Automapa

Automapa was the leader in car navigation 10 years ago. Microsoft ruled the mobile world with Compaq iPaqs and we were using standalone Bluetooth GPS receivers coupled with the palmtops. And Automapa was the top navigation app in Poland at that time.

Most kids today think the mobile world started with the iPhone. Apple thinks so too. Almost nobody remembers Compaq (the Apple of the year 2000) or HP Jornada series of "iPhones". They were pretty cool, with apps, touch screens and connectivity. Hey, we even had "iPads", with the groundbreaking and lovely Compaq TC-1000 leading the pack.

But back to the Automapa. It died, being replaced by Garmin and Google/Android and Navigon as much superior. Automapa did not manage the platform switch from Windows Mobile to iOS / Android well. But they have risen from the ashes. In a big way. A month ago I downloaded a beta version of Automapa to my Android car computer. And I have fallen in love with it. It leaves all Garmins and Navigons and Googles in dust. It is by far the best car navigation app I have ever had. Beautiful and fast rendering. Very good map and perspective views. And the maps, a class of their own. Very dependable, with virtually no discrepancies between the virtual and the real.

They also have their own traffic avoidance system, which today becomes the essence of having a computer in a car. Information rules. Last Friday we were covering 250km with two cars. My friend started 15 minutes before me and arrived 30 minutes after me. I took one detour the Automapa suggested. It seemed counter intuitive, yet it saved me about and hour in a traffic jam.

I have yet to try the Automapa on a longer European trip. But if you happen to drive in Poland, Automapa is the most reliable system, packaged in a world - class Android or iOS application.