Google offers free satnav to UK Android users - Desire General

Google offers free satnav uk android users
Finally arrives at its destination
By Lawrence Latif
Wed Apr 21 2010, 12:04 ALL SEEING EYE Google has released its mobile navigation tool to Brits who have Android devices, putting further pressure on satnav vendors.
The ad broker has enabled turn-by-turn GPS navigation on all devices running version 1.6 or later of its Android operating system. The system had been available only in the US until now.
The service works with Google Maps, and while previously navigation was possible, this is the first time that free turn-by-turn GPS based navigation has tipped up on its mobile platform. As the firm has been maturing its Maps service for some time, several 'overlays' are available allowing the user to view traffic, points of interest and, where available, Streetview.
In our far from exhaustive tests, we found that a number of residential streets don't have Streetview-level data, however this is likely to change as Google's thirst for information fills any gaps. By far the biggest problem currently is the 'on-demand' nature of map dat, which means you are at the whim of mobile operators and their typically poor data networks. It is likely that Google will have to employ some form of caching system in order to speed things up, as map data downloading on anything other than 3G networks will be too slow while driving.
For all its faults we have to remember that this is a free service meaning that the traditional satnav providers' business model is at risk. Like most of Google's products, Navigation is in beta and at times it does show, with lag in navigating the user interface being the most visible issue. However, given that Tomtom's Iphone app costs £55, it's hard to see many users putting down that much cash when there's a pretty decent alternative available for free.
Google's navigation service can be accessed by Android mobile users in the phone's "car home" application, with no additional download required. Satnav vendors might well have to think up new ways of flogging the same old kit if they want to stay on the road. µ

Did you not see the post already going about this, and that they all got the news from here??
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=667668

Those of you who don't know how to use it, open up maps -> click menu button -> hit directions option -> punch in some directions -> hit go -> click navigate!

I dont know if anyone know this...with GOOGLE MAP, you will need a plan with internet connection. Good thing about other GPS application like TomTom and Garmin is that you can use them straight away with the GPS built-in regardless of internet connection. In some countries internet data are still quite expensive. How I wish google map can work even without internet. By the way, I dont really understand why Google only release the navigation feature only in UK or the US. They should have them available in major countries.

how do i get rid of google maps burt add on lol

TurkzZ said:
how do i get rid of google maps burt add on lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just go into settings-manage applications-and remove the app.

cheers bro

kuailan said:
By the way, I dont really understand why Google only release the navigation feature only in UK or the US. They should have them available in major countries.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe it is to do with the licensing of the map data.
In the US, Google supplies its own maps - this can be witnessed by bringing up map of a US location and it will say that the map is (c) Google. Do the same in the UK, and you will see that the maps are (c) Teleatlas.
Therefore, outside the US, Google will have to licence the maps for use with turn-by-turn navigation. Presumably it has to do this on a region by region basis, and they've just done this for the UK.
Regards,
Dave

Wonder why I ever installed the Brut thing... the 4.1.1. Maps always had the Beta navigation anyway.

Jannen, the code was always there, even it seems in version 4.1.0, but Google never turned it on, so the hack was worth it.

Thanks Aitese.
At least I got about 8Mb free from uninstalling Brut... helped bit with my other issue on the forum.

Related

Google Navigator

I have been playing with Google Navigator (not Google Maps) from here http://www.pdafun.net/index.htm
In it there is a download for off-line use option, but only for registered users.
Are you a registered user? Does it work?
I have access to wifi at work and at home, but in the car I don't have access to the internet, no 3G, edge or anything.
The trial version appears to let me draw a box around an area to download but then I am asked to register, US$60. Well if this works I will gladly buy it, if not it's not any better (for me) than Google maps which is free.
Thanks for any help or experiences.
never heard of this..... will download it and give it a try... im running ig8 and its flawless for me... the lag is maybe 20 feet off... i pass intersection, and the gps is passing it soon after... but ill give this a go
If you want to prepare Google Maps offline and and take them on your next trip I rather steer you towards GPSTuner from Hungary, a very professional solution, and in some app stores available for around 20 dollars: http://www.gpstuner.com/ Version 6 coming soon, but likely no free update due to major improvements
App store with special: http://www.pocketland.net/product.php?prod_id=13384
Google Navigator also has voice instructions a-la Igo etc. It's a lot more than offline Google Maps.
I have had an email back from the author, it does require a network connection to plan a route. So even if you could have the maps it doesn't work like a fully offline route planner. That for me is enough not to buy it.

