what3words: Navigation & Maps

Latest Updates

The app has recently introduced enhanced offline functionality, allowing users to view and share their what3words address without an internet connection. Integration with popular ride-sharing and food delivery services has been improved for a smoother user experience. The map rendering engine has also been updated for faster loading times and reduced data usage.

Description

what3words is a revolutionary location application that has divided the entire world into 3-meter squares, assigning each one a unique, simple, and memorable three-word address. Instead of dealing with confusing street addresses, imprecise pin drops on maps, or complex latitude and longitude coordinates, you can now communicate any precise location using just three words. This app is not just another mapping tool; it's a new global addressing system designed for the modern world, making it incredibly useful for travel, meeting friends, emergency services, and e-commerce deliveries.

Key Features

• Unique Three-Word Addresses: Find, share, and navigate to any 3m x 3m square in the world with a simple trio of words (e.g., ///tiger.rocket.chair).
• Voice Input and Output: Use your voice to find a location or have your what3words address read aloud for easy sharing while driving or walking.
• Offline Capability: Download maps for entire countries or regions to use the app without a mobile data connection.
• Seamless Navigation Integration: One-tap navigation opens your chosen location in integrated apps like Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze.
• Contact Integration: Save the three-word addresses of your favorite places and contacts directly to your phone's address book.
• Explore Nearby: Discover interesting places around you, curated by what3words and its partners.

Pros

• Extreme Precision: Solves the problem of vague or non-existent addresses, especially in remote areas, parks, or large venues.
• Incredibly User-Friendly: Three words are far easier to remember, communicate, and type correctly than long numerical coordinates.
• Global and Universal: The system works consistently across the entire planet, making it perfect for international travel.
• Lifesaving Potential: Widely adopted by emergency services worldwide, allowing callers to provide their exact location quickly and accurately.
• Multi-Platform Support: Works on iOS, Android, and via a web browser, ensuring broad accessibility.

Cons

• Proprietary System: Relies on a closed, company-owned system. If the service were to cease, the addresses would become obsolete.
• Requires Explanation: Not everyone knows about or has the app, so you often need to explain the concept to others before sharing an address.
• Potential for Confusion: Similar-sounding words or minor typos can lead to a location error, sometimes sending you to a completely different part of the world.
• Limited Use in Dense Urban Areas: In cities with well-established addressing systems, it can feel like an extra, unnecessary step.

Review Summary

what3words: Navigation & Maps is a genuinely innovative and transformative app that solves a real-world problem with an elegant solution. Its strength lies in its simplicity and global applicability, making it an indispensable tool for adventurers, travelers, and anyone who has ever struggled to describe a precise meeting point. While it faces challenges regarding universal awareness and reliance on its proprietary platform, its benefits in terms of precision and ease of use are undeniable. The app is highly recommended as a supplementary navigation tool, particularly for off-the-beaten-path locations and situations where pinpoint accuracy is critical. It's more than just an app; it's a utility that has the potential to become a global standard.