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Here's what a VPN can't protect you from (but you need to use it)

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The abbreviation " VPN " has slowly become established among average Internet users, which is certainly good, but the problem is that people have started to see VPN as the ultimate solution to all problems.
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MapFactor - free Offline navigation with OSM and TomTom maps

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MapFactor - free Offline navigation with OSM and TomTom maps

MapFactor is free offline navigation for Android, iOS, and Windows / WinCE with more than 50 million users worldwide. You may not have heard of it yet but it offers a lot of options. I would put it somewhere as a balance between the existing free and paid navigation because there are a few of both types.

Namely, the application offers reliable offline GPS navigation in more than 200 countries around the world, many customization options, points of interest, speed and radar warnings, waypoint optimization, and other great features such as alternative routes, traffic information, etc.

It is based on free OpenStreetMaps (which will delight those who do not like Google), and users can also buy professional TomTom maps for even more precise navigation or navigation for trucks.

The final is also the preparation for Android Auto, which many users are also looking forward to.

However, there is one option that will be useful to those who often drive around the city - Live HD Traffic.

Live HD Traffic

They have recently introduced the Live HD Traffic function in Serbia and the surrounding countries, and this option already exists throughout Europe and the world, more precisely in over 60 areas around the world.

Of the surrounding countries, this option exists for Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Greece, Ukraine, Turkey, the Baltic countries, and many other smaller areas. Of the non-European countries, there are, for example, Egypt, Morocco, Mexico, and others. Countries are being prepared in further regions - Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East.

Example of Live HD Traffic function in Serbia
Example of Live HD Traffic function in Serbia

Current traffic information is displayed on the map and is used to calculate and optimize the route, which requires an internet connection.

As useful and interesting as this option seems, it is not part of the free package:

  • For subscribers of Navigator PRO (iOS) and Navigator Truck PRO (Android), the current traffic information service is already included in the subscription,
  • For users of the NavigatorFREE version, the HD Traffic function is available by purchasing in-app.
  • Users with an active subscription automatically receive access to new countries in their subscribed area.

Even without both options, free navigation is very good and has a bunch of other options mentioned. But how does this app compare to the most popular navigation - Google Maps?

MapFactor vs. Google Maps

It is understood that Navigator offers many features that Google Maps also has, such as intuitive voice navigation for passenger cars, trucks, supply cars, and campers…

However, it has many advantages over Google Maps:

  1. OpenStreetMaps offline maps for more than 200 countries - you can travel anytime, anywhere and without the Internet and you don't have to use Google services. Maps are downloaded to your device (smartphone, tablet), so Navigator can guide you online.
  2. You can choose from 2 types of maps - free OpenStreetMaps maps maintained by volunteers around the world and are currently the most popular maps or TomTom professional maps.
  3. Truck version (NavigatorFREE with TomTom Truck maps or  Navigator Truck Pro).
    The truck version of the Navigator provides reliable and accurate navigation for drivers of larger vehicles. It uses special offline truck maps from TomTom for navigation. TomTom Truck truck maps contain detailed, specific information and restrictions for large vehicles, such as underpass heights and widths, bridge load-bearing capacity, street widths, truck entry bans, etc.
    Truck version (NavigatorFREE with TomTom Truck maps or Navigator Truck Pro).
  4. Possibility of displaying traffic signs with restrictions for trucks/buses directly on the map.
  5. Audible and/or visual speeding warning and radar warning
  6. Adjusting vehicle parameters
    Adjust vehicle parameters and dimensions, such as
    • height, width, total weight, length, maximum speed…
    • transport of hazardous material (HAZMAT)
    • reversibility
    • optimization mode (shortest, fastest, cheapest route)
    • individual road restrictions (tolls charged - tolls, motorway taxes, entrance fees, ferries, etc.)
    • Routes optimized for vehicle size and weight.
  7. optimization of the order of passing points  - classification of points on the road in the optimal order
  8. Prohibition of streets  - blocking certain streets for route calculation
  9. Head-Up Display - Instructions from the navigation display are displayed on the vehicle windscreen during night driving
  10. Remote orders  - for example, a new destination or message can be sent directly to the navigation
  11. The navigator does not store or share the position of any other user data anywhere
MapFactor - free Offline navigation with OSM and TomTom maps

As you can see, this navigation in the Free version is weaker than Google Maps in some parts, but it has many other advantages. Let's just say that the fact that Google Maps is not used and the user does not have to have a Google account will be reason enough for many to switch to this application.

Alternative?

If you want some other navigation apps, check out these:

Also, check out tips and apps if you're traveling abroad alone.

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