A new Google Maps alternative “Sygic GPS Navigation” is currently available on Android Automotive

When contrasted with Android Auto, Android Automotive enjoys one major benefit: it doesn’t need a mobile phone to run, as it’s pre-loaded on the head unit in the car. It’s the operating system powering the whole experience behind the wheel, and subsequently, Google’s services are deeply integrated into the software that is accessible in these vehicles.

Android Automotive, notwithstanding, is still in its early days, and keeping in mind that an ever-increasing number of cars are being launched with this operating system, the number of apps right now accessible for drivers keeps on being fairly restricted.

This week, in any case, another big name joined the Android Automotive club.

Navigation software expert Sygic has declared that its own special GPS navigation solution is currently accessible on Android Automotive, and it very well may be installed from the Google Play Store very much like some other app that is proposed to drivers of these cars.

As a fully-featured Google Maps alternative, Sygic GPS Navigation accompanies a great feature lineup that beginnings with the typical capacities of getting you from where you are to where you want to go.

The turn-by-turn navigation is the essential part of the whole experience, yet Sygic is likewise offering detailed voice guidance, traffic data, and speed limit alerts. The traffic information is likewise used for a feature called predictive routing, which assists Sygic GPS Navigation with tracking down a superior route for you, as it considers the traffic patterns and attempts to think about where you could come across bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Simultaneously, Sygic GPS Navigation accompanies offline maps, something available in Google Maps also. If you’re asking why offline maps are so significant, all that matters is where you typically drive.

As a rule, drivers who spend most of their time in city traffic don’t for even a moment need offline maps basically because they experience a strong cellular signal all the time. Notwithstanding, the individuals who travel through regions with spotty GPS coverage, tunnels, etc could end up losing the data connection, where case the navigation app is at this point not fit for offering any guidance.

The offline maps permit Sygic GPS navigation to keep working appropriately in any event when this occurs.

Sygic, notwithstanding, says its navigation software would be able to do quite a lot more on Android Automotive. The organization says it’s waiting for the required APIs to become available, however, eventually, its customers would be given sign recognition dashcam support, an EV mode, and real-view navigation. Live data for parking, gas stations, and charging options will likewise be offered.

The EV mode, specifically, will prove to be useful on Android Automotive, particularly as a significant number of the cars at present powered by this operating system accompany an electric motor in the first place. Sygic says this feature will permit drivers to see them close by charging points, actually look at their availability, and even plan a trip to a particular destination by taking into account the range of the car. The app can automatically sort out where the driver needs to stop for fast recharge and thusly add additional stops to the route.

All in all, obviously Sygic GPS Navigation is a commendable replacement for Google Maps.

The only drawback is that it doesn’t come free of charge. While a 14-day trial is likewise accessible, and that implies you can give a shot the app at no cost for two full weeks, Sygic GPS Navigation comes with a one-year Premium+ subscription that costs €49.99 in Europe (this is around $55 for our American readers).