As the summer season brings about increased car travel, having a reliable navigator becomes essential for finding the shortest or quickest routes. While many of us turn to Google Maps or Waze, we’ve uncovered an alternative that offers several advantages, particularly in terms of privacy.
In the past, Waze served as a major alternative to Google Maps for driving navigation. However, a new competitor has emerged called Magic Earth, a car navigator app that sets itself apart by not tracking or sharing user data. This focus on privacy has garnered the trust of nearly 27,000 Android users who have already downloaded the app.
Advantages and operation of Magic Earth
Magic Earth stands out as an open-source application based on data from OpenStreetMap, a collaborative project dedicated to creating editable and royalty-free maps. This free app is available on various platforms, including iOS, Android, Huawei AppGallery, and Amazon Appstore.
The key advantage that sets Magic Earth apart from Google Maps and Waze (both owned by Google/Alphabet) is its staunch commitment to user privacy. Unlike its competitors, Magic Earth does not collect any personal data beyond the location permission necessary to provide navigation assistance.
Privacy is a top priority for Magic Earth: “We don’t track you. We do not profile you. We do not trade in your personal data; besides, we don’t have them.”
One of the app’s standout features is its ability to provide navigation even without an internet connection. With a powerful search engine, it offers optimal routes for driving, biking, hiking, and public transport, and its downloadable map data covers an extensive 233 countries and regions.
Adding to its appeal, Magic Earth offers a quirky and useful free feature called the Head-up Display (HUD), which projects essential navigation information onto your vehicle’s windshield, enhancing the driving experience.
Much more information about your route
The application is a treasure trove of valuable information for your routes, enriched by data from collaborative projects like Wikipedia. As you journey, you’ll have access to essential details such as points of interest, surface conditions, difficulty level, distance, and elevation profile.
Whether you’re traveling by car, bicycle, on foot, or using public transport, the app provides you with the best routes tailored to your preferences, be it the fastest or shortest option. Additionally, you’ll have access to crucial information about speed cameras and regular updates on speed limits along your route.
Real-time traffic information is at your fingertips, continuously updated every minute. The app even offers suggestions for alternative routes, ingeniously bypassing traffic jams and saving you precious time on the road.
For those relying on public transport, this app is a boon. You can effortlessly compare routes that combine various means of transport, such as buses, metros, light rails, or trains. It provides comprehensive walking directions, transfer times, departure schedules, and the number of stops. You’ll even find details on the cost of transport tickets whenever available.
Moreover, the app integrates a weather forecast feature, offering current temperature information and weather predictions for your favorite destinations. Additionally, you can check the expected weather conditions for the upcoming hours and explore the forecast for the next 14 days. In summary, the app is an invaluable travel companion that keeps you informed and well-prepared for any journey.