Although Google Maps is the GPS navigator that comes by default on our Android phone and hence the one we find when we open Android Auto for the first time, there is a long list of navigation apps compatible with the Google infotainment system; Some of these are free and others are paid. This is the case of Sygic Navigation, the third browser to come to Android Auto after Google Maps and Waze, with a seven-day trial period that we used for a week. This has been our experience
Install Sygic Navigation on mobile and Android Auto
As when installing other applications compatible with Android Auto, we will first have to download it to our phone from the Google Play Store, so that later when we get in the car and connect it to the system (wired or wireless) you will see it on the main screen where the applications are displayed.
When configuring it on the phone it will ask us to choose whether we want it to be installed on the device or on external storage, accept the terms of use, permissions such as notifications and finally download the map of where we are (in the case, Spain), now works both online and offlineThis is great for those with low data speeds and those using Android Auto or traveling through areas with poor coverage. The option to accept or not accept cookies is also shown (we tried rejecting these and it works just as well).
As we mentioned in the introduction, Sygic Navigation has a feature. One-week free trial period to see if it suits our needsbut then we will have to subscribe to Premium+ to use it on Android Auto and benefit from functions such as real-time traffic, speed limits, smart camera, average speed radars… come on, it is necessary to get the most out of it. Its price is 13.99 Euro/quarter or 19.99 Euro/year.
After skipping the payment options and signing up for an email account, the application is ready for use. Note: To significantly speed up usage, it is useful to enter the address of our home, workplace and other favorites from the beginning.
An intuitive and complete interface
After days of testing I stand out How intuitive it is to use this app, clear visibility thanks to colors, layout and structure, the amount of information displayed (sometimes too much) and how complete it is. Although it is not the most modern, cheerful and minimalist design, it is not lacking either. Of course, it was blocked several times for no apparent reason, despite having an internet connection, a downloaded map, and a wired mobile device connection.
One of the things that happens What I liked most about the interface was the method of adding targets. As is customary with Android Auto navigation devices, there’s a magnifying glass that lets you type in voice commands when the car is stopped or on cue, but there are a few very practical aces: ‘Recent’, ‘Favourites’ or ‘Places of interest’; I often found what I was looking for here. If you want to select a specific destination that appears on the map, you can always save those specific coordinates by tapping the specific button that marks any point you select.
From here we see other common on-screen buttons such as zooming in or out on the map, settings or the way the map is displayed; This is something that is useful for someone who tends to get distracted and doesn’t direct themselves very well. So you can choose between 3D, 2D and 2D map placing north in upper regionThe first one was the one I liked the most because it gives an idea about the relief of buildings while walking in a city.
Once the destination, selected street and route have been added, we will see two speech bubbles: one with the estimated arrival time, distance and time required, and the other with instructions. They are large and take up a lot of space on the left of the screen, which is annoying sometimes, but at least they read well. By the way, when we touch the screen in the middle of the route, you will see the ‘Finish’ button to end the route.
Speaking of things that take up a lot of screen space, there’s something that bothers me more: sometimes icons of gas stations and other businesses appear. It may be with the intention of speeding up the user experience in case you suddenly need a gas station, but In practice there is too much on the screen. For example, what you see below these lines:
Another thing that attracts attention about its interface is that the cursor and the route can be clearly seen on the route, and the color selection in both day and night modes is pleasing to the eye and does not cause errors. By default, it signals the speed of the road we will travel on as well as the speeds on the main roads we will travel on, which is good for us. avoid violations and drive safer.
If interface by himself Completed, settings not far behind: We can configure our driving preferences, simplify what we see on the screen, reduce sounds, change the way we receive GPS data. It generally has the basics and a few more things; It is true that there are some English displays, which is admirable if you are a demanding person looking for a personalized experience.
Real-time maps and events
By testing this full version, I enjoyed its core strengths, which may lead us to pay for the app. Therefore, it seems important to me that the maps are updated monthly and that we can download the ones that interest us. People who travel frequently and need up-to-date route informationand also for those who will be traveling to other countries and want to play it safe.
These days I’m traveling around Pamplona and surrounding areas and the app warned me Fixed and mobile radars and other events that may occur on the road. You can even witness accidents, police checks, traffic, construction if we need it… yes, this part of the application is in English (it’s not very mysterious thanks to the icons, but it might be a problem for my family, for example) and since the community is small compared to Waze’s, it is practically so up-to-date not.
I found it very useful that the voice notifications not only guide you but also tell you when the speed limit has changed because you don’t normally look at the screen too much.
To travel more comfortably and safely, Sygic It is an excellent navigation option. It allows you to download high-quality 3D maps that can be used without an internet connection, which is very useful when there is no good data signal.
Moreover It has a simple and attractive interfacevoice navigation functions, speed limit change alerts and other features that make driving and exploring new places easier.
Sygic Navigation on Android Auto, results
Between the fact that I am stingy in some matters and that there are very good free browsers (of course, let’s not forget that any business is based on profitability, so there will be another way to monetize the experience, maybe with user data or advertising), it is difficult for me to pay for an application. However if you use the car and Android Auto frequentlyI realize it might be worth it.
Here’s what I liked most about Sygic Navigation on Android Auto: promise of monthly map updatesThis is a feature that seems incidental if, for example, you use your car to travel new routes every day (I’m thinking of commercial and transport companies, for example) and also can’t risk running out of maps due to lack of coverage. .
I started to like it too 3D mapsis a function that Google Maps includes and is available to you when exploring a new area. Speed ​​guides and radars are also useful for safer driving. It’s true that I wouldn’t choose Sygic for live information, but it’s a fish biting its tail: the more people use it, the stronger that field will become. But these real-time events in practice today are light years away from Waze, a free browser.
Finally, I want to emphasize that how complete In terms of both interface and options, it even seems too much to me. Of course, the colors depend on your taste: taking this into consideration is a plus if you like personalization.
Sygic
GPS navigator and maps. One week free trial period
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Xataka on Android |