calimoto Is Now Compatible With Android Auto 🎉
Hooray, the wait is over: calimoto is now compatible with Android Auto!
Android Auto is a Google system that connects your Android smartphone to your car’s infotainment system. This way, you can easily display calimoto on any Android Auto compatible screen.
Your benefits with Android Auto
- Less distraction while riding
- A larger and clearer view on your display
- Easier and safer controls
- Less strain on your smartphone
More about Android Auto
You can find more information on how to set up and use Android Auto in the Google Support.
Information regarding the launch
Since this is our first version with Android Auto, you may still encounter some bugs or display issues.
If you notice anything or have specific feedback, please reach out to our Support team with as much detail as possible, including screenshots or screen recordings.
Thank you for your support and patience 🙌.
Ride safe and enjoy the road. Now with Android Auto! 🏍️
Comments
This is exactly why it’s important to have this discussion — to help them see how essential this feature is. Every delay and postponement is forcing us to spend time and effort looking for alternatives to their app. They say they understand and are working hard to deliver it.
I believe in speaking my mind and sharing my experiences openly, regardless of how it may be received.
Hi everyone,
thank you all for taking the time to share your thoughts and experiences here — we truly appreciate your honesty and engagement.
We completely understand that the lack of Android Auto support is frustrating for many of you. Our team is aware of how important this feature is for riders, and we’re continuing to work on finding a sustainable and compliant solution that ensures both safety and usability.
We really value the passion and input of our community and take all feedback seriously, even when opinions differ.
Ride safe
I'm still monitoring this thread, by curiosity. I cancelled my premium last year (me and my wife, so 2 premium). I didn't Beleive to see one day that Android version as their initial response was clearly they didn't want to do it... Until realizing that response goes ballistic from user.
1 years later, 2 motorcycle season will have passed, and lot of hope seen here.. For something that not seem to come. There is lot of alternative everywhere, AA compatible (and even carplay at the same time ). So those know that center on only one ecosystem not helping to see their client pool grow, and keeping them on their product...
Will see where it goes next year, but I believe next year will be a groundhogs day...
Really hoping this get resolved soon. More and more riders are using Android Auto devices and currently I have to plan in Calimoto and than try and match plan a rout in Google maps which is a pain!
Hoping your team get this resolved soon.
Hey @Banshee1971 & @JohnBaxter :
Thanks for sticking around and still following this thread. We definitely get that the wait hasn't been fun.
As Emma already mentioned, we (and very much so in the Support team) are especially aware of how urgently Android Auto is wanted. Honestly, we’d prefer it to be up and running yesterday.
What I can share is that we recently had a team event that gave us the perfect opportunity to push the new setup hard. Everyone who rode along downloaded a test version of calimoto running on Mapbox, and we tried everything we could think of: landscape mode, offline mode, route planning, search functions, you name it.
It’s not there yet, but the Android team got a bunch of useful feedback from all of us and are working on it. Once Mapbox is running smoothly for everyone, AA will be a jump, hop, and a skip away.
Appreciate the patience!
It’s really disappointing that after all this time, Android Auto support is still not available. Every update just says it’s “a top priority” — but after so many months (and even years), that message has lost its meaning.
Many of us have already switched to Android Auto devices like Carpuride or Chigee, and it’s frustrating that Calimoto — an app that used to lead the way for motorcyclists — is now lagging behind.
I truly hope this won’t take another season to become reality, because at this point, it feels like Calimoto is missing the moment.
Hey @spuksic,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. We definitely get the frustration and have replied to similar concerns just above with a bit more insight into where things currently stand. Feel free to check out those messages and thanks again for sticking with us.
Safe riding out there!
And it's not just motorcycle riders who use Calimoto - I had been testing and introducing it to my car club. The idea was to have an alternative to the Garmin units many in the club still use to follow the .gpx routes we design for our group rides and rallies. And the twisty roads option was perfect for those who designed their rides on Calimoto. It worked well as a phone app and was adopted by a few members, but when I found OsMand and it's ability to work on our in-car infotainment screens using both AA and iOS we've made a wholesale move to OsMand.
I will relook at Calimoto when the AA version is released.
Thanks for sharing your experience, @mfaubert, and for giving calimoto a go with your club!
We usually remove comments that advertise other apps, especially if they’re just promotional or off-topic. But since your message adds some context and constructive insight, we’ve left it up.
We totally get the importance of Android Auto, especially for group rides and in-car setups like yours. As mentioned in other replies, we’re working on rebuilding the app with a new framework (Mapbox), and once that’s running smoothly, Android Auto will be the next big step.
Appreciate you keeping an eye on us, and hopefully we’ll have a version worth testing again sooner than later!
I think the importance on any feature is sometime driven by the hired programmer.. If they all work on MacBook, then they will find "complicated" to develop on another platform.. And will choose to work on IOS driven project,even if their market if in majority using the other OS. Same rules apply on the other direction.
