car lcd screen with navigation free sample

Simple mockup of a car LCD GPS display screen. Insert your own image onto the car"s GPS screen with a few clicks online. Good template for showcasing a logo or

Android Auto is one of many Google ventures that often doesn"t receive much attention, especially when compared with Apple CarPlay. So we"ve taken it upon ourselves to dig up the best Android Auto apps available.

Google has several different automotive platforms, and the names are similar enough to cause some confusion. Right now most cars support Android Auto, though Android Automotive is likely to become more popular in the coming years. Android Auto uses your car"s infotainment system to display mobile apps that make your commute easier, safer, and more enjoyable.

Android Auto"s UI will be seond nature to Android users. Simply connect your Android device to your vehicle"s charging port with a sturdy USB cable and follow the directions on your car"s display. Once you have the system set up, you can answer phone calls, ask for turn-by-turn directions, and even listen to incoming messages using the shortcuts on your steering wheel.

Although Google announced wireless Android Auto in 2018, the number of compatible cars is still fairly limited. You can check our Wireless Android Auto Guide if you"re shopping for a car that has the feature.

There"s no denying that the top-used app for Android Auto is Google Maps, seeing that it"s installed across a billion devices.It"s one of the most accurate and efficient mapping apps that provides turn-by-turn directions no matter where you"re located. Simply press the voice search button on your steering wheel, say the name of a businss or address, and your car display will show all the relevant details. There"s no need for a subscription and it"s constantly updated to boot. So, Maps is the number-one go-to for Android Auto users with its gigantic installation base, thanks to its fantastic directions when driving that few competitors can beat. Plus, the map is reactive to lighting, meaning light and dark themes are offered and switch automatically, such as when you enter a tunnel. So for everyone using Android Auto, Maps is an obvious choice for in-car navigation. Waze is also great (which is why it"s also on the list), but Maps packs many more features, such as offline functionality

Out of all the messaging apps, Facebook Messenger is easily one of the most popular options. You can create messages through voice commands and listen to them as they are read aloud. This ensures users remain hands-free while they drive, keeping their attention where it belongs, on the road. So if you"re a text messaging addict that spends tons of time chatting on Facebook Messenger, rest assured the Android app works great with Android Auto.

While listening to emergency scanners is beneficial for those who spend their days working on the road, even if you"re not on the hunt for delays directly from the source, listening to a local scanner while driving keeps you up to date with your city"s emergencies. That is, if you"re into that sort of thing.

When it comes to Android Auto, you"d expect a plethora of auto-focused apps, and while the choices are sometimes slim, depending on what you"re looking for, Autovaras is a standout thanks to its expiry date tracking. Simply input the dates for things like your next vehicle inspection, when your insurance is due, or when your tags expire. You"ll always have a screen accessible to you that contains this much-needed info, so you won"t miss any important dates, jeopardizing your license.

If you"re looking for a single app that can play both your favorite podcasts and your favorite songs, Spotify is easily a top choice. Its library is enormous, and even the fledgling podcast library is growing by leaps and bounds, with a few shows that can only be found on the service. While exclusivity is rarely good for consumers since it removes competition from the market, there"s something to be said about the ability to carry your music library with you wherever you go, especially since you can access that library just about anywhere. Pair this with Google"s voice commands, and now you"re jamming to some tunes hands-free while driving.

Plus, there"s no need to pay for the premium version of Spotify if you don"t mind a few ads in between songs and podcasts. All around, Spotify is a highly accessible streaming service, and it works great with Android Auto.

There"s a boatload of messaging apps to choose from, and many work with Android Auto as well as Google Assistant. The one that consistently stands out is Telegram. Sending messages is fast, everything"s encrypted, all content is synced account-wide (so you can pick up where you left off when moving from PC to Android), there"s a native PC app (no need for a web app here), and you can delete your messages at any time. Plus, the app is constantly updated.

There"s a lot to like here, and since Telegram works well with Android Auto along with Google Assistant, you can go hands-free with ease while driving.

Amazon owns Audible, so the audiobook selection is superb. Plus, the app offers podcasts, too (a worry for some since conglomerates buying up shows will result in them controlling what used to be an open market).You can even purchase audiobooks packed with your e-books on the Amazon store, which is a great way to save on Kindle and Audible purchases. Best of all, Audible offers convenient features that make it easy to pick up where you left off as well as replay something you missed while distracted. It"s a great choice for on-the-go listening.

Waze is an excellent navigation app in its own right and is still in active development. It works through crowdsourcing, and anyone can report accidents or other delays on the road so that the rest of us can see minute-to-minute information. That allows drivers to choose efficient routes. It"s brilliant, which is why Google bought the service.

But despite a lack of offline support, Waze still offers accurate real-time traffic, thanks to the work of its users. Plus, Waze integrates well with Android Auto, and you can even launch apps from within. Waze is an excellent travel companion.

Several streaming services offer podcast support, like Spotify and Audible, but if you"re looking for a dedicated podcast app, Pocket Casts is a mainstay dating from 2011. It"s an oldie but a goodie still going strong despite bad luck with its owners, where the company has been sold several times. Thanks to an intuitive UI and queuing feature that makes it easy to set up a list to listen to podcasts, Pocket Casts is perfect for long drives while keeping your hands free.

TomTom has been in the satellite navigation game since 2004, so it would make sense that the company offers a handful of apps on Android, and TomTom GO Navigation is the big boy of the group. You can trial this navigation software for 30 days, fully featured, and if you like what you see, you can subscribe monthly for $5, go with six months for $16, or grab a year"s worth of directions for $25.

Offline maps are supported, along with lane guidance, real-time traffic alerts, and turn-by-turn navigation. There"s also a free option available that goes by the name TomTom AmiGO. Still, if you"re looking for TomTom"s full navigation feature set, TomTom GO Navigation is definitely the version you should try if you require robust map software that works offline.

There are tons of music streaming apps, but local music players are something of a rarer breed, especially the good ones. At the top of that list is Poweramp. It"s offered Android Auto support since 2019, and it"s a favorite, thanks to its clear design and awesome EQ. It also plays just about any format you throw at it, including FLACs, which makes it an excellent player for audiophiles with killer sound systems.

You won"t have to worry about compression degrading your favorite tunes, ensuring you get the best experience possible for your FLAC collection with an excellent 10+ band graphical equalizer built-in. You can try the full app for free for 15 days, and if you like what you see, there"s a full version unlock on the Google Play Store for $5.49.

