In today's world, movement is an integral part of everyday life. The presence of cars and roads gradually accelerates the already fast pace. The introduction of innovative technologies in the movement process has greatly simplified the implementation of movement.
Software packages that help the driver quickly figure out the route have gained great popularity. In our country, users give the most preference to the automated Yandex.Navigator system, reviews of which eloquently reflect the opinions of users on this subject. And free distribution and unhindered installation on any available device only increase this effect.
Yandex.Navigator: a brief overview
“Yandex.Navigator” is presented on all currently popular platforms - “Android”, iOS, Windows Phone. The main task of this software product is calculating and plotting the optimal route for movement. The system is free.
In addition to its main tasks, the navigator shows the presence on the route of traffic jams, accidents and just traffic events, the display of which, by the way, can be formed by the users themselves, since the functionality allows it. In the latest versions, payment of fines through Yandex.Navigator is implemented. The reviews of numerous users vary, but from the overall picture you can understand that the application is really reliable and necessary. In addition, developers quickly respond to owner feedback and correct errors that appear.
Application interface
The application interface is essentially the Yandex.Maps service, optimized for calculating the route planning. For the convenience of tracking the current location in the settings, you can switch to 3D mode, which tilts the camera slightly, slightly opening the view in the right direction.
The map is capable of displaying current events on the road, such as traffic accidents, traffic jams or road works. Their display can be enabled using a special filter.
The voice control function can be a very convenient solution for using the navigator while driving. Although the ability to select a destination manually is also present. There are even two of them - in the form of a rubricator and a text line with tips.
For current and stable operation of the card, a permanent Internet connection is required.
Instruction for use
Depending on the existing platform, before you start using Yandex.Navigator, you need to install it. It is presented for free in the app stores of the corresponding brand - Android, iOS or Windows.
After the first launch of the application, you should wait until the exact location is determined using GPS or based on cell towers. The system will find the device and display it on the map as a green mark.
By touching at the bottom of the screen, a panel with control elements will be displayed. Depending on the current state, their purpose may be different. But before the start of the movement they will have the following functionality:
- "Search". Moves to the destination definition menu.
- "Map". This mode is used to go directly to the map from other menus.
- "My places." You can add frequently used routes to this item.
- "Menu". Contains the basic settings of the program.
Application configuration
By moving from the main screen the “Menu” button to the settings mode, you can set the necessary parameters to your liking. There are actually a lot of functions. Here you can determine what the map will look like, select night or day mode, download complete sets of maps.
As for the sound notification, here you can also configure the language and select the voice of the speaker. The current version allows you to install one of 4 options: Dima, Oksana, Utkin and Fedor Bondarchuk, added in one of the latest updates to the Yandex.Navigator application. Reviews, by the way, are full of users' messages that their gadget now speaks in the voice of a famous director.
Additionally, you can configure which events you want to notify, such as speeding. Other settings include updates, events, and synchronization.
Also, from the menu, you can view online fines and pay them immediately. To do this, just enter the number of your driver’s license, registration certificate and your first and last name.
The item "My trips" makes it possible to view statistics of movements. True, for this you will need to log in to the Yandex service.
If trouble happened on the road and the car was broken, then you can call a tow truck from the menu. A request is also available for assistance in starting the machine, delivering fuel or replacing a wheel.
Route building
To build a route to your destination, you need to wait for the location of the device. Then touch the screen to display a pop-up menu. It is necessary to select the "Search" button. If movement along this route has already been performed using the navigator, then it has been saved in the History tab. If you need a new one, you can create it in three ways.
In cases where the destination belongs to places of frequent visits, such as cafes, restaurants, gas stations, cinema and others, then using a rubricator is a simple method. Having found a category and clicking on it, you can see the marks on the map of all places belonging to this type. When you select one of them, you will be prompted to get directions using the "Here" button.
You can also enter the definition of a destination manually from the keyboard or through voice. After pronouncing the desired address, the system recognizes and offers the most suitable option. The destination is also selected in the list and the route is calculated.
Traffic
After the strip on which you want to move is displayed on the map, just click on the “Let's Go” button to start moving. It is worth noting that Yandex.Navigator can offer several route options, the description of which will indicate the approximate travel time.
After finding the destination on the map, it will be displayed with a blue mark. When you click on it, a context menu will appear, through which the route calculation starts. If, instead of the “To” button, click on the top of the menu, a panel with information about this point, phone, operating mode and other information will be displayed. Here you can also move this item to the “My Places” category in order to visit it later, or call directly from the application by activating the item with a phone number line.
During the movement, the navigator will periodically notify the driver of the need to turn in the right direction with the selected voice. Moreover, the color of the strip of the route may be different depending on traffic congestion. For example, green indicates that the path is clear, and red means that there is congestion or movement is difficult. The map also displays speed cameras, which is very convenient.
Yandex.Navigator: user reviews
The navigator has firmly entered the life of many drivers. For example, from Google Play the application has been downloaded more than 10 million times. Yandex.Navigator for Android, reviews of which are very diverse, occupies a leading position among other navigation programs in this store.
Users note that the application is available, but there are some shortcomings. Someone would like to see the type of fuel displayed on the map along with gas station icons. Many complaints are aimed at the fact that the navigator does not always build the exact route or calculates it without taking into account the workarounds and the short road.
The users were also amused by the voice of Fyodor Bondarchuk, who added several updates back to Yandex.Navigator for Android. User reviews immediately notified about this. The director’s speech sounds exactly like everyone is used to, with characteristic phrases and turns.
In general, we can conclude that users are happy with the application and willingly put Yandex.Navigator on Android. Reviews in most cases are positive. In addition, the development team responds to them very quickly.
iOS and Windows Phone
Reviews about Yandex.Navigator for iPhone are not much different from the above. Everyone also notes simplicity and functionality, and at the same time free distribution, which is important.
There is also a version of Yandex.Navigator for Windows 10. The reviews here are slightly different, perhaps this is due to the smaller distribution of the platform. In this regard, updates and the reaction of developers to errors take longer.
conclusions
The Russian search giant Yandex is gradually filling all the gaps in the information space in Russia. He does this very successfully. And now a rare taxi driver or driver can be found without the Yandex.Navigator program. User reviews about the development perfectly confirm the fact that the application is necessary and most importantly - free.
The power of modern gadgets is growing steadily. And until recently, it was this factor that was the constraining factor for realizing the full potential of powerful software products on mobile platforms. This means that soon we should expect the introduction of additional features in the application that expand its functionality. Intellect of development is already able to hit with the speed of laying the optimal route. Maybe in the future a system will be introduced that will calculate the route taking into account temperatures, all bypass routes, signs and traffic lights. Thus, Yandex.Navigator can make life easier for drivers.