MapQuest launches Android Auto beta after surge in app downloads
MapQuest, the pioneering web mapping service launched in 1996, has announced beta support for Android Auto. The announcement follows a recent surge in MapQuest's popularity driven by its decision to retain the traditional name "Lake Ontario" when Apple and Google changed how the name appears to US users amid political pressure. This principled stance resonated with users and generated over 1.5 million app downloads, propelling MapQuest to become the number one mapping app on Apple's App Store.
The Android Auto beta is now available for testing on Google Play. Early feedback suggests the application has some rough edges compared to established competitors, with reported issues including occasional crashes, delayed response times and voice navigation that cuts off mid-sentence, though developers are actively releasing patches. MapQuest's real-time features are currently limited to North America, and users seeking immediate alternatives for Android Auto or Apple's CarPlay may prefer Waze, Sygic or TomTom Go.
- MapQuest launches Android Auto beta after gaining 1.5 million downloads
- Company refused to change Lake Ontario name despite political pressure
- Beta still has technical issues but developers are actively improving it
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MapQuest is a web mapping service launched in 1996 that once dominated the online navigation market in the United States before competitors such as Google Maps and Apple Maps gained significant market share. The company experienced declining popularity for years but has recently seen a resurgence in user interest. This renewed popularity followed a geographic naming controversy involving how digital map services display certain place names.
The resurgence began when Apple and Google changed how they displayed the name 'Lake Ontario' on their maps following political pressure, whilst MapQuest chose to retain the traditional designation. This decision coincided with a substantial increase in MapQuest downloads, with over 1.5 million new users downloading the application. MapQuest has subsequently become the number one mapping app on Apple's App Store, reversing a long period of market decline.
The company is now expanding with Android Auto support, enabling the mapping application to integrate with vehicle dashboard systems in Android-powered cars. The Android Auto feature is available as a beta release whilst still under development. Real-time navigation features are currently limited to North America, and users seeking mature alternatives may choose established services such as Waze or Google Maps.
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Originally published by Engadget as “Remember MapQuest? You can now use it with Android Auto”.