Nokia Drive XAP leaked, Nokia Drive for other Windows Phones becomes a reality

Well, that was fast. Nokia Drive, Nokia’s exclusive turn-by-turn GPS navigation solution for their Windows Phone handsets, has already leaked online. Apparently hackers have actually figured out a way to port the Nokia Drive XAP file to other Windows Phone handsets using the ChevronWP7 unlocking tool.

For those unfamiliar with the app, Nokia Drive is one of Nokia’s proprietary applications for Windows Phone that works only on Nokia smartphones. Drive is included in the latest release of Ovi Maps, and will also come pre-installed in Nokia’s upcoming Lumia 800 and 710 handsets, which run Windows Phone 7.5 Mango.

News of the leak must come as a huge blow to the Finnish handset maker who was planning to use their own proprietary apps to differentiate itself from other Windows Phone vendors. Comically, probably the number one benefit of Nokia’s Windows Phone deal with Microsoft was the preferential treatment the vendor was given in regard to use of proprietary software on top of Windows Phone.

As for the leaked Nokia Drive XAP file, the application has been installed on a Samsung Omnia 7, and modders from Chinese forum WPXAP.com have provided some screenshots, along with a promise of detailed instructions. There has also been success with HTC and Samsung Windows Phone devices.

While the leak it is no doubt infuriating I'm sure, it remains to be seen whether or not everyday users will actually go to the trouble of tracking down and sideloading the app. I tend to think they won't.

Amway, regardless of what happens with Nokia Drive, I really do have to wonder why on earth Nokia is making great Windows Phone apps exclusive. The mobile OS needs all the help it can get.

Image Credit: Business Insider