The app offers Android Auto support, and with all these stations available, you can listen to the radio while driving. The selection of stations is exponentially better than what"s built into most car radios, so it"s not such a crazy idea if you enjoy cruising music from around the world as you drive.

There"s no shortage of podcast players on the Play Store, but if you"re looking for something that works great with Android Auto and is also customizable, Podcast Addict is an excellent choice. You get an AA-specific UI for easy navigation, and you can customize the placement of the screen"s buttons to ensure they are where you need them to be to better build your muscle memory to keep your eye on the road. You also get access to tons of popular podcasts, though the app contains ads, which can be removed through a subscription.

If you"re looking for something a little different when listening to the radio while driving, perhaps Player for Rainwave is just the ticket. This audio streaming app is centered around video game music, with Android Auto support built-in. It"s a free service backed by user contributions, so it doesn"t offer the support like the more prominent players in the streaming game. However, updates are abundant, and issues are squashed quickly.

This marks the end of today"s Android Auto app roundup. Hopefully, you found some useful apps to use in your car, whether you require the traffic reports in Waze or prefer to listen to a few tunes through Spotify or the built-in player that recently received some streamlining. So until the next update, enjoy the apps, and drive safe!

Technology has improved over the past 20 years, and the accessibility of GPS (Global Positioning System) navigation systems for cars is a prime example. While navigation systems for cars come standard on most new vehicles, they can also be installed aftermarket or purchased as portable units. Learn more about buying a new car.

Navigation systems that do not come standard in a vehicle may involve a one-time fee for purchase as well as the cost for installation. The same is true when you have installed an aftermarket car safety system or purchased as a portable system.

However, once you purchase a car navigation system, there is no monthly fee to use it. The U.S. government owns the GNSS on which GPS navigation systems rely, so there is no monthly charge for using it. Some older systems required users to pay for software updates to display new roads and landmark information, but modern systems typically update automatically.

While many people today utilize their smartphones to find their way around, sometimes it"s helpful to have a dedicated unit to help you navigate. Here are a few times when a navigation system is valuable.

When you relocate to a new area, learning the local roads and your regular routes can take a while. A navigation system can help you learn the area until you get your bearings.

Getting lost can be stressful and make a new driver flustered — and that"s when accidents happen. A navigation system can keep you from worrying about where you"re going while building your confidence behind the wheel. Learn what to do after a car accident.

If you"re venturing into areas that you aren"t familiar with, a navigation system can keep you from having to worry about not recognizing the roads or route you"re traveling.

Driving for a rideshare app can be a good way to make money, but it often requires going to places you aren"t familiar with. A navigation system can help you pick up riders and find the best route. Learn more about rideshare coverage.

Most car navigation systems don"t often update with traffic patterns or road closures, but having one in your vehicle can help you find routes around any closures or slowdowns.

The Kenwood DMX905S is one of five Kenwood models that feature wireless Android Auto, along with a traditional corded Apple CarPlay app. The Kenwood worked well in our testing, but small usability details separated it from our top pick. It has a capacitive display, although pinching-and-zooming didn’t work in Google Maps. The unit’s hard buttons are large enough to press easily, but they don’t have the nice tactile feel of the Pioneer models’.

Because the Kenwood and JVC brands are owned by the same company—JVCKenwood Corporation—the JVC KW-M845BW is similar to the Kenwood DMX905S, above, with wireless Android Auto and only minor design differences. Its 6.8-inch screen is resistive instead of capacitive; it has only one USB port, instead of two; and you can’t change the buttons’ illumination color. It has also only three small, hard buttons, which offer less versatility and are more difficult to use than the Kenwood’s. Most irksome for us, though, is that we had a difficult time wirelessly connecting to Android Auto with our Pixel 2 XL test phone, and switching between two Bluetooth-connected phones wasn’t as seamless as with the Pioneers.

The JVC KW-M730BT, our previous runner-up, and the newer JVC KW-M740BT are almost identical models. When plugged in with a USB cord, both CarPlay and Android Auto worked well. The Pandora and Spotify apps were also flawless when using a Bluetooth connection. Our main gripes are the three tiny hard buttons across the top, which offer less functionality and aren’t as easy to access on the fly as those on the other models we tested. Also, you can’t customize the buttons’ illumination colors.

The new Sony XAV-AX5000 is very similar to our budget pick, except that it has a larger, 7-inch, bezel-less display and smaller, hard buttons across the bottom, rather than the XAV-AX100 model’s volume knob and left-mounted buttons. We had no problems connecting to CarPlay and Android Auto through a USB cord, and the AX5000 provides dual USB ports and satellite radio capability. It could be another good budget choice, but it’s sparse on features, compared with our other picks. It doesn’t come with a GPS antenna; it uses the one in your phone. The display isn’t as customizable. You can’t vary the buttons’ colors. And you can’t connect this model to an iDatalink adapter for use with a car’s steering-wheel controls and other features.

Our former also-great pick, the Alpine iLX-107, was the first replacement car stereo to offer a wireless connection to Apple CarPlay, although it doesn’t include Android Auto. The iLX-107 model’s interface is relatively easy to use, with responsive capacitive volume buttons below the screen. Its screen can be finicky, though, and we often had to hunt and peck to find what we wanted in the menus. The iLX-107 has a 7-inch screen and a host of extra features, such as satellite radio and HD Radio, multiple color choices for the controls, and the capability to pair with up to five smartphones over Bluetooth, but it tends to be more expensive than our top pick.

The Alpine iLX-207 has the same bright, 7-inch display as its cousin, the iLX-107, along with Android Auto, which the iLX-107 lacks. However, it doesn’t have the iLX-107 model’s wireless CarPlay connectivity or its slick capacitive volume buttons. Instead, it has a thick lip across the bottom of the screen that protrudes about half an inch from the display, and houses several large plastic buttons that provide some tactile feedback. The iLX-207 worked fine overall, and includes satellite radio compatibility, HD Radio, selectable illumination colors and wallpaper, and an HDMI input and output. But as with the iLX-107, we often had to hunt and peck to find what we wanted in the menus.

The Sony XAV-AX210 is similar to our budget pick, the Sony XAV-AX100, with a 6.4-inch display and volume knob. But it adds a CD/DVD player, satellite radio capability, variable illumination, and the ability to connect to an iDatalink adapter for use with a car’s steering-wheel controls and other features. An SXM version that includes a SiriusXM tuner as part of a package is currently being sold.

