Alternative of Google Maps

  Alternative of Google Maps Launches on Android Auto 

The navigation space on Android Auto and CarPlay are lead by Google Maps and Waze, but the number of alternatives keeps growing regularly. In this category, Navigation specialists like Sygic, TomTom, and HERE, have become more committed to their mobile software. However, the product category continues to expand thanks to developers whose products are only aimed at certain regions or vehicles.

Navitime is one of the companies whose products are among the top choices in Japan, offering top-notch navigation features that can easily replace Google Maps. Navitime is now expanding in the Android Auto world with a big update available on the Google Play Store. The apps come with voice navigation, turn-by-turn guidance, offline maps, and other essential features.  However, while it's good to see another navigation app launching on Android Auto, the release comes with three problems that could become a deal-breaker for Android users.

First, the application is only aimed at users in Japan. Navitime focuses exclusively on its home market, as it doesn't yet want to compete against Google Maps worldwide. You shouldn't try downloading the app if you live in other parts of the world because the maps won't be available in these regions.

Second, Navitime offers Android Auto support only as part of its premium plan. You won't be able to use it free of charge, so unless you are paying for a subscription, you won't see the app on Android Auto.

Third, the Android Auto support targets the truck navigation solution. Compared to a standard navigation product, the application takes into account the vehicle dimensions, the cargo size and other truck-specific details for optimized routing. You won't end up on a narrow road if you drive a large vehicle and use this navigation application. Additionally, like Sygic's truck navigation, it also includes a detailed database of POIs for truck drivers, including parking places and facilities along the route.

Navitime has also promised to update its software with CarPlay support, but the company hasn't yet offered an ETA for when the application would run on devices compatible with Apple's smartphone.  Android Auto support is available on any device running at least Android 8. Considering we are already at Android 14, most phones should support Navitime's Android Auto integration. Android 8 was released six years ago as Oreo.