Nokia (NOK) Working on 'No-Internet-Required' Maps App (GOOG) (AAPL)

Nokia (NYSE: NOK) is planning to release a new mobile map application in an effort to maintain market share versus rival apps from Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) and Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL).

The WSJ reported Wednesday that Nokia's next-generation maps app will be available both on Android and iOS. It wasn't made immediately clear whether a version of the app would be developed for Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) Windows Phone.

Nokia's next maps app would be unique in that they would be able to operate without an Internet connection. The platform would connect with satellites so they'll work once fully downloaded.

While Nokia's previous focus for its mapping app unit (HERE) was on corporate customers, the company can now aim for consumers following the recent divestiture of its Devices & Services unit to Microsoft.

Both Google and Apple would need to approve the app for inclusion in the Android and iOS application stores, but Nokia doesn't see that as a problem.

Shares of Nokia are up in early trading Wednesday.

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