What GPS maps work with Android Auto?
Android Auto is a smartphone projection software developed by Google to allow Android phone users to project a customized version of certain Android apps onto the touchscreen of compatible vehicles. It was first announced at Google I/O 2014 and began rolling out to select vehicles in 2014 (Android Auto launches for select vehicles later in 2014).
The purpose of Android Auto is to provide a safer and more seamless experience for using apps during driving by optimizing the apps for use in the car through larger buttons, voice commands, and simplified interfaces. Key features include Google Maps navigation, voice-enabled interactions, music playback, and ridesharing integration.
What is Android Auto?
Android Auto is a system developed by Google that allows Android smartphones to integrate with a vehicle’s infotainment system, bringing key apps and services from the phone to the car’s built-in display in a safer, more optimized interface.
The goal of Android Auto is to help drivers access useful features and content like navigation, music, messaging, and voice assistance in a way designed specifically for in-car use. By connecting an Android phone to a compatible car stereo or head unit, either wirelessly or via USB cable, the Android Auto interface appears on the vehicle’s screen.
This provides quick access to Google Maps for navigation, Google Play Music and Spotify for audio playback, and Google Assistant for voice controls – all designed with larger buttons and interfaces optimized for minimal driver distraction. Android Auto also has the ability to read out and reply to incoming messages hands-free.
Overall, Android Auto allows drivers to leverage the apps and services they rely on their Android devices while minimizing distractions and simplifying the in-car experience for improved safety and convenience (KBB, 2023).
Compatibility Requirements for Android Auto
In order to use Android Auto, there are a few key compatibility requirements for both the Android device and the vehicle itself. First, Android Auto requires a compatible Android smartphone running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher. Many modern Android phones released in the past few years meet this requirement, but older phones may not be supported (source).
Secondly, the vehicle needs to be compatible with Android Auto and have it integrated into the in-dash display/infotainment system. Most car manufacturers like Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Volkswagen and others now offer Android Auto built-in on certain trim packages of their latest models (model year 2017 and newer). Some car audio aftermarket stereos also support adding Android Auto via a compatible head unit replacement (source). Overall, having both a compatible Android smartphone and car with integrated Android Auto support is required.
Maps and Navigation Apps for Android Auto
There are several popular mapping and navigation apps available for Android Auto, offering a variety of features and capabilities:
Google Maps
Google Maps is the most widely used navigation app on Android Auto. It provides turn-by-turn voice guided navigation, real-time traffic updates, lane guidance, and integration with other Google services like search and reviews. Google Maps offers free, high quality offline maps that can be downloaded for navigation without an internet connection. Key features include commute optimized routes and estimated arrival times. 1
Waze
Waze is known for its crowdsourced traffic data and routing. It offers turn-by-turn navigation, traffic optimized routes, gas station prices, and the ability to share your drive and ETA with others. Key features include reporting accidents, hazards, and police on the road. Waze has a strong social component with a carpool option and chat functionality. 2
Sygic
Sygic provides offline, GPS navigation without an internet connection. It has high quality maps that can be downloaded by country/region for offline use. Sygic offers lane guidance, speed limit warnings, and speed camera alerts. Key features include 3D city maps and natural voice guidance. Sygic is paid navigation app with a free trial available.2
Here WeGo
Here WeGo (formerly Nokia Maps) provides turn-by-turn navigation for driving, walking and public transit. It offers offline maps for over 100 countries that can be downloaded for offline navigation. Here WeGo has voice guided navigation, traffic avoidance routing, and public transit planning. Key features include estimated travel fares and times for public transit options.
TomTom
TomTom GO Navigation provides offline route planning, updated maps, speed limit warnings and speed camera alerts. It offers free map updates and navigation in over 150 countries. TomTom provides alternative route options to avoid traffic jams. Key features include lane guidance, accurate estimated arrival times, and quick alternative route suggestions.
Google Maps
Google Maps is arguably the most popular mapping and navigation app available for Android Auto. As Google’s own maps service, it integrates seamlessly into the Android Auto experience and provides turn-by-turn voice guided directions, estimated arrival times, and live traffic information directly on your car’s display.
Some key features of Google Maps on Android Auto include:
- Real-time traffic updates – Google Maps provides real-time traffic data so you can avoid delays and find the fastest route.
- Lane guidance – The app shows which lane to be in for turns and exits.
- Location sharing – You can share your location with friends and family.
