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Three Google Maps Alternatives That Really Need Android Auto Support

At this point, there’s no doubt Google Maps and Waze are currently the most popular navigation apps for Android Auto users, and this happens for a very simple reason.
Google Maps on Android Auto 14 photos
Photo: Google
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Until recently, the platform was locked for third-party developers, so Google was the only company providing users with navigation apps. Both Google Maps and Waze belong to the Mountain View-based search giant, so all the other navigation tools published in the Google Play Store weren’t allowed to be updated with support for Android Auto.

In mid-2020, however, Google announced a change that paved the way for more navigation apps on Android Auto. Third-party developers are now allowed to add Android Auto support to their own solutions, thus providing users with more choices when it comes to navigation in the car.

One of our most common requests for Android Auto continues to be support for more apps in the car. We currently have over 3,000 apps in Google Play whose in-car experiences have been purpose-built for driving. Today, we’re showcasing our work with early access partners to build apps in new categories for Android Auto, including navigation, parking and electric vehicle charging. Using our new Android for Cars App Library, we’re able to ensure that all tasks within an app can be achieved with minimal glances or taps,” Google said.

And while until now, the number of developers interested in updating their apps with support for Android Auto has been fairly small, here are the three Google Maps alternatives that would really need such an update.

Maps.me

Maps.me is currently one of the most popular navigation apps out there, coming with everything you’d need. That includes offline maps, driving, walking, and cycling modes, travel guides, up-to-date maps powered by OpenStreetMap, Booking.com integration, and so much more.

This app currently has more than 50 million downloads on Android from the Google Play Store alone, so it goes without saying support for Android Auto would be good news for some users.

Fortunately, the developing team doesn’t rule out such an update in the near future.

At the moment, there is no support for Android Auto. For a long time, third-party navigation apps were not available on Android Auto. Google recently allowed them and there is a chance for Android Auto version in a longer term,” the dev team says.

HERE WeGo

As you probably know already, HERE is one of the biggest map providers in the world, so it’s no surprise its very own navigation solution has so many users on Android and iPhone.

Unfortunately, however, HERE WeGo is missing Android Auto support despite coming with so many other great features, including detailed routes, turn by turn guidance, public transportation data, offline maps, and impressive coverage for a large part of the world.

Is there any chance HERE brings its app to Android Auto? There is, as the company rolled out CarPlay support in 2020, so it’s most likely working on Android Auto compatibility as we speak. No specifics on the ETA are available, though.


Sygic

As many people know already, Sygic is considered one of the more professional choices when it comes to navigation software, once again coming with everything a driver would need when getting behind the wheel.

The feature lineup includes everything from offline maps, voice guidance, a walking mode, and real-time traffic information to HUD support, dashcam integration, and speed limit warnings à la Waze.

And there’s good news on the Android Auto front. Sygic is already working on adding support for Android Auto, with a beta build already available for private testers. Unfortunately, we haven’t been provided with any information as to when the public launch could finally happen.
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About the author: Bogdan Popa
Bogdan Popa profile photo

Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
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