The Pioneer AVIC-8201NEX is very similar to our upgrade pick, but without its wireless capability for CarPlay and Android Auto; you need to plug in with a USB cord. Like the AVIC-W8500NEX, this Pioneer comes with a built-in navigation system, capacitive touchscreen, satellite radio compatibility, HD Radio, and Pioneer’s Dual Zone Entertainment (which gives rear-seat passengers the option to enjoy different content than front-seat passengers).

The Kenwood DNX875S is essentially the same as the DMX905S digital media receiver, above, but with an integrated Garmin navigation system. You can connect to Android Auto either wirelessly or with a USB cord, and to CarPlay with only the cord. But, as with the JVC KW-M845BW, above, we had problems wirelessly connecting to Android Auto with our Pixel 2 XL test phone, and switching between two Bluetooth-paired phones wasn’t as seamless as with the Pioneers. We like the nav system; in our car GPS testing, we’ve found Garmin’s navigation system to be easy to use, with an intuitive interface, reliable and responsive routing, and helpful lane guidance at highway interchanges. As with Pioneer’s Here mapping, Garmin’s traffic data isn’t as comprehensive or accurate as that of Google Maps and Waze, though. The DNX875S is compatible with Kenwood’s DRV-N520 dash cam, and can accept two camera inputs.

Our previous upgrade pick, the Kenwood DNX694S, and the newer Kenwood DNX695S are very similar models. We had no trouble connecting to CarPlay and Android Auto through a USB cord. Both models come with built-in Garmin navigation, a CD/DVD player, HD Radio, satellite radio compatibility, variable color adjustments for customizing the controls’ backlighting, and dual video inputs for connecting multiple cameras. Unlike on the other Kenwoods we tested, the buttons are located on the left side of the screen, where they’re easier for a driver to reach, and the CD/DVD slot is visible above the 6.8-inch display. Both models can connect to the company’s DRV-N520 dash cam, and when a backup camera is connected, the stereo overlays helpful parking-guidance lines onto the camera’s image. According to Kenwood’s Seth Halstead, drivers can also connect other accessories, such as an add-on forward-collision warning system.

Always know what’s happening on the road with Waze. Even if you know the way, Waze tells you about traffic, construction, police, crashes, and more in real-time. If traffic is bad on your route, Waze will change it to save you time.

Set the location to the specified lat and long values along with the optional accuracy (m), altitude (m), speed (m/s), and bearing (degrees). Pass in NAN to skip optional parameters if needed.

Enables or disables whether Android Auto has navigation focus on the head unit. Turning off navigation focus simulates the head unit running its own navigation system.

Defines the input mode. The options touch, rotary, hybrid enable and disable touchscreen and rotary support and set default keycodes as appropriate, while default defers to the touch and controller options below.

Technology is the great democratizer, and skeptics should look no further than today"s cars, which offer more choices than ever before when it comes to in-car entertainment options. Automakers are eager to cram more screens and more features into their models, all to make your commute as effortless and as enjoyable as possible.

The sheer number of options can overwhelm even the most knowledgable car shopper. Do you need navigation, or will your smartphone"s plethora of navigation apps suffice? Is Apple CarPlay or Android Auto a must-have feature? Do you enjoy satellite or internet radio? Parsing your in-car technological needs from your wants is critical before heading to the dealership. Doing so can be a frustrating experience in navigating not-so-friendly consumer websites that burry the information.

To help, we"ve broken down which makes and models offer what features. However, for now, we"ve limited our list to mainstream brands. Sorry, but you won"t find details about Bugatti or Koenigsegg.The 2019 RDX introduces a new, 10.2-inch, single-screen infotainment system to the Acura brand.Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

Most Acura models use a two-screen infotainment system called an On-Demand Multi-Information Display. There"s a 7-inch lower and 8-inch upper display with a physical rotary and jog controller and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The ILX sedan is an exception, with a 5-inch display coming standard and a single 8-inch display optional on higher trim levels.

In general, Acura"s infotainment systems feel a little dated, with so-so graphics and a cumbersome interface. Using the two screens and the physical control knob is not as straightforward as many rival premium automaker infotainment systems. As for the RDX"s new system,Alfa Romeo"s menu structure is easy to navigate via a controller in the center console, though response times to inputs are often slow.Wayne Cunningham/Roadshow

The Giulia and Stelvio infotainment systems use a proprietary software interface (meaning it"s not a rebranded version of software from FCA, Alfa"s corporate parent) with a fairly minimalist design. The menu structure itself is easy to navigate using the physical controller, but the system"s responses are slow and clunky. The navigation system doesn"t offer advanced features such as online destination search.

The 4C"s system feels like an aftermarket unit you might have fitted to your own car. And while the Alpine system is an improvement over the Parrot one installed in earlier models, it"s still nothing special when compared to other similarly priced sports cars.

Older models such as the Rapide and Vanquish feature a system called AMI III, which has navigation, text-message integration and Bluetooth. Its functions are managed with a rotary controller on the center stack. The two newest Aston Martins, the DB11 and Vantage, use a Mercedes-Benz-sourced Comand infotainment system with an 8-inch non-touchscreen in the dashboard and both rotary and touchpad controllers on the console. The Rapide and Vanquish support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but neither is offered on the DB1,

Aston Martin"s older infotainment systems are crude and dated by today"s standards -- hey, you"re buying these cars for their beauty and engines, not their tech, right? But the Mercedes-sourced DB11, DBS and Vantage systems are just as straightforward and modern as in other Mercedes models, a refreshing change from older cars.

Most older Audi models use an infotainment system called MMI, which features a rotary knob with shortcut buttons that"s used to access all information on the display. Many newer Audi models also allow drivers to interact with the infotainment system through Virtual Cockpit, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster operated with the steering-wheel controls. In fact, the TT and R8, as they"re driver-focused, don"t have a center screen and put all infotainment interactions in Virtual Cockpit.

The Bentley Bentayga, Flying Spur and Mulsanne come equipped with 8-inch touchscreens. In the Bentayga, you get a newer version with features including navigation, a built-in hard drive for storing music and Google Earth satellite imagery.

