Berlin-based map app service Skobbler wants to grab a share of the offline mobile map market before the other web giants wade in with their own connection-free platforms.
Skobbler this week launched the latest version of its detailed map system, ForeverMap, giving users the ability to browse mobile maps of any country in Europe but without a connection via data roaming.
The company it is the “first viable and portable digital map solution” for the mobile market – but will clearly have to establish a fanbase quickly.
One of the attractions of the Skobbler system is that it also uses pre-loaded content platforms for when a user needs additional information about an area of attraction on the map, such as Wikipedia, route finders and search.
It uses the OpenStreetMap creative commons technology for the maps.
It also works across the Apple suite including iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch.
Earlier this month Google outlined its plans for a massively improved mobile mapping system, working not only completely offline but with 3D capability for some cities or other popular areas of interest.
The most amusing thing about this is the Google announcement – in effect an admission of one of the weaknesses of their “cloud based” model. “Cloud” based things are fine (overlooking for now the issue of who wants Google to store everything you know!) PROVIDED that you have reasonably priced bandwidth – which you don’t when you are roaming – AND that you have acceptable response times, which you often don’t in congested areas, poor signal areas etc.
Truth is – there are plenty of occasions when having presentation, application and data in the same device – and with you – are a good idea. Welcome to reality Google!