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NavDroyd – Get to where you're going, and fast

on 7/14/12 11:41 PM

Tested version: 1.4.4
Latest version: 1.4.7
Requires Android: from 1.5

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Summary

Navigation systems for Android are not recent innovations. So what's so special about NavDroyd, you might ask? I tested it out for you. Read on for my full report.

Bernard wrote today's review for us all—thanks Bernard!

 

Features & Use

Section rating:

As mentioned, there's no shortage of navigation systems for Android. However, not all of these apps work like we'd like them too, and some of them come with a steep price tag. I decided to search for a cheaper alternative and came across NavDroyd, which claims to have maps for the entire globe under its belt.

In practice, map material is based on OpenStreetMap and comes in 2D and 2,5D mode. The app also has a bike mode (as well as car and on foot), which I always look for in navigation apps (and, happily, has become a standard feature with most apps).

Start up the app and select a map to download via the NavDroyd Map Manager. The number of maps you can download will depend on how much storage capacity your device has.

Addresses can be saved as contacts, which makes things a easier.

I'm particularly impressed with the app's speech controlled guidance tool, which runs very smoothly. During my test spins it never failed to guide me to my destination, even taking smaller country roads into account.

Another big bonus is the speed limit warning. Now, I would imagine that not all users will be as happy about this feature as I happen to be, but you have to admit that it's a useful tool for drivers who wish to avoid getting speeding tickets, as well as help avoid accidents, of course!

Bottom line:

NavDroyd is comfortable and easy to use, but it's a rather basic navigation app. It does come with the essential features and functions we've come to expect from navigation apps, but my favourite to date is still Navigon. Navigon has a lot more features, but it's also heaps more expensive, so bear that in mind when making your decision.

 

Screen & Controls

Section rating:

NavDroyd takes while to load but once it does I think you'll agree that it's set up in a fairly congruous and easy to use. Menus, tabs and symbols help make navigation easy, and the design is seems inspired by Google Maps.

 

Speed & Stability

Section rating:

NavDroyd takes a while to boot up and load maps. Once this hurdle is overcome, however, the app does perform well. There's the occasional lag here and there, but that seems to be difficult to avoid when it comes to navigation systems. The app didn't crash during my test.

 

Price/Performance Ratio

Section rating:

NavDroyd costs EUR 4.99 which is somewhat of a watermark when you consider how much other navigation systems tend to cost. There me be other navigation apps out there that are both better and more in-depth, but NavDroyd trumps them when it comes to the price tag.
However, if you're looking for more value for your money, I recommend other apps, such as Navigon, for example.

 

Comparable Apps

MapFactor: GPS Navigation

OsmAnd Maps & Navigation

OsmAnd+ Maps & Navigation

AndNav1

AndNav2

Report comparable or similar apps

Developer

CloudMade Deutschland GmbH en

Germany

Maps, Navigation, Traffic, Telematics

Top App:

MapDroyd
MapDroyd - offline maps for the whole planet With MapDroyd, you can explore maps for the (...)
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  • Taez Khan 10 months ago Link

    Check out route 66 traveller

  • Adam Gony 10 months ago Link

    Not much longer time it take. it now avail.

  • robert osborne 10 months ago Link

    The app takes a long time to appear in have been trying. to access my nephews location, he lives in Austin Texas, but to no avail.

Market Comments

A Google User, Jun 4, 2013
update this app gui!! please update the app gui we need a better application!!
A Google User, May 24, 2013
Good for cheap offline app Bit rough at the edges but great for a cheap offline GPS app.
A Google User, May 1, 2013
Great offline maps Have had this app for 3+ years now. Great substitute for when you have no signal. Better than Google maps on quite often. Clear cache or reinstall if you have issues.
A Google User, Apr 30, 2013
Among OSM navigators one of the worst ... I have tried. Missing many addresses, POI's, streets, ... that others (i.e. Navigator, OsmAnd+, ...) have. Never got response from their support, next day or within hour in middle of nigh from both Navigator and OsmAnd+ authors.
A Google User, Apr 27, 2013
Fast and Smart I love it. Works well. It quick in recalulating the route, accurate and dependable. Better than many sophisticated applications.Fully off-line. Search method is not satisfactory.
A Google User, Mar 23, 2013
Absolutely awesome This app helped me navigate around Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Australia and New Zealand. It was excellent. Highly recommended. Used a crappy Vodafone 845 (Huawei U8120) at the time and now have a Samsung S3. Works great in New Zealand and am about to try it in China. Thanks dev.
A Google User, Feb 6, 2013
Using Open Street Maps... for off-line navigation (whereever you are) is really useful. Thanks for this great app! It was the first off-line navigation software I used on my smart phone and I still do so very often.
A Google User, Jan 13, 2013
Works great, need to add a few things though This is great navigation map, but I do wish they add to record my own directions and somehow share it to other people. Also an option to send through SMS my current location which can be read by navdroyd.
Justin, Oct 28, 2012
It's okay The price was right and it gets you generally where you need to go. There are some features I'd like to see, but overall I'm satisfied.
HCWD, Oct 9, 2012
Good one Good application, naturally it doesnt have many cool features but it is ridiculously cheap! For that price it is a great navigation with free maps, considering that offline navigations tend to cost even 10 times more. I traveled half of Europe with it and it was just fine. There is only 1 thing missing-a possiblity to choose intermediate destination in my trip. This can be a big pain, e.g. in Vienna the navigation always directs me to highway even if my final destination is 500m away! Please, please add this feature and the app will be perfect. But besides that a good navigation for small money, much recommended.
MIke, Oct 3, 2012
Kind of ok Does the job in a clunky way. It's great for the price. With the most recent update, people complained it broke, so I avoided it. Updates are very few and far between. I stuck with it for a long time. Uninstalled.
RevDerek, Sep 14, 2012
Good but ... Very power hungry on Huawai and roads often disappear mid-journey. Slow to start. No problem with selected routes but address form too specific at times. Worth using and better for me than Sygic which crashes on me.
Anonymous, Aug 25, 2012
Outstanding What is wrong with you lot? The app gets you from A to B safely, it does it without confusing you, it even features Points Of Interest, and it all costs about £5. I have been using this for a good few months now, and while it does have its fair share of problems, it does what it says. And quite well. I hope for a new update soon, but I just wish people would stop acting like this is supposed to be better than a Tom Tom.
Utisz201, Aug 21, 2012
Useless I have yet to see this program find a single address in new York state.
Emil, Aug 16, 2012
Always updated, great app Love this app, updated quite often and the maps are great! Love the app!
elvis, Aug 8, 2012
Nice...:-) very nice navigation....:-)
Mike, Aug 1, 2012
Europe Travel July 2012 Good for finding way through towns and good reminder of speed limits Could really use further options for route planning such as " travel via" and " avoid tolls?"
Matt, Jul 25, 2012
Needs move to SD! Hope this version crashes less than the last!! Please give move to SD option...
jdk847, Jul 21, 2012
Crashes before opening.
Ian, Jul 20, 2012
Almost useless On the nexus 7, although the maps show the location....almost, the navigation/routing takes you via the most unlikely places and in circles. The voice instructions tell you to turn left onto a road and then tells you to turn right onto the same road within seconds. The control button doesn't work in several modes. On a freeway it seems to think that you are on the slip road whenever possible.
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