WinGo Maps [Windows 10 Review]: Not quite Google Maps

Editor's notation: Large portions of this post take been updated to correct errors and inaccurate statements originally provided past the author and to add information from the app developer.

Third-party Google apps aren't rare in the Microsoft Shop. Google won't release apps in the store and developers are happy to fill the gap. WinGo Maps is described as an unofficial Google Maps client for Windows 10. Unfortunately, at that place are problems with the app that preclude information technology from being a solid Google Maps client.

I originally made an fault and stated that the app didn't utilise Google Maps data at all. I have spoken with the developer since and gained some clarification regarding WinGo Maps. The developer states that the app does use a Google Maps SDK for sourcing map data and has shared his source code to illustrate this.

However, there is an outcome with the application that results in Windows Maps being shown rather than Google Maps in some circumstances. Equally a result, I was seeing Windows Map data rather than Google Maps data in my initial review. Inside WinGo Maps, if you lot open settings or switch to offline maps mode and and so hit the back push button the app will bear witness Windows Maps content rather than Google Maps.

This review has been updated based on my conversation with the app's developer

See at Microsoft Shop

Google Maps … some of the fourth dimension

The apps's description states that WinGo Maps is an unofficial Google Maps client, but a issues within the app shows Windows Maps rather than Google Maps if yous go into settings or offline map view and then hit the back button.

Nonetheless, in that location is no indication that this issue occurs or that the app is showing a different source for map data. This too isn't an intermittent problems caused by a rare gear up of circumstances. Every single instance of the application that you open settings or open up offline maps and then get back to maps, this issue will occur.

If you lot open the app and just leap straight into using information technology for navigation, information technology works fine. The Google Maps data is present, and in many areas, is more than detailed than Windows Maps data.

The app's programmer states that this issue will be stock-still in time to come releases, but until that happens, it's an outcome.

What does work

Aside from the bug which causes Windows Map data to appear, WinGo Maps works as a navigation app. Gesture controls work well and allow y'all to motility around the map, change your perspective from overhead view to 3-D views, and zoom in and out. You can become directions for walking, driving, or public transport as well.

Inking support works and allows you depict on a map with diverse colors and inking options. The app has some performance bugginess that I'll chalk up to it beingness in beta, such as stuttering, but it's generally an okay maps app.

Overall thoughts on WinGo Maps

WinGo Maps attempts to fill up a gap that many people desire airtight: Google Maps not being available on Windows 10. While the app does perform well when it comes to navigation and inking, a bug that results in Windows Maps information beingness shown rather than Google Maps information holds WinGo Maps back.

The developer says that this effect is being worked on and if it is removed, the app volition be significantly meliorate.

The app is bachelor for $1.99 on Windows x, Windows ten Mobile, Xbox One, and HoloLens.

Pros

Inking support
Location tracking
3-D map view choice

Cons

A bug shows Windows Maps rather than Google Maps

See at Microsoft Store

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