There's an extensive features list in the directory listing, which addresses the basics of the app well:
- See recommendations based on where you are or where you want to go
- Search for places around you from a customizable list of categories
- Customize the app and make your favorite searches even quicker to access.
- See search results displayed in a list, on a map, or in LiveSight
- One-tap access to more place information, such as photos, reviews from trusted sources and contact information
- Add photos and reviews of places you’ve been
- Get drive, walk or public transport directions to a place
- Hold up your smartphone to see floating signs that show you where places are located and tap to see more about that place
- To remember and save places, add them to your own private collection
Unlike the search function in HERE Maps, which is primarily based around searching for discrete locations that you know the name of, HERE Explore's search function is geared towards the visitor to a new location, 'I am standing in a room, what can I see?' style.
Clashing with this 'you must be new in town' approach is the inclusion of a favourites list in the app, which is a sensible function to have in most apps, but here it feels a little bit at odds with the core function of HERE Explore.
Categories give you some guidance in terms of what is presented to you but, even in a category such as food and drink, there's not a huge amount of granular control - you're going to get what the Nokia code thinks you should be looking for.
Once you have decided on somewhere to visit, you'll be shown the location on a map, and with a lift of your phone you'll get an augmented reality display with the location highlighted, and a map in the bottom of the screen. Or you can tap on the address and kick off the regular navigation functions.
HERE Explore is a free download for Lumia owners, and can be found in the Nokia Collection section of the Windows Phone Store (or via our App Directory)