Huawei intends to increase its efforts to offer smartphones without Google services and without making any compromises in terms of functionality. In this process, Huawei’s mapping service is now available in beta on the App Gallery. Already offered in 140 countries, the service is part of the HMS (Huawei Mobile Services) ecosystem.
As we know, since the entry into force of the American embargo, Huawei smartphones marketed after May 2019 no longer have Google services. So that means they don’t host the Play Store and can’t run apps that rely on Google APIs. And this is of course the case with Google Maps.
PETAL MAPS IN BETA
Petal Maps, the Google Maps alternative, is now available by default on the Huawei P40, Mate 30 and Mate 40 with the EMUI 11 interface, that is to say on the first smartphones that do not have Google services. However, it is possible to join a list to participate in the beta program if you have another device. To do this, you will first need to install the Huawei App Gallery.
No doubt to face accusations of espionage or to distinguish itself from Google, Huawei immediately announces that its mapping service is respectful of privacy. The company explains that it complies with local regulations on data protection and user privacy. It adds that geolocation data is also protected by end-to-end encryption.
WHAT DOES PETAL MAPS OFFER?
From its inception, Petal Maps offered to calculate a route taking into account the state of traffic in real-time. The GPS functionality will dictate the route to follow with a step-by-step display.
Huawei has also implemented public transport timetables (buses, subways and trains), in real-time as well. We find also the possibility of adding a restaurant to our favorites with the added bonus of information on the latter, such as the phone number or the website.
Interestingly, especially at the wheel, Petal Maps has Air Gesture, which allows you to refocus navigation with a wave of your hand. Finally, note the presence of a display showing maps in 3D.
Source: Huawei