Bentley"s older infotainment systems feel, well, old, though the Bentayga"s newer touchscreen is snappy and responsive. It even supports Apple CarPlay. The Continental GT"s system works just as well as in the Panamera, with fast responses to user input that make using in-car functions a breeze.The latest version of BMW iDrive, in the 2019 3 Series.Nick Miotke/Roadshow

Though there"s a basic AM/FM/satellite radio with USB, Bluetooth and auxiliary connectivity, all BMW models can be upgraded to an infotainment system called iDrive. Most models are controlled using a rotary jog dial on the center console, but some newer systems also offer touchscreen support. You can "write" letters and numbers atop the controller in certain models, which can be useful when inputting navigation address. Apple CarPlay is supported but you will have to pay an annual subscription to use the function. Android Auto is not offered.

Most newer BMW models, including the 5 Series, 7 Series, 3 Series, 8 Series and X5, offer limited gesture-recognition ability: You can twirl your finger in the air to raise or lower the volume, for instance. We"re still not sure that"s useful, except as a way to impress your passengers. Other options include a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless phone charging, depending on the car.

BMW is also introducing a new Alexa-like feature called Intelligent Personal Assistant. Available in the 3 and 8 Series, as well as Z4 and X7, the voice-recognition tech can respond to inquiries like, "Hey BMW, look for the nearest fuel station," or "Hey BMW, I"m cold." As with Mercedes" similar function, we"re not totally sold on Intelligent Personal Assistant just yet.Buick"s infotainment system is the same as what you"ll find in Chevrolet and GMC models.Nick Miotke/Roadshow

Buick"s infotainment systems run the same basic software as other General Motors cars, including GMC and Chevrolet models, albeit with unique graphics and logos. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on every model except the Cascada convertible, which uses an older version of Buick"s infotainment system. Screen sizes are either 7 or 8 inches, depending on the model, with navigation offered as an option. And like most GM models, a Wi-Fi hotspot is available as an option.

The Cadillac CT6, XT5 and Escalade use the Cadillac User Experience (CUE) touchscreen infotainment system, with built-in AM/FM/satellite radio, Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary connectivity, OnStar telematics support and optional navigation and a Wi-Fi hot spot. The ATS, CTS and XTS have an updated version that can save a driver"s preferences to the cloud to be used in multiple vehicles, and also boasts "predictive" navigation and an app store to add even more functionality. Both systems feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as optional navigation. As with Chevrolet, performance models (ATS-V and CTS-V) can be equipped with a Performance Data Recorder for capturing your track-day heroics.

Like other General Motors touchscreen infotainment systems,Most Chevy models use this MyLink infotainment system, which is shared with Buick and GMC vehicles.Jon Wong/Roadshow

Branded MyLink, Chevrolet offers 7- and 8-inch touchscreen infotainment systems on most models, with optional navigation, as well as built-in connectivity to the OnStar telematics system. AM/FM/satellite radio, Bluetooth, auxiliary and USB inputs are all included. On performance models such as the Camaro and Corvette, you"ll even find an optional Performance Data Recorder that can record video and telemetry from your on-track laps -- all the better for posting to YouTube later. The Bolt EV has a slightly different infotainment system focused on offering information about its battery charge time and other information, with a 10.2-inch screen. Every Chevrolet supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The Chrysler 300 and Pacifica both offer the Uconnect 4 infotainment system on an 8.4-inch screen, with some Pacifica minivan trims offering a 7-inch version of the display. The system features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as Bluetooth, satellite radio, and aux and USB ports. Navigation with SiriusXM traffic and travel data is optional. In the Pacifica specifically, Uconnect Theater functionality allows for showing movies on the optional rear screens for kids (or older passengers, presumably).

The Dodge Challenger and Charger offer buyers a choice of two touchscreens powered by the company"s Uconnect software, a 7-inch and an 8.4-inch. Both feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as Bluetooth, satellite radio, and aux and USB ports. The 8.4-inch display can be optioned with navigation that features SiriusXM traffic and travel data, too. The Durango SUV offers the same displays, though its 8.4-inch option comes standard with navigation.

The Journey is the oldest vehicle in the Dodge lineup and thus has the oldest infotainment features. A 4.3-inch touchscreen is standard on base models, with AM/FM radio, Bluetooth plus aux and USB ports, as well as optional satellite radio. You can option up to the 8.4-inch screen running Uconnect 3 (a version behind other Dodge models), with or without navigation, and without any support for CarPlay or Android Auto.

Performance models of the Challenger, Charger and Durango also come with extra on-screen displays for adjusting vehicle settings, monitoring engine data or even recording your acceleration and braking times. Using the on-screen climate controls isn"t always the smoothest experience, but Dodge does provide redundant physical buttons for most of those operations. The Journey"s infotainment systems are behind the times within the class, as is the crossover as a whole.Ferrari"s smaller infotainment screen is, as we say, "minimal but functional."Nick Miotke/Roadshow

Today"s Ferraris essentially offer two different infotainment options. The Portofino and GTC4Lusso have 10.2-inch touchscreen systems with navigation. The 488 family and the 812 Superfast, as well as the new

Fiat offers different infotainment systems for each of its models. The standard 500 hatchback and Cabrio -- whether in base or Abarth trim -- has a 5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, USB and aux ports. Satellite radio and navigation are offered as an option. The 500X crossover and 500L hatchback both receive a standard 7-inch Uconnect 4.0 touchscreen for the 2018 model year. It includes satellite radio plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, and can be optioned with navigation and SiriusXM traffic information.

The Fiat 124 Spider is an interesting exception. Because the convertible is based on the Mazda MX-5 Miata, it uses the Mazda Connect infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen and rotary controller. Scroll down to the Mazda section for our thoughts on Mazda Connect.

The 500"s infotainment system looks and feels pretty dated at this point, with little in the way of phone integration. But the newer Uconnect system introduced this year for the 500X/500L

Base versions of Ford products use a relatively basic non-touchscreen radio with AM/FM, auxiliary and USB inputs, Bluetooth and Ford"s Sync voice-command features. The upgrade option is Ford Sync 3, which uses 6.5- or 8-inch touchscreens and adds features such as satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and optional navigation. It can even be used to adjust the climate controls and the heated steering wheel in appropriately equipped cars. And newer Ford models offer Wi-Fi hotspots which you can connect with up to 10 devices at once. Where the touchscreens used to be embedded into Ford cars" center stacks, newer models, such as the

Early versions of Ford Sync were error-prone and difficult to use, butThe Genesis G90 has a crisp, bright display, though its infotainment system lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.Nick Miotke/Roadshow

The basic on-screen software for the G70 and G80 is based on Hyundai"s Blue Link infotainment software, meaning that the Genesis systems work well with quick responses and straightforward menus. The lack of CarPlay and Android Auto on the G90 may be a letdown to some buyers,Look familiar? GMC uses a reskinned version of the Chevy and Buick infotainment systems.Nick Miotke/Roadshow

Honda offers a basic 5-inch radio system that lacks satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto. Both higher trim levels can be optioned with a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen that adds those features, as well as the ability to read out text messages and integration with Pandora internet radio and optional navigation. That means that every Honda offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, at least as an option.