[Q] GPS on DHD

Those of you who already have the DHD in your hands, could someone confirm or reject the following about the GPS software?
- I've read that the software included with DHD is on a subscription basis so, you need to pay monthly or yearly fees to use it. Is it true?
- What software is included for GPS?
- Can anyone confirm if maps with street names for Cyprus are included?
- Finally, in case that the included software is either unavailable for Cyprus or the subscription is not cheap enough, could we install MLS destinator which is alerady working fine for Cyprus?
I don't want to bother the GPS software original come from DHD....
I rather use CoPilot.... more better...
The google GPS not really good enough compare with others GPS Apps...
I use Google Maps with Voice Navigation, no charges for that. There is another Nav app on the phone where the maps are there but not the voice (I think) you have to pay for the extras.
For me Google Maps are fine.
You have to buy features for the software. Turn-by-turn navigation, speedcams, traffic info, etc. The software and maps are free.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
andreasy said:
- I've read that the software included with DHD is on a subscription basis so, you need to pay monthly or yearly fees to use it. Is it true?
- What software is included for GPS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2 applications are included:
1. Google Maps and you can download Google navigation (maps are not on the phone so you need a connection at all times).
2. HTC Locations. This is using the well known Route 66 software as a basis. You can download all of the country maps worldwide for free on your phone. And you can use it for free.
If you need added services, such as navigation, speedcams & traffic info you have to pay a sub.
andreasy said:
- Can anyone confirm if maps with street names for Cyprus are included?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see a Cyprus map in the list, but Greece and Turkey are there, perhaps Cyprus is included in the Turkey map?
andreasy said:
- Finally, in case that the included software is either unavailable for Cyprus or the subscription is not cheap enough, could we install MLS destinator which is alerady working fine for Cyprus?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can install any navigation sofware that works on Android.
Personally, I use Navigon.
BigMango said:
I don't see a Cyprus map in the list, but Greece and Turkey are there, perhaps Cyprus is included in the Turkey map?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My friend, I appreciate your interest to help and I thank you but what you just said here is a big foul. Just think.
Hey andreasy!
I live in Cyprus too, and as far as i can tell, the HTC software will NOT work in Cyprus cause there aren't Cyprus maps, which is really unfortunate.
But "iGo My Way" does, and it has a Cyprus map too. I have it on my computer here and it works on the android emulator. pm me if you need some help.
Thanks. Do you by any chance know about MLS destinator availability on Desire HD and if iGO can compare to MLS? I use it on a PNA and I am quite satisfied.
Does iGO have all the street info and POIs like MLS (ATM, Gas stations, etc?)
to be honest i haven't heard of MLS. I google'd it and it looks like there is an android version so it should work with DHD.
As for iGO check your pms.
BigMango said:
1. Google Maps and you can download Google navigation (maps are not on the phone so you need a connection at all times).
2. HTC Locations. This is using the well known Route 66 software as a basis. You can download all of the country maps worldwide for free on your phone. And you can use it for free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are there not supposed to be maps stored for the 'Maps' app already on the phone?
I was under the impression that I could use pre-loaded maps on the phone, at least thats how HTC made it sound, but it seems I need to be connected to Wi-Fi or network data to use this app, am I doing something wrong or will it only work in the 'locations' app you mentioned?
NVM caught the answer in this thread.
There are preloaded maps for the Location app. You can download more maps for free. However it is only for Locations app. Google Maps needs internet connection to work. If you don't have data plan or in roaming, you can use Location app without any data being transfered, however your GPS fix could take longer without AGPS.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
andreasy said:
Those of you who already have the DHD in your hands, could someone confirm or reject the following about the GPS software?
- I've read that the software included with DHD is on a subscription basis so, you need to pay monthly or yearly fees to use it. Is it true?
- What software is included for GPS?
- Can anyone confirm if maps with street names for Cyprus are included?
- Finally, in case that the included software is either unavailable for Cyprus or the subscription is not cheap enough, could we install MLS destinator which is alerady working fine for Cyprus?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the DHD in Cyprus. Google maps works and it has street names. However Google cannot give you driving instructions. It is possible to download country maps from Android market but Cyprus in not included. Basically you cannot use driving instructions in Cyprus but you can view maps and see street names.
I am not sure if MLS has released an Android version but I know that there are other GPS software you can install. I will try and find out which software works for Android and I will let you know
Thanks, I have been using MLS destinator 7 & 8 and I am quite satisfied with the software itself and the included POIs but the maps are outdated and no updates are provided for Cyprus.
If any of you find any good software that gets updated, let's have recommendations. I know that Garmin is the best as a software and in terms of updates for Cyprus but they have locked their software on their devices and on specific phones only so this is out of question.
