Seems like Windows Phone users can’t seem to catch a break these days. The latest app that is going to axe support for the platform is HERE maps. The core of this map service may still live on in Windows Maps app, with assets that Microsoft received from HERE back in 2014, but the HERE app itself will stop working after June 30th and will stop getting updates. In anticipation of this end-of-life deadline, the HERE team has decided on two different courses of actions that will both lead to the eventual demise of HERE on Windows devices.
Starting with the latest Windows OS, HERE on Windows 10 smartphones had a bumpy start with compatibility issues when the OS came around. Instead of developing a brand new version from the ground up, which would have required a lot more resource on a platform that didn’t have as many users to begin with, the HERE team whipped up a workaround that got the app to where it is today. It’s this workaround that will stop working come July. Coming back to the present, the HERE team eventually decided to stick with its business decision of not developing a brand new version for Windows 10. In fact the team is going the opposite way by planning to remove all HERE branded apps from the Windows 10 store on March 29th.
Moving on to smartphones running Windows phone 8 or PCs running Windows 8, the situation here is slightly more dire, as HERE is claimed to be deeply integrated with the Windows Phone 8 operating system. With that in mind, HERE has decided to leave the app as it is and has confirmed that the app will work without any disruption. Unfortunately, HERE will stop development on new features for this platform, as well as on the maps that were developed specifically for Windows Phone. However, HERE has promised that it will still deliver critical bug fixes when the need arises. Essentially, users will be stuck with an app that they can’t update and one that they can’t remove either. In the end, users will be at the mercy of Microsoft; who will have the final say on whether a port of its Windows Maps for Windows Phone 8 is required. Otherwise, users have enticing options either of going for an upgrade of the phone itself, or to try out the (still supported) Waze app.
HERE has been in the map-making business for over 30 years now. Of this, the last 10 years alone have been spent on mobile map applications, starting with the very first commercial mobile device that came with a built-in GPS. Last December, the acquisition of HERE was completed and the entity is now owned by a consortium of German car manufacturers, namely Audi, BMW, and Daimler. With the new owners on board, it appears that HERE is being streamlined and is shifting focus to markets that the owners see potential in. This comes at a time when both Apple and Android are moving into the automotive segment with their own take on in-car-infotainment, which includes navigation software. We’ll just have to see what HERE has to say to that.
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