Hyundai uses either 7- or 8-inch touchscreens, depending on model, with AM/FM, satellite radio, Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary connectivity, as well as optional navigation. Every Hyundai supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And wireless phone charging is available on certain higher-trim models, too.

Hyundai"s touchscreens may not be the flashiest, but they"re routinely among our favorites for their speed, ease of use and sheer legibility. The on-screen software works well, even if it doesn"t have the flashiest or fanciest graphics on the market. The built-in navigation works well, and the CarPlay and Android Auto integrations are excellent.While we like the added functionality of Infiniti"s dual-screen setup, we wish the two screens didn"t look like they were designed in two different decades.Jon Wong/Roadshow

The Q70 and QX60 have a basic AM/FM/satellite, Bluetooth, USB and aux system as standard. The optional upgrade is to an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation. The QX30 comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, while the QX80 has an 8-inch touchscreen. Finally, the Q50, Q60 and QX50 feature a dual-screen system with a 7-inch lower and 8-inch upper touchscreen.

Functionality includes an AM/FM/satellite radio, Bluetooth, USB and aux inputs, but you won"t find support for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. All models also have a jog dial in addition to the touch support.

Infiniti"s single-screen systems have no real problems, but also fail to stand out compared to today"s best rivals: the navigation graphics are dated and the built-in functionality is not especially impressive.Jaguar"s InTouch system is colorful and reconfigurable, but we frequently experience sluggish responses.Emme Hall/Roadshow

An 8-inch touchscreen is standard on most models, while Jaguar offers an upgraded system with navigation and a 10-inch display, which has bright and colorful graphics. A Wi-Fi hotspot can be equipped, and new models, including the updated

Depending on which Jeep you buy, different infotainment systems are available, but all offer at least 7- and 8.4-inch touchscreens with Uconnect 4, the latest version of the user-friendly infotainment system. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and has optional navigation, SiriusXM traffic and travel information. The Renegade, Compass, Wrangler and

Kia offers 7- or 8-inch touchscreens in all its cars, with the upgraded UVO3 option featuring navigation as well as voice recognition. All of the systems feature AM/FM, Bluetooth and satellite radio, and every Kia supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Pandora internet radio. UVO telematics services, like many competitors, allow let you locate the car with an app. The

Kia"s touchscreens may not be the most feature-rich, but they, like sibling brand Hyundai"s, work seamlessly and flawlessly. Though not the prettiest or most stylized, the on-screen graphics and impeccably clear and easy to use at a glance while on the road. Using CarPlay or Android Auto with the touch functionality works simply, too. The new K900"s system has even smarter graphics and a revised menu structure that, we think, borrows a lot from the design of BMW iDrive -- that"s not a bad thing.Lamborghini"s new infotainment system, seen here in the Urus SUV, is similar to Audi"s new MMI Touch Response interface.Chris Paukert/Roadshow

The Lamborghini Aventador has a full-digital instrument cluster along with an infotainment screen operated by Audi-like buttons and a rotary knob. It supports Apple CarPlay but not Android Auto. The Huracan also has a full-digital instrument cluster and lacks a central infotainment screen, instead relegating all functions to the display and using a rotary knob and buttons on the center stack. It, too, supports Apple CarPlay but not Android Auto.

While the Aventador and Huracan"s systems are dated, the Urus" works very well. Just as in new Audis, it"s pretty to look at, fast in all its functionality and easy to use.The Range Rover Velar"s infotainment setup is a big improvement over Land Rover"s older system, though it still doesn"t come with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.Land Rover

An 8-inch touchscreen is standard, with an optional 10-inch system called Land Rover InControl Pro available with navigation. The Range Rover Velar has a more advanced infotainment package, called Touch Duo Pro, with twin 10-inch touchscreens. The lower display is used, as in newer Audi models, to operate secondary functions such as climate and seating options. Land Rover also includes special menus with off-roading information including the vehicle"s angle or four-wheel-drive status.

Though it looks stylish in the dashboard and has bright, clear graphics, Land Rover"s infotainment system is often sluggish in its operations and cumbersome to use, especially taking time to boot up when you start the car or switch between menu functions. That can be especially frustrating when the system is needed for operating features like heated seats. The newer infotainment system in the Range Rover Velar seems faster to use than older models, and its graphics are an extra step forward in terms of crispness and prettiness. Land Rover is nowLexus fits its cars with a large, bright display, but the Remote Touch control interface is absolutely infuriating.Chris Paukert/Roadshow

Lexus offers a basic infotainment display with AM/FM/satellite radio, Siri Eyes Free for iPhone users, Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary input and support for the Scout GPS navigation app. The optional upgrade is to an infotainment system with a 10.3-inch screen operated by what Lexus calls the Remote Touch Interface, a mouse-like controller on the center console.

It features navigation and a Lexus Enform app suite that, similar to Toyota"s Entune integration, allows for using certain apps that have been downloaded to your phone. The

Lincoln vehicles all use rebranded versions of the Ford Sync infotainment system. That means, like Fords, there"s support for satellite radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with navigation offered as an option. And just like those Ford models, the Lincoln systems work well in most situations.It may be a Maserati, but that"s Chrysler"s 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system.Roadshow

As of the 2018 model year, all Maseratis use infotainment systems based on the Uconnect touchscreen interface found in FCA cars. That means you get a bright, clear and responsive 8.4-inch touchscreen -- though it"s been rebranded with different colors, fonts and graphics compared to similar systems in other FCA-brand cars. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported.The Mazda Connect infotainment system will finally add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality in late 2018.Wayne Cunningham/Roadshow

Every new Mazda comes with a 7-inch touchscreen that the automaker brands as Mazda Connect. In addition to the touch interface, the system can be operated by a rotary knob on the center console. Standard features include AM/FM radio, auxiliary and USB ports, Bluetooth, and support for Aha, Pandora, and Stitcher Internet radio services. Satellite radio and navigation are both available as options, dependent on trim levels. An 8-inch version of the screen is standard on the 2018 Mazda6 and on the CX-9"s Touring trim level. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay have long been unavailable, but fortunately Mazda is now introducing support for those technologies across the lineup -- as well as

McLaren"s cars use a 7-inch, vertically oriented touchscreen running software called Iris. In addition to the touch controls, there are also buttons at the bottom of the display and a rotary knob for interacting with the system. Satellite radio and navigation are included, while a Track Telemetry app records your on-track exploits for later analysis on a computer. The feature can be upgraded with cameras, too. Iris doesn"t support Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

Unfortunately, the infotainment system is nowhere near as satisfying as the cars in which it"s installed. We found Iris" graphics crude, its menus tricky to use and interact with and its overall functionality slow and lacking compared to rivals. It"s sluggish in all operations.

