The official arrival of the application Maps HERE for Android devices it will not take long to produce but, in the meantime, it is possible to get an installer to test what this development focused on the management of maps and routes will offer that will stand up to the development that currently dominates the market: Google Maps .
The fact is that as already we show you on AndroidHelp, there was an APK that allowed you to install HERE Maps on different Android terminals, but this specific version had a limited time of use and, therefore, after this it would not run and was totally unusable. Well, now it is possible to get a new installer (1.0-172) It does not have the aforementioned limitations and, in addition, it can be used without any restrictions regarding the contents.
Beyond that initial name, the service evolved to Here WeGo, HERE's free navigation app. Today it stands out for offering offline maps downloadable by regions, countries or continents, turn-by-turn navigation with voice (based on the phone's TTS engine), routes by car, on foot and by public transport in many cities, as well as practical utilities such as searching for parking at destination, collections to save places and shortcuts to get directions in one touch. It also allows add stops (waypoints) and even change route preferences to avoid tolls, highways, tunnels or unpaved roads.
If you are concerned about data consumption, the application allows you to download maps and activate a automatic offline mode when the network is lost during navigation, in addition to saving the maps in SD card to free up internal space. In driving, it incorporates speed limits with alerts, incidents and traffic, alternative routes and compatibility with Android Auto. For users with electric vehicles, it shows recharging points filterable by connector and power.
By the way, a very interesting detail is that the compatibility of this new version is much higher than the previously existing one, which was limited to Samsung devices. Now it works in others on the market, but being a Beta, the only way to know if the phone or tablet you have can run HERE Maps is the well-known "trial and error" method.
First signs of life in Galaxy Apps
Yes, the HERE Maps test application has already begun to be seen in the Samsung application store, which will be the first place it arrives (it remains to be seen if it will do so in others, such as Google Play). The image capture it has been done in Mexico, which is already curious, but it clearly shows that the application is beginning to be put in Galaxy Apps so that users with compatible Samsung devices -which are not all- can begin to test the development.
The truth is that HERE Maps may be a more interesting option for Android devices, since it offers a very good quality since, for example, its maps (installed in the terminal itself) are very good quality and accurate. We will see if it is able to stand up to Google Maps, but the more options available, the better the better for users.
What HERE WeGo on Android offers today
In practice, HERE WeGo brings together features designed for hassle-free travel: door-to-door navigation with 2D North up view or perspective, dark mode, map customization (topographic, traffic and city layers), traffic signs on screen with distance remaining and multi-stop planning that you can drag and reorder. If you need to adjust the path, it offers alternative routes and the option of plan by arrival time.
To move without coverage, you can download maps by zones and activate the automatic switch to offline mode while browsing. The app allows you to choose the storage medium (internal memory or SD) and adds utilities such as travel simulation to forecast times. In addition, it integrates fuel prices in certain regions, paying for gasoline with ryd at associated stations, and parking suggestions at the end of the route.
In urban mobility, public transport shows Departure times and details touching stops/stations, with information of accessibility when available. Also includes bicycle routes and contemplates the expansion towards shared mobility services. At the content level, you can search for businesses and services, create collections of places, send and receive collections and use shortcuts for your usual destinations; all synchronized with your HERE accountThe app incorporates expanded language support, including Catalan in interface and voice guidance.
In terms of requirements, HERE WeGo is available for Android smartphones with basic memory and display specifications common in current devices, and has a Beta program to test features before their general release. The team continues to refine performance and reliability with frequent updates, and offers support channels to report map errors or suggest improvements.
Other applications for the Android operating system you can find them in this section. The list of options is extensive and surely you will find a development that is interesting to you.
Source: SamMobile. The current HERE WeGo proposal combines offline maps, clear navigation y useful functions which consolidates it as a real alternative to Google Maps and Waze, especially if you value data-free use and a direct interface.