GoKawiilMapQuest adds Android Auto support after naming controversy boosted downloads
MapQuest has launched beta support for Android Auto, extending its mapping app to in-car displays on the platform. The move follows a surge in MapQuest's popularity after it kept the name 'Lake Ontario' unchanged while Apple and Google altered references under pressure from President Trump, with MapQuest saying usage rose 50-fold and downloads topped 1.5 million.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The episode suggests that MapQuest's decision to resist a political naming request may have generated a marketing windfall, turning a decades-old service into a trending app almost overnight. Adding Android Auto support could help the company retain some of that new user base by making its app more usable for drivers, though whether the surge translates into lasting market share against Google and Apple Maps remains uncertain.
- MapQuest now offers beta Android Auto support via Google Play.
- The app saw a 50x usage spike and 1.5 million downloads after keeping 'Lake Ontario' unchanged.
- Apple and Google had altered map labels under pressure from President Trump, while MapQuest did not.
Android Auto Wireless Adapter — If you're excited to try MapQuest on Android Auto, a wireless adapter lets you ditch the USB cable and connect instantly every time you hop in the car. It's a simple accessory that makes any Android Auto compatible app, including MapQuest's new beta, far more convenient to use on the go.
See Android Auto Wireless Adapter on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: engadget.com — Jonny Evans, 2026-10-06
Published there as: “Remember MapQuest? You can now use it with Android Auto”
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