Mercedes calls its infotainment system Comand, and while there are slightly different versions depending on the age and model range of each car, overall it"s an excellent system to use. Operated by a rotary dial and, in some newer models, a touchpad controller, it offers navigation, Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary connectivity, as well as AM/FM/satellite radio. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported. Optional features include Wi-Fi hotspots and wireless phone charging. The

Comand has a logical menu structure that is E- and S-Class, are pretty and legible, with stylish iconographic and images yet very straightforward controls. While we need to spend more time with it, MBUX proved impressive though its voice controls, intended to be operated by saying, "Hey Mercedes," did not always work as intended in our early testing.The Mini Connected infotainment system is a reskinned version of BMW iDrive. It"s just... cuter.Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

The Mini Connected infotainment systems are offered with 6.5-inch screens as standard and 8.8-inch ones as an option. It"s operated either by the touchscreen or with a rotary jog dial on the center console, on top of which you can write letters or numbers for the navigation system. Built-in app support includes Pandora, Spotify and other internet radio choices, plus Siri Eyes Free. Navigation is optional, too, and there are some Mini-quirky features on-board, like flashing lights around the outer edge of the circular display that correspond to in-car actions (such as adjusting the volume.) Only the Countryman and Clubman support Apple CarPlay. No Mini supports Android Auto.

The Mini Connected software is essentially a reskinned version of parent company BMW"s iDrive, with a fairly straightforward menu structure, albeit done in more fun colors and graphics than the BMW version. Though it"s easy to bump the awkwardly placed control knob by mistake,Mitsubishi"s menus are straightforward, but we don"t like the touchpad controller of this infotainment system.Mitsubishi

Across most of its lineup, Mitsubishi offers a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard, with one USB port, AM/FM radio, and Bluetooth connectivity. Higher trim levels of the Eclipse Cross and Outlander (and standard on the Outlander Plug-In Hybrid) feature an upgraded system that Mitsubishi calls Smartphone Link Display Audio. It features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as satellite radio and two USB ports. It has a 7-inch touchscreen display and can also be operated via a touchpad on the center console. No matter the car or trim level, no built-in navigation is offered on any Mitsubishi. This year the refreshed

The 7-inch system has straightforward menus, but we found that there"s a bit of delay in response when touching the screen or using the touchpad controller. We also wish there were a real volume knob aside from the up-down buttons on the steering wheel and headunit. The lack of integrated navigation is probably not a deal-breaker given the availability of CarPlay and Android Auto.Nissan uses several different infotainment systems across its lineup. This is the 8-inch display found in the Armada SUV.Jon Wong/Roadshow

Like Toyota, Nissan has a diverse variety of infotainment systems available depending on vehicle -- and only a handful of them feature Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The 370Z family, for instance, comes standard with a very basic AM/FM/CD system with few added features besides Bluetooth and auxiliary connectivity -- though a 7-inch touchscreen with navigation is optional. The only vehicles with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are the Altima, Kicks, Maxima, Murano, Rogue, GT-R, Leaf (as an option).

A 5-inch touchscreen is standard on many Nissans, including the Leaf, Frontier, Rogue Sport and Versa. Other models have larger displays: the Rogue, Versa Note, Kicks, Titan/Titan XD and Rogue Sport have 7-inch screens, while the Pathfinder, Armada, Murano and Maxima have 8-inch screens as standard.

The Nissan GT-R and Leaf both have unique infotainment systems. For the GT-R, it"s an 8-inch touchscreen with multiple special displays showing various vehicle and engine data. Other features include navigation, satellite radio and Apple CarPlay support. There"s also a secondary rotary control knob for the system on the car"s center console. As to the Leaf (SV and SL trims only), it uses a special version of Nissan"s 7-inch touchscreen system that"s designed for electric cars; things like Bluetooth, satellite radio and various menus for adjusting the Leaf"s battery-charge status are standard, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The

Most of Nissan"s infotainment systemsThe Porsche Panamera"s touchscreen is one of our favorites, even without the inclusion of Android Auto.Nick Miotke/Roadshow

On the 718 Boxster and  718 Cayman, you"ll find a Porsche Communication Management system with a 7-inch touchscreen and a rotary dial controller. Built-in navigation is optional, while integrated functions include AM/FM/satellite radio, Bluetooth, auxiliary and USB inputs, as well as an optional Wi-Fi hotspot. The Cayenne, Panamera feature a new, more advanced system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation. Every Porsche offers Apple CarPlay but none offer Android Auto.

On the older PCM systems, physical shortcut buttons help make navigating the simple, somewhat plain menu structure simple; everything about the system works easily and quickly. The new 12.3-inch touchscreen is the Cayenne, Macan, 911 and Panamera has incredibly sharp, clear graphics on its wide display. A simple menu on the left-hand side of the display allows for jumping between different features and information pages; proximity sensors show or hide info depending on how close your hand is to the screen, and multi-touch functionality makes zooming maps a breeze.

As on other Fiat Chrysler models, Uconnect"s software is fast and responsive, and its screens are bright, crisp and highly legible while driving. The 12-inch display especially impresses, drawing comparisons to the massive tablet-like infotainment display in Teslas.Rolls-Royce uses a version of parent company BMW"s iDrive. Just, you know, fancier.Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce models use modified versions of BMW iDrive software, with a 10.25-inch screen and operated with a "Spirit of Ecstasy" controller on the center console. Users can even write letters and numbers on the top of the controller, or pinch-to-zoom like on a phone. Rolls notes, by the way, that a touchscreen is less than ideal for its cars because it, "might leave unsightly fingerprints at driver and passenger eye level." Navigation is included as standard, as well as Bluetooth phone integration, but you won"t find modern proletarian touches like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto support.

