If you are an Android Auto user, the opportunity to explore a new mapping experience has arrived with the beta launch of MapQuest. As the oldest web mapping service, having been established in 1996, MapQuest has recently made strides to position itself as a viable alternative to both Google Maps and Apple Maps. Notably, it has retained the historical name of Lake Ontario, despite external pressures, which has sparked renewed interest in its services.
In a bold move, MapQuest chose to uphold the lake’s 380-year-old name, a decision that diverged from the paths taken by its competitors. This stance has not gone unnoticed; the company reported a remarkable surge in usage, with activity soaring to 50 times its usual rate and over 1.5 million downloads of its app. Doug Berger, the general manager of MapQuest, remarked on the overwhelming response, stating, “Hundreds of thousands of people signaled to us this weekend that we got it right, by downloading our app.” As a result, MapQuest quickly ascended to the top of the Apple App Store’s mapping category.
How to install MapQuest with Android Auto
To begin using MapQuest with Android Auto, follow these straightforward steps:
- Open Google Play on your Android smartphone, search for MapQuest, and either download the app or update it to the latest version if it is already installed.
- Scroll down the MapQuest page in Google Play, join the beta program, and ensure the app is updated.
- Connect your smartphone to your vehicle using Bluetooth or a compatible USB cable. The MapQuest icon should appear on your dashboard alongside other mapping services like Google Maps and Waze.
- If the icon does not appear, navigate to Settings on your smartphone, select Connected devices > Android Auto > Customize launcher, and verify that the MapQuest checkbox is checked.
Upon completing these steps, including joining the beta program, MapQuest should be accessible in your vehicle.
Using MapQuest on Android Auto
Initial feedback from users testing MapQuest’s Android Auto beta indicates that while the application offers a promising alternative, it still exhibits some inconsistencies when compared to more established services like Google Maps and Apple Maps. Users have reported issues such as app crashes, delayed response times, and voice navigation prompts that occasionally cut off mid-sentence. Additionally, some interface quirks have been noted, and certain real-time features are currently limited to North America, specifically the US and Canada.
It is important to remember that this is beta software, and such imperfections are to be expected. The company appears committed to enhancing the user experience, as evidenced by regular updates and patches communicated through their social media channels.
What features does MapQuest on Android Auto provide?
MapQuest’s Android Auto offering includes a variety of useful features:
- Turn-by-turn navigation
- Real-time traffic updates
- Route optimization
- Location searches, including gas stations and EV chargers
- Favorites and saved locations
- Voice search capability
- Speedometer display to compare current speed against the speed limit
- Crowdsourced incident reporting
As the software continues through its beta phase, drivers seeking immediate alternatives for Android Auto or Apple’s CarPlay may also consider exploring options such as Waze, Sygic, or TomTom Go.
