navigation app Archives

AppWizard

August 9, 2025

Google Maps sucks on unpaved roads, so I use this open source app instead

Google Maps is primarily designed for well-marked, paved roads and does not adequately highlight gravel routes, making it less effective for navigating unpaved paths. In a poll, 55% of users preferred OsmAnd for unpaved road navigation, compared to 20% for Google Maps. OsmAnd offers features like a color-coded system for road types, offline map support for entire regions, and the ability to import KML or GPX files. However, it has challenges such as cumbersome customization options, less detailed information compared to Google Maps, and performance issues on Android Auto.

AppWizard

July 3, 2025

Boost Your Android: 15 Must-Have Apps for July 2025

In July 2025, Android users will have access to 15 new applications aimed at enhancing productivity, safeguarding privacy, and improving entertainment experiences. Productivity Apps: - Touch Grass: Restricts access to addictive platforms until users go outside, promoting outdoor activity. - Grease Milky Way: Minimizes distractions on platforms like YouTube and Instagram by streamlining the interface. - Habit Ricks: An ad-free habit tracker that visualizes progress with customizable widgets. File Sharing and Device Management Apps: - Transfer: An open-source app for fast and secure file sharing via local Wi-Fi. - SDK Monitor: Tracks app updates and Android API levels for device security. - Shot Studio: Uses AI to organize screenshots into categorized collections. Privacy and Security Apps: - Don’t Break My Balls (DBMBB): Silences unknown callers while allowing calls from saved contacts. - Incognito Calculator Tools: Disguised as a calculator, it securely stores private files and notes. - No Wake Lock: Controls background processes to conserve battery life on rooted devices. AI and Navigation Apps: - RAHub: Centralizes multiple AI assistants for easy management. - Arrow: A minimalist navigation app that uses a directional arrow instead of traditional maps. Entertainment and Savings Apps: - Pool Suite: A retro-style radio app curating summer tracks. - G Deals: Aggregates gaming discounts from major platforms. Specialized Tools: - Alternate: Generates a secondary contact list for temporary numbers. - Copy SMS Code: Automatically detects and copies login codes from notifications for easier account access.

AppWizard

June 20, 2025

Can we trust Google Maps to get us anywhere anymore?

The author experienced issues with Google Maps while driving home from a weekend retreat, where the app suggested two incorrect routes that would have taken them significantly off course. This raised concerns about the reliability of Google Maps, particularly in unfamiliar areas. A poll indicated that 6% of respondents felt Google Maps consistently gets them lost, 46% reported occasional issues, 39% found it reliable, and 9% do not use the app while driving.

AppWizard

April 23, 2025

Fake Alpine Quest Mapping App Spotted Spying on Russian Military

A malicious variant of the Alpine Quest navigation app has been identified, specifically targeting Russian military Android devices. Security experts from Doctor Web discovered that this modified app contains the Android.Spy.1292.origin spyware, which collects sensitive information and executes remote commands. The spyware is distributed as a free download through a deceptive Telegram channel, marketed as a premium version of the legitimate app. Upon installation, it transmits data such as the user's phone number, account details, contact list, geolocation data, and stored files to a remote server. It also communicates with a Telegram bot controlled by the attackers, providing updated location information. The spyware can download additional modules to extract specific content, particularly documents from messaging platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp. It searches for a file named locLog generated by Alpine Quest, which records user movements. Doctor Web advises against downloading apps from unofficial sources and warns that malicious applications can bypass review processes on official app stores. The identity of the group behind this campaign is unknown, but there are previous associations with Ukrainian hacktivist factions targeting Russian military personnel.

AppWizard

April 3, 2025

Driving just isn’t the same without these 6 underrated Android Auto apps

Android Auto allows users to connect their Android smartphones for access to music, information, and navigation tools while driving. Several lesser-known apps can enhance the driving experience: - Musicolet: An offline music player that supports podcasts and audiobooks, featuring a clean interface and customization options. - Weather & Radar: Provides real-time weather updates, including live radar data for rain, wind, and temperature. - OsmAnd: A navigation app using OpenStreetMap data, offering detailed information for rural areas and customizable map styles. - RadioTime: Accesses a wide range of global radio stations, with an easy-to-use interface for Android Auto. - Fuelio: Helps locate fuel stations with real-time pricing and tracks refueling history, vehicle mileage, and expenses. - Podcast Republic: A podcast app that allows easy browsing of downloaded content and discovering new podcasts.

AppWizard

March 3, 2025

I hate to say it, but it’s time for Google to merge Waze into Maps

The author grapples with the decision of whether to use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, noting that Google Maps is their default choice due to its user-friendly interface and extensive points of interest. However, they find that Waze often provides better real-time traffic updates and alerts about hazards. There is speculation about a potential merger between Waze and Google Maps, which could create a more effective navigation tool, but concerns exist about alienating Waze's user community. The author appreciates Waze's real-time capabilities and community contributions but finds its interface cluttered and distracting. They express a desire for Google to incorporate Waze's features into Google Maps while acknowledging that a merger may not happen immediately. Google has owned Waze for over a decade, and it continues to operate as a separate entity.

AppWizard

February 3, 2025

Android Auto temporarily loses TomTom Go navigation app, fix coming ‘soon’

Users of the TomTom Go app are experiencing issues with its compatibility with Android Auto, making in-car navigation difficult. The company has acknowledged the problem and is working on a solution. Complaints include the app not appearing on the Android Auto interface and repeated requests for location permissions despite them being granted. The TomTom Go app offers features like real-time traffic updates and an ad-free experience through a subscription model.

BetaBeacon

December 18, 2024

Hurry Up! These iOS and Android Apps Are Free for a Limited Time

The Type Freely app is a straightforward way to write your lyrics freely and professionally and share them as HD images on social media.

AppWizard

August 25, 2024

The Best Android Apps For Road Trips and Travel

- Google Maps provides navigation services, turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates, offline maps, and information on nearby attractions and services. - Waze offers real-time updates on road conditions, accidents, and police activity using user-generated data, and allows tracking of friends on the road. - Roadtrippers helps discover unique stops, scenic views, and historical landmarks, and provides insights on accommodations and dining options. - GasBuddy identifies the cheapest gas prices using user-reported data and includes a trip cost calculator for estimating fuel expenses. - Yelp helps find local dining options and activities with user reviews and search filters based on specific criteria. - Airbnb offers a variety of lodging options, including budget-friendly rooms and luxurious homes, with user reviews for reliability. - Booking.com features millions of accommodation listings with flexible booking options and a loyalty program for frequent travelers. - Spotify provides a vast library of music, podcasts, and audiobooks, allowing users to create custom playlists or choose curated road trip playlists. - Audible offers thousands of audiobooks with offline listening capabilities and exclusive content for long drives. - AllTrails provides information about hiking trails, including maps, photos, and user reviews, with offline map downloads available. - The Dyrt helps find and book campgrounds across the U.S., offering user reviews, photos, and offline access for navigation.

AppWizard

August 20, 2024

Google may remove dedicated search button from its Android app – Times of India

Google is considering removing the search button from the Google app on Android devices, as indicated by an APK teardown of the latest beta version. This potential redesign may be influenced by user interaction data suggesting low engagement with the search button. Additionally, Google is introducing offline maps support for Wear OS smartwatches in Google Maps, allowing users to navigate without a cellular or Wi-Fi connection by downloading specific regions.