With crisp, modern graphics and smooth performance, the Rolls-Royce infotainment systems perform very well.The Smart Fortwo is a pretty basic car, and its infotainment system is similarly non-robust.Antuan Goodwin/Roadshow

The Smart brand is Smart Fortwo, whether in Coupe or Cabrio guise, has only a simple AM/FM radio as standard, with Bluetooth, an auxiliary port and USB connectivity. It can be upgraded with a $100 phone cradle that lets users pick music via an app called Smart Cross Connect. For $1,290, the Prime and Passion trim levels can be upgraded with a 7-inch touchscreen that offers more features, like TomTom-based navigation and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration.

Infotainment options are pretty basic in their functionality no matter whether you choose the base option or not. Poor screen quality and a tough-to-use built-in interface are letdowns even with the optional $1,290 system.

Subaru has made Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard as part of its StarLink infotainment systems on nearly all its models, most recently the 2019 WRX. The BRZ is the lone exception: the Premium model"s 6.2-inch display offers a CD player, auxiliary and USB ports, Bluetooth, satellite radio and connectivity for Stitcher, Aha, and Pandora Internet radio. If you want Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, upgrade to the Limited model, where it"s standard and housed in a 7-inch touchscreen. All other Subarus now offer a 6.5-inch touchscreen as standard with 7-inch (BRZ, WRX/STI) or 8-inch (Ascent, Impreza, Crosstrek, Forester) versions as an upgrade. Subaru"s 6.5-inch StarLink system boasts Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary inputs, as well as integrated Pandora and Aha Internet radio functionality. The 7- and 8-inch ones feature even more integrated apps, including Glympse social navigation, Stitcher and iHearRadio internet radio apps, Yelp and even eBird, a utility for birders (hey, it"s a Subaru). Optional built-in navigation is powered by TomTom software.

The newestThe Tesla Model 3"s huge center screen isn"t just for infotainment. Many key vehicle functions -- like the wipers -- are housed in here, too.Tim Stevens/Roadshow

The Tesla Model S and Model X use 17-inch vertically oriented touchscreens with Bluetooth, navigation, FM and HD radio, two USB ports and a built-in web browser. Like many electric cars, AM radio is not offered. The Model 3 and

Toyota"s infotainment offerings vary greatly by model. Most models offer 6.1- or 7-inch touchscreens with features like Bluetooth, AM/FM, and USB and auxiliary inputs. Upgraded models add features such as satellite radio and the ability to use Scout GPS navigation via a connected phone. Specifically, the Yaris, Corolla, Tacoma, Tundra, Highlander and Prius all offer both 6.1- and 7-inch screens. The C-HR and 86 have only 7-inch screens. The 4Runner and Sequoia only offer a 6.1-inch screen. The Land Cruiser has a 9-inch display.

Several newer models use Entune 3.0, an updated infotainment system with a broad feature set that includes AM/FM, Bluetooth, auxiliary and USB inputs. Using the Entune app on your connected phone, you can access apps such as Pandora, Slacker and NPR One, as well as Scout navigation. Built-in nav is an option on higher trim levels. The Avalon has Entune 3.0 with a 9-inch display, the Sienna and Mirai have a 7-inch Entune 3.0 display, while the Camry offer it with both 7- and 8-inch screens, depending on trim. Toyota also offers a Wi-Fi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration on certain models.

Toyota"s support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is limited. From the 2019 model year onward, CarPlay is available on the Avalon, Camry, Corolla Hatchback, C-HR, RAV4 and Supra, as well as the 2020 Corolla.

Most newer Volkswagen models offer a choice between a handful of infotainment systems. A 6.5-inch touchscreen has Apple CarPlay and Android auto connectivity as standard (VW brands these features as "Car-Net"), as well as USB, auxiliary and Bluetooth connectivity. There"s an 8-inch version of that touchscreen that adds a CD player and satellite radio, and then an optional upgraded version with built-in navigation. The older VW Beetle has a 5-inch display as standard, while the 6.3-inch option with CarPlay and Android Auto support is optional, and navigation is optional on certain models. Finally, Volkswagen is rolling out a full-color Digital Cockpit instrument cluster as an option on certain models: the E-Golf, Golf, 2019 Jetta,

The newer 6.5- and 8-inch displays are bright and easy to use at a glance while driving, and though it"s not quite as quick as FCA"s Uconnect screens, responses are fast. On the downside, the gloss-black trim around the screens tends to pick up fingerprints easily. The 8-inch model especially is incredibly easy to view, but we think some of the menus and icons could be rearranged so navigating the many options and features is easier. Although the 6.3-inch display still works well, its smaller screen size means picking out icons and reading text is a little more difficult while on the move. In cars with Digital Cockpit, you can avoid the infotainment screen entirely because the color cluster provides so much information right in the driver"s sightline.

Every new Volvo uses a touchscreen infotainment system called Sensus, with a portrait-style 9-inch touchscreen mounted on the dashboard. Features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation and some built-in apps such as Glympse, Pandora, Stitcher and Yelp. Volvos can also be equipped with wireless phone charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot, as well as a full-digital instrument cluster.

Scout GPS Link is a free mobile navigation app with MapStream™ mode, a full navigation experience with interactive, moving maps powered by real-time cloud information and designed exclusively for your car’s multimedia screen. Whether you’re commuting home, searching for a place to get gas, or want to beat traffic, get all the information you need at a glance on your personalized home screen. Wherever you’re going, Scout GPS Link makes navigating there a lot easier.

Do you have questions or suggestions you’d like to share with us? Contact us at sglsupport@telenav.com or select “Give Feedback” in the mobile app menu and let us know what you think.

•Selecting Lexus vehicles with Lexus app or Toyota vehicles with Toyota app with Display Audio requires USB and Bluetooth connection to view MapStream mode moving maps on multimedia display. The multimedia view will be TurnStream™ mode, turn-by-turn directions only without a moving map

An automotive navigation system is part of the automobile controls or a third party add-on used to find direction in an automobile. It typically uses a satellite navigation device to get its position data which is then correlated to a position on a road. When directions are needed routing can be calculated. On the fly traffic information (road closures, congestion) can be used to adjust the route.

Mathematically, automotive navigation is based on the shortest path problem, within graph theory, which examines how to identify the path that best meets some criteria (shortest, cheapest, fastest, etc.) between two points in a large network.

Automotive navigation systems represent a convergence of a number of diverse technologies, many of which have been available for many years, but were too costly or inaccessible. Limitations such as batteries, display, and processing power had to be overcome before the product became commercially viable.

