Although Google Maps and Waze are the most popular GPS navigators in general and for Android Auto in particular, the reality is that there are very interesting alternatives. In fact, we tested them live to determine which GPS navigators are worth it.
So, you can take a look at our analysis of the competent TomTom Go, the striking interface and satellite view of Here WeGo or even the virtues of Sygic such as its 3D maps. If we talk about offline browsers, the simplicity of applications like Maps.me or Magic Earth stands out. We tested another offline browser for Android Auto and these were our conclusions.
What is OsmAnd and how does it work?
As we already told you in the intro, OsmAnd is an application GPS navigation offline and also open sourcewith all the advantages that this entails, such as quite careful management of data with the user (he does not collect it and is clear in its use, which makes it easy to maintain control). Likewise, it is free from advertising.
The maps are the most complete I have seen. and they have little to envy in terms of information from those of the all-powerful Google, since they take over the mapping of the OpenStreetMap project.
The application is available for free on the Google Play Store, so obviously if we want to have it on Android Auto we will first have to download it to our mobile. But it doesn’t stop there: when you enter and grant minimal and essential permissions such as location, a map download menu. It doesn’t take too long, but for my analysis (I used the app to travel from Madrid to Pamplona) I had to download those for Madrid, Castilla y León, La Rioja and Navarra.
Obviously the bad side is that these cards take up a little space (nothing excessive), but in favor we will have the mapping whatever happensfor example if there are connection problems or if we do not have data (it can be used outside the State, since there are maps of Europe and other continents).
I want to emphasize this It’s a super complete applicationboth for the number of maps and for other additional services, since it has travel guides, real-time traffic and even weather. While most are free, there is a subscription version with backup and restore, but you can skip paying for a great experience.
On the road with OsmAnd on Android Auto
A recommendation: before starting the trip It is advisable to add your house in the ‘Favorites’ section to speed up use. Although it displays a touch keyboard on the screen, it is faster to have previously entered it from your mobile.
Opening the application in Android Auto, we find the interface you see above, with buttons to zoom and center the map, the usual gear wheel for settings and the magnifying glass to add the destination from there . In terms of design, looks quite classic and functionalwithout too many frills or complications.
It also has a menu on the left with the options “Free Travel” to simply view the map, “History” with previous searches, points of interest, “Favorites”, “Markers on the map” and “Traces “. It should be noted that this application is not only useful on the road, but is a good option for traveling on foot, especially in nature, practicing adventure sports.
For your such a classic design, its use isn’t really a mystery: you touch the magnifying glass, write the destination and from there you will see suggested routes so you can choose one and start navigation. Three useful extras: it has a speedometer (a floating widget that appears when you move), voice prompts so you don’t have to pay attention to the screen, and a view switch between 2D and 3D, although honestly, it’s not. very successful.
Although I find the maps detailed and clear, cartography design can be improved be more visual, with colors that overload the experience. I liked its fluidity (yes, with a recent and moderately powerful cell phone) and the fact that there were no problems in tunnels or places with poor coverage.
In fully guided navigation, in addition to the pointer, you will find two additional bubbles: one with general information about the trip and another, larger and more colorful, with the route to follow step by step. Ease is undoubtedly one of its great virtues.
What caught my attention is the scarcity of its settings in its version for Android Auto (mobile is another matter), so practically what you see is what there is. The million dollar question: do you have a speed camera alert? Yes, you must activate it from the mobile settings so that those that appear in the OSM database appear, that is, landlines.
OsmAnd on Android Auto: conclusions
After trying OsmAnd on Android Auto, I found it to be a good alternative to have on hand. I liked the exhaustive nature of his cartography.even if its design is not the most modern in the world. I find it an excellent option for getting from point A to point B without complications thanks to the simplicity of its interface.
In this sense it is an excellent application for anyone who wants a reliable browser with good privacy managementas well as those who use their mobile phone on a basic basis and have low data speeds.
It can’t compete with the Waze community or Google Maps real-time calculations knowing what traffic is like and maybe visually it’s not that pretty and strikingbut one should keep in mind to avoid advertising and data collection.
Should I switch from Google Maps and Waze to OsmAnd? No, for me real-time updates are very important and the Waze interface helps me a lot to avoid making mistakes, but that’s a personal matter.
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