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Mireo Genius Maps shows promise, needs polish (pictures)

This offline navigation app for is pretty good once you're rolling, but its search interface needs a bit of streamlining.

Antuan Goodwin
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Antuan Goodwin
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1 of 9 Screenshot by Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Genius Maps by Mireo

Mireo's Genius Maps is an offline navigation app for Android that allows turn-by-turn navigation even without a data connection.

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2 of 9 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Offline use

Having access to maps and routing software without a connection makes this app useful for users on strict data plans and those planning travel to areas without a plentiful signal.

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3 of 9 Screenshot by Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Map interface

The map screen is simple and easy to understand. I like that the developers have dedicated so much screen space to the map.

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4 of 9 Screenshot by Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Trip planning

Genius Maps generally offers three different driving routes and walking directions for any chosen destination. Traffic data is factored in, if you're connected to the Internet and subscribed.

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5 of 9 Screenshot by Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Destinations on route

Users can click on destinations on the map to quickly route to parking. In the upper corner are clickable shortcuts to points of interest along the route, such as the next gas station.

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6 of 9 Screenshot by Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Destination input

Unfortunately, the destination search screen needs a lot of work. Larger click points would be invaluable in the car, and easier access to recent destinations and favorites is needed.

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7 of 9 Screenshot by Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Contextual menu

Rather than in the Destination search screen, you'll find your favorites and recent destinations in this contextual menu.

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8 of 9 Screenshot by Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Settings

Genius Maps offers several basic options for customization including various spoken voices and settings for automatic traffic rerouting.

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9 of 9 Screenshot by Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Needs better Android integration

I found that Genius Maps didn't integrate well with the rest of the Android OS. For example, clicking on an address in a calendar event would launch Genius Maps, but not automatically populate the destination search with the destination.

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