There’s a long list of compatible GPS navigation devices that you can use with Android Auto. Yes, Google Maps is the most common because it’s Google’s favorite and is available on all standard Android phones, but over the years I’ve had the chance to try out a few of Google’s infotainment systems: I really liked the TomTom AmiGo and liked the others less. I’ve also tried the well-known ones like Magic Earth or Maps.me. But in the end, I always come back to the same thing: Waze on Android Auto has no rivals, and after years of use, that’s clear to see.

Design and interface

Waze’s casual and eye-catching colors are a blessing If you, like me, are following a route that is crowded with streets or roads, you get confused. In this sense, it offers a lot of customization options, such as changing the sound of the help or the vehicle (for example, for Santa’s sleigh at Christmas), not to mention the details.

The interface is made to be clear and understandable the first time: With the magnifying glass in the upper right corner to enter the destination, the possibility of activating or deactivating sounds, canceling the route or returning to the route or settings is at your disposal.

It makes this very clear while driving. Where are you and where are you going?S. So it shows the kilometers and the estimated time of arrival, two speech bubbles that show what the next change you need to make is and which exit to take, and of course the purple or colored route indicator is not missing, the speedometer that shows the speed of the road and where you are going at all times (an important detail that has been present for years for safe driving and avoiding fines).

You can also tap on the map to scroll, zoom in or out as you wish and notify you of events on the road; we’ll talk about this later. Everything is at your fingertips and most importantly, everything is easy to understand.The only downside I put to this section is that you do get an ad from time to time, it’s nothing dramatic and is the price you pay for using it for free, but it is annoying when they do appear.

This is true Doesn’t provide as much information about the surrounding area as Google Maps (where you can see stores, shops, hotels, etc.) but to reach a cafeteria or pharmacy you always have to enter the categories section. Of course, as the app itself warns, this has to be done while the vehicle is stationary.

The design is exceptionally intuitive and has the essential elements. And there is one thing I can’t forget: eButton to report road incidentsIt could be anything from mobile radar to traffic jams or the police in just two taps. In addition, if there is an alert, the app clearly shows it: from a radar to a stopped car, something you can confirm with a single tap to keep the app as up to date as possible and help others using the app.

Finally, it is worth noting that it has been perfectly integrated into Coolwalk for a long time, so it can be used by sharing the screen with other applications.

Maps

The map issue is not trivial as long as it is interesting to use an up-to-date and complete browserThis way it always gives us the best route and stays up to date with milestones such as new routes or road closures.

Here is what Google’s Waze is a guaranteeThe Mountain View company often has cars plying the planet’s streets and highways to keep its databases up to date.

I must say that this is neither the first nor the last time that this will show a route that is no longer operational (it happened to me last summer when I was taking a detour from Calahorra to Ribadeo via Castilla y León), but the thing is that O In my experience, everyone fails sooner or later.even the free version of Tomtom with comprehensive navigation experience.

Experience in every situation In terms of routes and mapping, Waze seems to me to be the bestwhether it is free or not.

Mechanism

This is not a typical analysis, as it is not a multi-day or multi-week test, but I have been using Waze on Android Auto for years, and I have done so with several phones and in several cars, for example, allowing us to confirm that Waze is not only designed to be intuitive, but also to be practical. Not free from errors and unexpected shutdowns.

So in some cases It froze when trying to open Waze to type in a destination and this only worked for me after I had Google Maps open beforehand. This doesn’t happen to me with Apple CarPlay, so it may be an issue with the system rather than the app itself.

Similarly, I sometimes experienced freezing in the M-30 tunnels in Madrid, and had to turn it off and on again after receiving a signal (Google Maps has the option of Bluetooth positioning beacons.) These are specifics, but it’s important to emphasize. Google Maps is generally more reliable and consistent.

Having said that, The operation is flawless in both design and experience and a large part of the blame lies with your community: it takes just two taps to inform you about road milestones, and just one tap to verify them. So when the police arrive at an intersection, you can see it on the app’s map in minutes, thanks to the size and activity of your community. It seems to me that without a radar app, the free GPS navigator gives the most and best alerts to avoid fines.

Options

I mentioned the customization options above, it is a plus for us to have a more pleasant experience, but if we talk about the driving ones, Waze has boring optionsIn that sense, it’s worth taking some time to tweak Waze settings to take a closer look and get the most out of Waze.

If you are overwhelmed by so many things, There are much simpler GPS navigators, and the truth is, you don’t really need it that much. for most, but if you drive a lot I think it’s worth it. In fact, there are a few things you can do that I found particularly interesting, like configuring fewer alerts, entering common addresses to save time later, choosing speed camera alerts carefully, and avoiding tolls, unpaved roads, and difficult junctions.

These last two options are not available on Google Maps and I miss them, because this isn’t the first time Google has almost suggested a hard reset for my Polo, as it takes me back earlier.

Results

There are paid GPS navigators, but beyond getting rid of ads and offering a more careful privacy policy (Google isn’t exactly a company that stands out in this regard), They can’t beat Waze on functionality or maps. And the truth is, the server is having a hard time with the payment phase, and I know I’m not alone in this.

What we want with a GPS navigator for Android Auto is to get us from point A to point B in the best possible way. A route that is as fast, safe and has the lowest possible mileageThat’s one thing Waze does in spades: its mapping is good, but it’s mainly its community that provides real-time alerts to avoid potential problems.

Considering the long list of customization options and settings, as well as how agile and visual its interface is, the summary is this: an easy-to-use, practical and complete applicationa combination that is not easy to achieve. It is achieved on mobile devices, but its adaptation to Android Auto is great and provides a good experience without sacrificing functionality.

I have tested the main GPS navigation apps for both Android and iOS in general and Android Auto in particular, and One thing is clear: Waze is the best overallWith or without going through the cashier.

Cover | Eva Rodriguez de Luis

Xataka on Android | Waze on Android Auto: how to use it and everything you can do