Im using Navicom now, i did use Copilot before but i feel that Navicom is better and the voice guide have great timing now, my taste it has a better layout. Anyways im happy with it so far.
Does anybody know how much the navprog that came with the phone will cost after the 30days trail ?
MrGarak said:
Are there not supposed to be maps stored for the 'Maps' app already on the phone?
I was under the impression that I could use pre-loaded maps on the phone, at least thats how HTC made it sound, but it seems I need to be connected to Wi-Fi or network data to use this app, am I doing something wrong or will it only work in the 'locations' app you mentioned?
NVM caught the answer in this thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What HTC is advertising is that you can preset your route from home where you have Wi-Fi and the phone will download the maps needed. When you are on the road the phoen uses the pre-downloaded maps. However if you decide to change route or go on another trip you need to use your data plan to download new maps.
Thats why its better to have a dedicated navigation program like IGO with all countrry maps pre-installed on the phone. No need to download from home or use your data plan.
In addition Google maps Navigation is not available for all countries Cyprus is one of the Countries that are not supported.
andreasy said:
Thanks, I have been using MLS destinator 7 & 8 and I am quite satisfied with the software itself and the included POIs but the maps are outdated and no updates are provided for Cyprus.
If any of you find any good software that gets updated, let's have recommendations. I know that Garmin is the best as a software and in terms of updates for Cyprus but they have locked their software on their devices and on specific phones only so this is out of question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IGO works fine. The maps for Cyprus are of 2009.
andreasy said:
Those of you who already have the DHD in your hands, could someone confirm or reject the following about the GPS software?
- I've read that the software included with DHD is on a subscription basis so, you need to pay monthly or yearly fees to use it. Is it true?
- What software is included for GPS?
- Can anyone confirm if maps with street names for Cyprus are included?
- Finally, in case that the included software is either unavailable for Cyprus or the subscription is not cheap enough, could we install MLS destinator which is alerady working fine for Cyprus?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use the gps all the time, which works very well to be honest, i have co pilot live 8 installed (£25) works perfect, no extra bills as it comes off the data allowance you have.
Google maps is pre installed as far as i could see but compared to co pilot it fails.
boarne71 said:
Im using Navicom now, i did use Copilot before but i feel that Navicom is better and the voice guide have great timing now, my taste it has a better layout. Anyways im happy with it so far.
Does anybody know how much the navprog that came with the phone will cost after the 30days trail ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Press update in the Locations menu and you will get the different prices for different length of subscription. It's differs from country to country..
It's frustrating that everyone tells a different version of the story. Here goes my version which I think is accurate as I actually have a DHD and have done for 3 weeks...
The phone comes preinstalled with Google Maps, and HTC Locations.
Google Maps: Downloads data as and when it needs it. Therefore for every route, you will have to download data on-the-go. It works pretty well though and has a nice enough interface. All text is TTS, so sounds a bit jerky. Will do postcode lookup.
HTC Locations: This comprises of 2 sections. 1: Maps; which is free for everything, works just like Google Maps but has the funky compass functionality. 2: Navigation; This is the SatNav part of the product. You have to pay for a license for a map, which allows you to use turn-by-turn nav. Once you have the license for your country and have downloaded the map, then you do not need to download any more data. At this point it functions exactly like a regular PND (TomTom etc). Text is pre-sampled so sounds a lot nicer (but can't read road names). It can be supplemented by live traffic and speed camera alerts, which are both extra subscriptions.
With locations, you can download as many regular maps as you like and all you pay is data connection fees (if done over 3G etc) to get them.
With the Navigation part of it, you have to pay for all of it. Nothing is free (though you do get a 30 day trial of one map)
Also the HTC app doesn't do postcode lookup, which is probably the biggest problem with it.
In my opinion, neither are really up to scratch and do not form a decent replacement for my TomTom (on my old Touch Pro2!).
I have Navigon on my phone, and that is a better solution, but the interface is quite horrible (i.e. you can't display time, arrival time and speed on the screen at the same time) and also I find that entering addresses using the on-screen keyboard doesn't really work properly (when holding the top row for a number, it doesn't work - I have to select the number section of the keyboard and press it from there).
I'm thinking of giving CoPilot a try to see if it's any cop...
I hope that helps clear things up.
All those info are great but they would only be helpful if we lived in a large country. It's still helpful though so, thanks.
From a very thorough research I found out that no matter which is the best navigation tool, for Cyprus things will be totally different. So we only have 2 options: iGo and MLS.
They are not the best tools but they are the only ones you can use on Android and they are the only ones that have Cyprus maps (with street names and spoken instructions), even if the maps are outdated and cover only the 80% of the island.
I have MLS on a PNA so maybe I give iGO a try in order to compare.
Thanks to everyone.

