Microsoft announced a new free mapping app MapQuest

Have you heard of MapQuest? It is among the pioneer services for web based mapping which delivers accurate information about maps, routs, directions, destinations etc. The service provides current information for traffic and voice guided directions on the road. If it sounds familiar to you, you might be mistaken it with Here Drive.

Now the great mapping service has its own app version – the first Microsoft mapping app MapQuest, available for Windows Phone 8’s users. It is a great alternative to the most famous mapping apps used today. It is available for download free of charge.

The appealing design of the app is the first thing that grabs the attention. Its abundance of features and possibilities provides all the information a driver need when on the road, or pedestrians when walking toward their destination. Among the most useful information that you can get are the real-time traffic conditions. The app can also calculate driving routs and provides you with voice-guided, GPS-like directions. MapQuest boasts optional map layers for those who want to find different hotels, interesting places or restaurants in the desired area. All you have to do is to Pin your destination on the map and start getting Live Tile updates about your location while you are moving.

There is a lot to explore in MapQuest that will help you to explore in depth the places you are visiting and to find the optimal route for your needs, despite if you are driving or walking. The app works with a patented routing technology that assures the most reliable directions. The live traffic conditions gets updates in every 5 min. The MapQuest app keeps the recent searches and preferable locations of users.

The app is free for download. It is still not available for all regions. We still don’t have further information about how the app performs offline. Share with us your thoughts about the MapQuest app.