a single application. However, for most users, Nokia will continue to hold the advantage overall because there are no licensing costs associated with using its turn-by-turn navigation service in any country. This factor is a good illustration of the way Nokia's ownership of mapping data (Navteq) gives it an advantage over other device manufacturers in providing location and mapping related services or applications. 

Marketplace description:

Find your way with directions or voice guidance. You can download maps to your phone for offline use, or search and browse online maps when you're connected.

HTC Locations can be downloaded from the Windows Phone Marketplace for free. However, as noted above turn-by-turn voice navigation and speed camera warnings do require a paid for subscription. The app is exclusive to HTC devices and can be found in the HTC collection section.