- Search along route – Easily search for gas stations, restaurants, etc along your route.
As Google’s own service, Google Maps integrates seamlessly with other Google products. You can access your saved Places from Google Maps directly in Android Auto. It also connects to your Google account to provide personalized recommendations and traffic updates.
Google Maps comes pre-installed on most Android Auto systems. For those that don’t, you can easily download it from the Google Play Store. With its real-time data, lane guidance, and deep Google integration, Google Maps is one of the best navigation apps for the Android Auto experience.
[1] https://support.google.com/androidauto/answer/6348322?hl=en
Waze
Waze is a popular navigation app owned by Google that relies on crowdsourcing to provide users with real-time traffic updates and route suggestions. One of the standout features of Waze is its use of crowdsourced traffic data from users to give highly accurate ETAs based on current road conditions.
As users drive with the app open, Waze receives anonymous, passive data about traffic flow and incidents, allowing it to alert drivers about accidents, traffic jams, police traps, and other slowdowns. This live, user-generated data gives Waze an advantage over other maps apps that rely solely on traffic models and historical data.
The social experience of Waze is another attraction for many users. You can leave comments on the map about anything from a speed trap to a favorite coffee shop. Waze also gamifies navigation with points and badges for reporting traffic, completing drives, etc. This injects some fun into the navigation experience.
Overall, Waze offers some unique benefits thanks to its crowdsourced traffic platform and social navigation features. However, some users complain about app crashes, trip planning issues, and problems with Android Auto integration[1]. But for real-time traffic avoidance and a more engaging drive, Waze is a top choice.
Sygic
Sygic GPS Navigation (https://www.sygic.com/android-auto) is one of the top navigation apps compatible with Android Auto. It offers a number of useful features for drivers using Android Auto, including:
Offline Maps Support – Sygic comes with pre-downloaded offline maps so you can navigate without an internet connection. This is useful when driving in remote areas with poor connectivity. The offline maps cover over 200 countries worldwide.
Speed Limit Warnings – The app provides speed limit warnings to help you stay within the legal limits. Audible alerts notify you when you exceed the speed limit for the road you’re on based on the offline map data.
Head-Up Display Mode – Sygic has a dedicated head-up display mode that projects turn-by-turn navigation guidance onto your car’s windshield or a connected head-up display. This allows you to keep your eyes on the road while following navigation prompts.
With these and other features optimized for Android Auto, Sygic is one of the top mapping and navigation apps to use with the Android Auto platform.
Here WeGo
Here WeGo is another popular navigation app that works with Android Auto [1]. Some of the key features of Here WeGo for Android Auto include:
Offline maps – Here WeGo allows you to download maps for offline use so you can navigate without an internet connection. This is useful when driving in areas with spotty connectivity.
Voice controls – The app has voice command capabilities when connected to Android Auto, allowing you to search for destinations and navigate hands-free.
Real-time traffic – Here WeGo provides real-time traffic updates and can route you around congestion and delays. This helps optimize your driving routes.
Overall, Here WeGo is a robust maps and navigation app for Android Auto with features like offline access, voice controls, and traffic avoidance that make it a popular choice.
TomTom
TomTom offers an Android Auto compatible navigation app called TomTom GO Navigation that provides offline maps, traffic updates, and speed camera alerts.1 It can be downloaded from the Google Play store and does not require an ongoing subscription to use the basic navigation features.
The TomTom GO Navigation Android Auto app includes high-quality offline maps so navigation is possible even without an internet connection. The maps are regularly updated and stored directly on your phone rather than relying on data streaming.2
Real-time traffic updates are provided to help drivers avoid congestion and delays on their route. The app proposes alternative faster routes when traffic jams are detected along your planned itinerary.3
Another key feature is speed camera warnings to prevent speeding fines. The app identifies fixed and mobile speed cameras along your route and sends clear alerts as you approach them.
Conclusion
In summary, there are a few key map and navigation apps that work well with Android Auto:
Google Maps – The default mapping app for Android Auto provides reliable turn-by-turn directions, traffic information, and integration with Google services. Key features include voice commands, lane guidance, and automatic rerouting.
Waze – Offers crowd-sourced traffic data for real-time routing around congestion. Excellent for city driving. Key features are community alerts, carpool options, and integration with compatible music apps.
While other apps like Sygic, Here WeGo, and TomTom are also available, Google Maps and Waze tend to be the most full-featured and seamlessly integrated options for Android Auto mapping and navigation.