Flipboard vs OsmAnd Maps & Navigation

This app has a very polished, magazine-style layout, that is flipped through by swiping. Because of its layout, Flipboard is especially nice on tablets.

Magazines is a features by Flipboard that can allow anyone to create their own personalized magazine by collecting the content from various websites and collate them into a magazine that can also be shared to other readers. Magazines can be set to either public or private access and anyone can follow the magazine.

Flipboard is available on Android, iOS, BlackBerry, Windows and web app.

There is also a simple import from Google Reader.

Flipboard pulls information from Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, etc. Everything is aggregated in one app, which can then be flipped through and shared, either directly on Flipboard or on social networks.

Flipboard has millions of Magazines that anyone can follow, covering various subjects. Some cover general topics like home decoration, while others are immensely specific: for example, there’s one just about technological advances that extend human lifespan. All users can create their own Magazines and share them publicly, with friends, or keep them for private use.

OSM provides a map editable by everyone; just like the web-based encyclopedia, Wikipedia.

Using a community edited map allows one to correct isses they encounter. Combined with the monthly turn around, these edits are added for navigation quickly.

One can also utilize features to contribute back to OSM. This includes reporting a bug or adding a POI. This feature doesn't require an internet connection as the points can be uploaded latter upon request.

Lane guidance can assist in deciding if one should stay in the right or left lanes. OsmAnd provides detailed information on the number of lanes and which are valid for your chosen destination; based on the data available it may show too many or too few lanes.

Sometimes one needs more than just navigation, they have a need to view a map or specify a specific route. OsmAnd provides a very nice, detailed map. This can be good for seeing what is around you or showing a place you are talking about to a friend.

It also provides a means to add waypoints on the map which can be used to dictate a specific route (not simple enough to do routinely).

Utilizing the community driven OpenStreetMap data has allowed for monthly publishing of new maps that the user can use. Though that doesn't necessarily mean the map data has changed.

Through the use of an additional plugin OsmAnd Maps & Navigation is able to utilize contour lines on its maps which helps view the landscape and terrain.

This helps in optimizing route calculations based on vehicle's maximum speed or a country's maximum speed limits, typical driving speeds, width and height of the vehicle and so on.

This helps in avoiding often congested main roads and in casually discovering alternative routes, sometimes dirt roads as well, which are commonly far less-travelled in most places. Odd place for this option though, should be near the section where you can select which types of roads to avoid instead.