A past experience at work, where we hire internal development, to build a web platform for our client, that we're 90% IE 7 user (it was long ago.. Lol). When we start testing.. Nothing was working, and during a presentation showed by the development resources.. I noticed the 3 color round icon on his browser.... I told him to return to the drawing board, because he didn't understand our initial request. Tools to be used by our corporation, that was at the time, Windows (still this) and IE7 (we are now google)...
Like many other users, I am keen to see Android Auto developed. From the various comments, I note that they have been making progress. But while I share some of the dissapointment many of you have expressed, we should not forget that we are not working with Microsoft or Google, etc. I suspect they have limited resources so things take longer. i.e. learning about new toolsets and then creating software that wont result in hundreds of complaints about bugs, etc.
When we all started to use the app, we new it did not support AA. Not exactly a 3rd world problem! - Yes they initially suggested an October release but software development will always throw a few surprises.
@Calimoto Sooner the better, just make sure its ready before the end of Q1 when everyone starts to ride more and lots of people start buying bikes or devices suppporting AA (and Christmas about to see lots of Carpuride/Chigee gifts) or your competitors will start to take your customers. The frustration we all express is a symptom of how good the app is but that wont last forever.
aco636 You're assuming that everyone is in a part of the world that precludes riding for half the year. Here in Australia we ride year round, and Summer began a few days ago. Much of Europe rides year round too, so the time to have Android Auto is now!
SacredCheese, fair point, about seasons, I was thinking about UK.
Over 2 years now and still no sign of anything happening or merit. It is the same monthly (or less) lip service ... we are working on it (not). I get software development can get complicated etc ... I'm a senior software developer with over 35 years experience ... but this is taking the micky to be polite. There are more alternate products arriving every month and Calimoto are now so far behind the curve, its a real shame. I love Calimoto and ease of planning on my PC, then opening routes on my Phone. But like most, I want my phone OFF the bike. Specially in the current UK weather. I've just bought an AA / ACP device to do just that. I can't see myself renewing my sub end of Q1 26 as I've had enough. I've already learning its replacement ready.
I've followed this thread from it wasn't on their radar, to we are thinking about it, to we are doing it.... My trust and faith in calimoto is gone. I don't see myself being a customer of there's again. There are other companies out there that support AA and are just as good or better in some regards... And more than half the price!
Hello everyone!
Well, I was out of the office for a few days, and I come back to find this thread has blown up. I have other things I should be working on right now… but clearly a bit of housekeeping was needed first 🧹😉.
So, once again for everyone tuning in: Yes, the Android team is making great progress on the switch to Mapbox. And no, it’s not just about making the map look a little nicer. It’s a complete rework of how the app handles everything from displaying the map to routing to tracking. That’s also why it takes time: navigation isn’t just about convenience, it’s about safety, especially when you’re out on two wheels.
But there’s good news: the full Mapbox integration is getting closer, and it won’t just unlock the path toward Android Auto. You’ll likely notice smoother tracking and better overall performance even before AA is available.
I can’t give an exact timeline, but I will say this, the hardest part is being tackled right now, and I feel very confident about what’s coming.
Thanks to everyone sticking with us and sharing their feedback constructively. And as always, please remember: the Help Center is a space for help, not promotion. Comments pushing other products will be removed.
Ride safe!
Trust me @Beth ... I get and understand the safety point ... a minor part of our system (my day job, not related to my account on here) is routing and tracking Ambulances / First Responders / CFR's etc to accidents and emergencies !!! Hence any delay or error is potentially life threatening.
But not being able to give some realistic idea of a release date after over 2 years, suggests to me, being an experienced senior developer, you are no where near close!!! Not meaning to sound rude but you can't expect people to keep hanging around and paying for something they are never going to get. That's the biggest frustration as people WANT to use and stick with Calimoto. Myself included. I love the product. You are just forcing them to consider alternatives now.
Risk a £1000+ phone or a £200 AA / CP device??? It's really a no brainer!!!
Hey @ZADSoft,
Trust me, I feel this one deep in my soul. And you’re absolutely right, no-one is happy about the two years.
When calimoto first launched, Android Auto simply didn’t exist yet, and we started with a completely different mapping system on Android. In hindsight, maybe we would’ve done a few things differently… but alas, here we are. The switch to Mapbox has been a massive rebuild, not just a bit of new code slapped on top. It’s the foundation for everything that’s coming next.
The good news is, we’re getting close to having Mapbox fully set up. And while I still can’t give a release date for Android Auto (and trust me, I asked), I can say that I’ve finally heard an internal, rough ballpark estimate. I can't pass it on, but let’s just say… for the first time regarding this topic, I could actually exhale a little.
And yes, we’ve noticed the trend too: more and more riders are switching to external displays. Every motorcycle event we attend has a new wave of devices. That’s why we want to make sure this is done right, not rushed out the door half-baked. Because you’re spot on, this is something people want to use and stick with. And we want that too.
