Naver has stepped into the mobile navigator market which is now dominated by T-Map and Kimkisa. Naver, armed with industry-leading technologies and brand power as the largest online portal in Korea, is set to compete with the front-runners in the smartphone navigator market.
Naver recently added a road guide feature to its smartphone app “Naver Map.” Unlike the past when it displayed routes only, it now can offer direction on how to navigate. In contrast to T-Map which is a pay service for those who are not subscribers to SK Telecom, Naver Map is available for free to anyone without membership.
Naver Map is now available on Google Android operating system and will be available on Apple iOS from early next year.
Naver linked the navigation service naturally with its existing map app functions, including location search, search for shortcuts via public transportation, car, bicycle or walk, street view, and bird’s eye view.
A Naver official said, “We launched the service through joint development effort with Hyundai MnSoft, a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor, which is specialized in developing navigation systems.”
