navigation app Archives

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.

AppWizard

July 20, 2024

Is anyone else sick of this unreliable Google Maps tool?

Google Maps' real-time traffic updates provide warnings about slowdowns and suggest alternative routes. However, blindly following the app's suggestions can sometimes exacerbate traffic issues. Users have criticized the app for automatically rerouting them onto faster roads, disrupting traffic flow. Concerns have been raised about whether the app considers current traffic levels and road capacities when suggesting routes. Users are calling for a return to reliable and responsible route guidance from Google Maps.

AppWizard

July 5, 2024

Stellantis e-Routes app brings advanced EV route-planning to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | Carbuyer

e-Routes is a navigation app for Stellantis EV drivers that plans routes taking into account the vehicle's range and necessary charging stops. It is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and is exclusive to electric cars from Stellantis. It costs £4 a month or £40 a year for standalone service.