Thanks for still being here. Even when it’s frustrating.
Hello Calimoto Team!
I am Android user and i will stay Android user.
Much has already been written on this topic. I don't want to »heat up the soup«.
I really like creating my routes with the Calimoto planner. Especially on long winter evenings, beside videos of other bikers on Youtube.
My big problems are while driving:
I also often use App's just to warn me about speed cameras and sharp turns.
However, considering the above, i ultimately agree to use Waze or Google Maps (at the end).
Which makes me question why I'm paying for a premium service in the first place.
So i really hope you make this running for Android user as well soon or just give a statement that you are staying on Apple. So that everyone knows where they stand.
Kind regards,
Danilo
Hi Danilo / zhizho!
Thanks so much for your thoughtful message, and for sharing how you use calimoto throughout the year. Planning routes on long winter evenings sounds like a perfect way to keep the riding spirit alive.
We totally get how frustrating it is when the app drains your battery quickly on the road. GPS navigation just eats up a lot of power, especially without a steady power source. Mapbox should also help improve battery performance during navigation. It’s more modern and efficient than the current system, so this switch should bring improvements across the board, not just for Android Auto but also for general app performance and GPS handling.
Since you’re already doing your best with a powerbank and USB socket, here are a few things that might help stretch your battery a bit more:
• You can enable the energy-saving mode in the app under Profile > Settings > General. It lets you dim the screen, turn it off, or just get voice directions. You can also set it to activate only when your phone’s running on battery.
• With Premium, offline maps are included. If you download the regions ahead of time and activate offline mode, the app won’t need to pull data during your ride, which can help reduce battery drain.
• It’s also worth checking which other apps are active while you ride. Turning off unused Wi-Fi or background syncing can make a difference, especially if you’re using other tools alongside calimoto.
And about voice navigation, you’re not alone in that one. It works well for many routes, but we know it’s not always enough on tricky intersections or in unfamiliar areas. This is something we absolutely want to address in future updates.
Thanks again for sticking with us, even when things aren’t running perfectly on Android. Your feedback helps us shape what comes next.
Cheers!
Last year i stopped my subscription and i will only consider renewing it when this done. My wife is also stopping. All these delays help your competitors. Such a pity that this is obviously a back burner project...
So, although it may not make much of a difference, after 3 or 4 years using calimoto with much joy, i decided not to renew my subscription until AA comes available, just to put my tiny bit of pressure on this topic. The most frustrating part for me as a user is the lack of eta, or a roadmap to check in on progress.
Cheers.
Diet
Hey there @Nicecuppatea & @BlueSV1000 - Thanks for your past patience and your honest feedback. I waited a little before replying, as I wanted to be sure of the update, and I’m happy to now share that the full switch to Mapbox is almost complete and already live in our Beta version.
This is a big milestone because it means the Android team can now fully focus on getting Android Auto ready. While I still can’t share a specific timeline, I can confidently say that in the upcoming motorcycle season, you’ll be able to ride with it.
We’ll be updating this article soon with the latest info. Thanks again for sticking with us as long as you did, and we hope to cross paths again soon!
Thanks Beth, can you please advise what a "motorcycle season" is? Here in Australia that's 12 months per year...
That's good news that we should expect AA to be released in the near future. Just a heads up for people that have not yet purchased a unit for their motorcycle there are currently 3 options on the market that allow Android 14 on the unit itself, these run independently from the phone using the devices GPS so AA is not necessary in the interim (they run AA also). Aoocci U6/U7, EKIY 8 & Linkifun MT23. These are all standalone units and don't work with the BMW nav holder/wonderwheel.
Hi, good news! Will you release a Beta version to a wider group for feedback, etc before general release?
Hi @SacedCheese,
Great question, and thanks for calling that out.
When we say “motorcycle season”, we’re referring to the main riding season in Europe (where calimoto is based). There’s no fixed start or end date for this, but it’s generally understood as spring to autumn, often roughly March or April through October, depending on weather and local riding conditions. :)
Hi @aco636, thanks for your question.
If you’d like to take part in beta testing, you can check directly via the Google Play Store. Just open the Play Store on your Android device, search for calimoto, and scroll down to the beta testing section. If beta access is currently available, you’ll be able to join from there. :)
I've been using Calimoto for years and lack of AA support unwillingly made me look for other alternatives.
Hi @expeace - thanks for sticking with calimoto for so long and for sharing this so openly. I completely understand that the missing Android Auto support has been frustrating and has made you look at alternatives!
If you have already decided to move on, we of course respect that. At the same time, I’d like to share that Android Auto is now closer than it has ever been. Android Auto is now in Alpha testing! There is still work to do, but this is an important milestone and a big step forward.
Whatever you decide, thank you for having been part of the journey so far. And if you do decide to give us another shot once Android Auto is live, we would be very happy to welcome you back.
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