Sygic has added MirrorLink connectivity to Sygic GPS Navigation for Android devices, enabling users to connect their Android smartphones directly to the car’s built-in navigation screen in a similar way to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Currently, Google is keeping Android Auto connectivity closed for third party map and navigation developers. Only its own navigation apps, Google Maps and Waze, are allowed on the platform. Sygic is pushing Google to open up Android Auto connectivity to offer customers on Android smartphones freedom of choice.

“We want to make our navigation available to everyone, including Android users. Unfortunately, the connectivity which supports most current cars and smartphones – Android Auto – is still limited only to Google navigation apps,” said Sygic CEO Martin Strigac. “Last year, Apple understood that opening CarPlay for 3rd party navigation apps will not harm their business interests, but instead brings fresh air and a spirit of innovation to the platform and Apple CarPlay customers are the winners,” he added.

Sygic was one of the first companies to enable its users to mirror navigation on the car’s built-in screen. It supports almost all car connectivity standards, including CarPlay, MirrorLink, Smart Device Link (SDL) and Bosch mySPIN.

The latest version of Sygic GPS Navigation with MirrorLink connectivity for Android is available for download in the Google Play store.