Is it just another Maps API or is there something new?

Every big player in the Internet and mobile industry try to establish their own Maps API. Why is this so and what are characteristics of Nokia’s OVI Maps Player API? Without further details I’ll assume it is optimized for Nokia handsets and LBS on Nokia devices. I’m wondering if developers need such an amount of different Maps APIs but in case of innovation this is a good situation.

Maps Player is the name for the Ovi Maps API. Nokia describes the API as easy to use, and allows to integrate Ovi Maps functionality into your website. The appearance of the map can be changed from 2D to 3D including 3D landmarks or daylight situations to night situations. Look at the following video to get an demo about the API and Ovi Maps functionality.

Currently with an early registration developers can be part of the beta programme and get exclusive access to the API and documentation.  Features of Ovi maps include over 200 country maps, location-based search and detailed place information. I’m not sure about the sucess of Nokia Ovi Maps. Most handset producers include Google Maps and their API into mobile applications. We will see if Ovi Maps is seen also outside the Nokia World?

[via nokia]