1966: General Motors Research (GMR) was working on a non-satellite-based navigation and assistance system called DAIR (Driver Aid, Information & Routing). After initial tests GM found that it was not a scalable or practical way to provide navigation assistance. Decades later, however, the concept would be reborn as OnStar (founded 1996).

1973: Japan"s Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and Fuji Heavy Industries sponsored CATC (Comprehensive Automobile Traffic Control), a Japanese research project on automobile navigation systems.

1981: The earlier research of CATC led to the first generation of automobile navigation systems from Japanese companies Honda, Nissan and Toyota. They used dead reckoning technology.

1981: Honda"s Electro Gyrocator was the first commercially available car navigation system. It used inertial navigation systems, which tracked the distance traveled, the start point, and direction headed.

1989: Gregg Howe of Design Works USA applied Hunter Systems $40,000 navigational computer to the Magna Torrero Concept Car. Originally developed to locate hydrants for fire departments, this system utilized both satellite signals & dead reckoning improving overall system accuracy due to civilian GPS limitations. This system also boast a color raster scan monitor, rather than the monochromatic vector mapping displays used by predecessors.

1991: General Motors partnered with the American Automotive Association, Florida Department of Transportation, as well as the city of Orlando to create TravTek (short for Travel Technology) which was a computerized in-car navigation system. A fleet of 100 Oldsmobile Toronados were rolled out with the system with 75 available for rent through Avis" Orlando International Airport office, the other 25 were test-driven by local drivers. A computer system was installed in the trunk of the vehicle with a special antenna mounted in the back and was hooked up to the video screen in the Oldsmobile Toronado (an option in the standard Toronado) to display the navigation. TravTek covered a 12,000 square mile area in Orlando and its metro areas, as well as contained listings for restaurants, AAA-approved hotels and attractions.

1993: The Austrian channel ORF airs a presentation of the software company bitMAP and its head Werner Liebig"s invention, an electronic city map including street names and house numbers, using a satellite-based navigation system. bitMAP attends Comdex in Las Vegas the same year, but doesn"t manage to market itself properly.

1994: BMW 7 series E38 first European model featuring GPS navigation. The navigation system was developed in cooperation with Philips (Philips CARIN).

1995: Oldsmobile introduced the first GPS navigation system available in a United States production car, called GuideStar.Zexel. Zexel partnered with Avis Car Rental to make the system widely available in rental cars. This provided many in the United States general public with their first opportunity to use car navigation.

1995: Device called "Mobile Assistant" or short, MASS, produced by Munich-based company ComRoad AG, won the title "Best Product in Mobile Computing" on CeBit by magazine Byte. It offered turn-by-turn navigation via wireless internet connection, with both GPS and speed sensor in the car.

2003: Toyota introduced the first Hard disk drive-based navigation system and the industry"s first DVD-based navigation system with a built-in Electronic throttle control

2007: Toyota introduced Map on Demand, a technology for distributing map updates to car navigation systems, developed as the first of its kind in the world

2008: World"s first navigation system-linked brake assist function and Navigation system linked to Adaptive Variable Suspension System (NAVI/AI-AVS) on Toyota Crown

Map database formats are almost uniformly proprietary, with no industry standards for satellite navigation maps, although some companies are trying to address this with SDAL (Shared Data Access Library) and Navigation Data Standard (NDS). Map data vendors such as Tele Atlas and Navteq create the base map in a GDF (Geographic Data Files) format, but each electronics manufacturer compiles it in an optimized, usually proprietary manner. GDF is not a CD standard for car navigation systems. GDF is used and converted onto the CD-ROM in the internal format of the navigation system. CDF (CARiN Database Format) is a proprietary navigation map format created by Philips.

SDAL is a proprietary map format developed by Navteq, which was released royalty free in the hope that it would become an industry standard for digital navigation maps, has not been very widely adopted by the industry. Vendors who used this format include:

The Navigation Data Standard (NDS) initiative, is an industry grouping of car manufacturers, navigation system suppliers and map data suppliers whose objective is the standardization of the data format used in car navigation systems, as well as allow a map update capability. The NDS effort began in 2004 and became a registered association in 2009.BMW, Volkswagen, Daimler, Renault, ADIT, Aisin AW, Alpine Electronics, Navigon, Navis-AMS, Bosch, DENSO, Mitsubishi, Harman International Industries, Panasonic, Preh Car Connect formerly TechniSat, PTV, Continental AG, Clarion, Navteq, Navinfo Archived 2020-08-01 at the Wayback Machine, TomTom and Zenrin.

The road database may be stored in solid state read-only memory (ROM), optical media (CD or DVD), solid state flash memory, magnetic media (hard disk), or a combination. A common scheme is to have a base map permanently stored in ROM that can be augmented with detailed information for a region the user is interested in. A ROM is always programmed at the factory; the other media may be preprogrammed, downloaded from a CD or DVD via a computer or wireless connection (bluetooth, Wi-Fi), or directly used utilizing a card reader.

In practice, Google has updated Google Maps for Android and iOS to alert users when a faster route becomes available in 2014. This change helps integrate real-time data with information about the more distant parts of a route.

Automotive navigation systems can include personal information management for meetings, which can be combined with a traffic and public transport information system.

Many vehicle manufacturers offer a satellite navigation device as an option in their vehicles. Customers whose vehicles did not ship with GNSS can therefore purchase and retrofit the original factory-supplied GNSS unit. In some cases this can be a straightforward "plug-and-play" installation if the required wiring harness is already present in the vehicle. However, with some manufacturers, new wiring is required, making the installation more complex.

Establishing points of interest in real-time and transmitting them via GSM cellular telephone networks using the Short Message Service (SMS) is referred to as Gps2sms. Some vehicles and vessels are equipped with hardware that is able to automatically send an SMS text message when a particular event happens, such as theft, anchor drift or breakdown. The receiving party (e.g., a tow truck) can store the waypoint in a computer system, draw a map indicating the location, or see it in an automotive navigation system.

Zhao, Jianfeng; Liang, Bodong; Chen, Qiuxia (2018-01-02). "The key technology toward the self-driving car". International Journal of Intelligent Unmanned Systems. 6 (1): 2–20. doi:ISSN 2049-6427.

The Mapbox Vision SDK describes every curb, lane, street sign, and road hazard it sees as data. Developers use the SDK"s AI-powered semantic segmentation, object detection, and classification to deliver precise navigation guidance, display driver assistance alerts, and detect and map road incidents.