Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/App Store
The market is already full of navigation apps, so finding a Google Maps alternative isn't necessarily difficult. Big names like Waze, Sygic, and TomTom already offer comprehensive solutions, being able to replace Google Maps on Android and Android Auto.
However, users who connect their mobile devices to the head unit in their cars will soon get a new alternative if they live in Qatar.
Wain is an application specifically focused on navigation and real-time traffic information, trying to offer a little bit of everything in a very intuitive package. Wain is only aimed at users in Qatar, but it includes a very intriguing feature lineup, so I wouldn't be surprised if the parent company would target an international expansion.
Wain also offers dynamic maps, roadside assistance, speed camera alerts, and parking information. It comes with a rich collection of points of interest, and the parent company says the apps can be used not only by locals but also by tourists.
Wain will soon land on Android Auto, as the company confirmed on X (formerly known as Twitter) that support for Google's platform is already in the works. It should launch by the end of the year, but further specifics will be shared closer to launch.
The developing team has been working hard lately, specifically on expanding the app to the car experience. The CarPlay support debuted in June, and since then, the company has tried to refine the feature with every update. Dark mode maps debuted on CarPlay in August as part of version 8.1.0, and the same update added a speedometer for Apple users. It also included speed camera warnings and speeding alerts.
The latest updates brought more improvements to CarPlay users, including real-time traffic updates, faster maps, a better search experience, and other goodies that make Wain better than the likes of Google Maps and Waze in its home market.
The application can't serve as a full-time replacement for Google Maps in any other market, but Wain is living proof that local players can also become important players in the navigation space as long as they have high-quality maps and new-generation features.
Tech giants are also working on innovative capabilities, and Google and Apple spearhead this push. Google Maps recently announced immersive view for routes, while Apple continues the detailed city experience rollout while adding new capabilities to its service.
For example, iOS 17 brought offline maps to users, allowing users to navigate to a configured destination without an Internet connection if they download the necessary maps before going offline. Apple also added EV charging station availability in Apple Maps with the debut of the latest operating system, preparing the application for new-generation vehicles where keeping an eye on the battery range has become a critical step to make sure they can reach the destination.
Wain is an application specifically focused on navigation and real-time traffic information, trying to offer a little bit of everything in a very intuitive package. Wain is only aimed at users in Qatar, but it includes a very intriguing feature lineup, so I wouldn't be surprised if the parent company would target an international expansion.
Wain also offers dynamic maps, roadside assistance, speed camera alerts, and parking information. It comes with a rich collection of points of interest, and the parent company says the apps can be used not only by locals but also by tourists.
Wain will soon land on Android Auto, as the company confirmed on X (formerly known as Twitter) that support for Google's platform is already in the works. It should launch by the end of the year, but further specifics will be shared closer to launch.
The developing team has been working hard lately, specifically on expanding the app to the car experience. The CarPlay support debuted in June, and since then, the company has tried to refine the feature with every update. Dark mode maps debuted on CarPlay in August as part of version 8.1.0, and the same update added a speedometer for Apple users. It also included speed camera warnings and speeding alerts.
The latest updates brought more improvements to CarPlay users, including real-time traffic updates, faster maps, a better search experience, and other goodies that make Wain better than the likes of Google Maps and Waze in its home market.
The application can't serve as a full-time replacement for Google Maps in any other market, but Wain is living proof that local players can also become important players in the navigation space as long as they have high-quality maps and new-generation features.
Tech giants are also working on innovative capabilities, and Google and Apple spearhead this push. Google Maps recently announced immersive view for routes, while Apple continues the detailed city experience rollout while adding new capabilities to its service.
For example, iOS 17 brought offline maps to users, allowing users to navigate to a configured destination without an Internet connection if they download the necessary maps before going offline. Apple also added EV charging station availability in Apple Maps with the debut of the latest operating system, preparing the application for new-generation vehicles where keeping an eye on the battery range has become a critical step to make sure they can reach the destination.
We expect to support Android Auto by the end of this year. We currently support Apple CarPlay. Thanks for the question
— Wain - ????? (@WainAppQatar) October 19, 2023
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