[Q] Navigation / Maps / Data

Hi all,
I'm going on holiday to South Africa and would like to use my DHD for navigation whilst I'm there however I don't want to incur any data charges if I need to download the maps. I've read on some places that you can pre download the maps somehow, how do I do this ?
Thanks,
Firstly, remember that you have to pay for navigation...
What you do is load Locations, then press "Show on Map" at the top.
Then press the menu button and select "Upgrade"
Then move to the Navigation tab (2nd one) and select South Africa and pay for however long you need it for. It should then download the map and everything it needs in advance.
You can download them from the phone, but there is a charge. IIRC around $6.99 for 3 month usage.
dazultra2000 said:
Firstly, remember that you have to pay for navigation...
What you do is load Locations, then press "Show on Map" at the top.
Then press the menu button and select "Upgrade"
Then move to the Navigation tab (2nd one) and select South Africa and pay for however long you need it for. It should then download the map and everything it needs in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for all this information. I think I might be confusing myself, you have mentioned "Locations", I thought this was an app to find restaurants etc. however I've opened it now and noticed that you can navigate using it, what is the difference between this navigation software and the Google Maps Navigation software. I was under the impression the Google Maps Navigation software was free or am I getting them mixed up.
When I load "Locations" I see "Powered by Route 66" everywhere ?
Google maps is free, but downloads the maps as you go - therefore, data costs would be incurred.
Locations is HTC's own navigation app, which pre-loads your maps but you have to pay for the navigation (though regular maps are free).
dazultra2000 said:
Google maps is free, but downloads the maps as you go - therefore, data costs would be incurred.
Locations is HTC's own navigation app, which pre-loads your maps but you have to pay for the navigation (though regular maps are free).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You have to pay for voice navigation, although you could download the maps before you leave and get a short term subscription eg one month for cheap.
You can get directions without voice free though. Just gotta download the maps.
Sent from my Desire HD
dr.m0x said:
You can get directions without voice free though. Just gotta download the maps.
Sent from my Desire HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Directions, yes, but not turn by turn navigation. Might as well print directions off from full Google maps...
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
dazultra2000 said:
Directions, yes, but not turn by turn navigation. Might as well print directions off from full Google maps...
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except if you do that you wont get a real time updating display showing your current location, and the directions won't update themselves when you make a wrong turn.
So can not we use any navigation apps in a different country to guide us as free with Android liek TomTom or IGO My Way (as I am using free in Iphone and only drains GPS data no romaing)?
eozen81 said:
So can not we use any navigation apps in a different country to guide us as free with Android liek TomTom or IGO My Way (as I am using free in Iphone and only drains GPS data no romaing)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I understand it, the gps navigation works fine without data connection. You just should download the maps for the location your going to beforehand (or at a free wifi) so you don't get data charges. The part you pay for in the navigation app is the voice guide, wich IMO is pretty useless.
eozen81 said:
So can not we use any navigation apps in a different country to guide us as free with Android liek TomTom or IGO My Way (as I am using free in Iphone and only drains GPS data no romaing)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is exactly what I wanted to know. When I get to South Africa I'm going to want to pull my sim card out of my phone to avoid been charged for any accidental data that might be downloaded as when I'm roaming in South Africa T-Mobile charges £7.50 a MB !!!!!! Question is will the navigation work without the sim card, I would like to think that it will only require GPS.
I'm going to do some testing here before I go, I will download the maps then pull the sim card out and see if it works.
MarkieSA, let us know the test results for Locations.
Wil-j said:
As I understand it, the gps navigation works fine without data connection. You just should download the maps for the location your going to beforehand (or at a free wifi) so you don't get data charges. The part you pay for in the navigation app is the voice guide, wich IMO is pretty useless.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Isn't that the whole point of satnav? You're not just paying for the voice...you're paying for the turn by turn navigation. Without it you're just looking at a map. There's no directions (other than the list, which is hard (and illegal) to read when driving).
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
I'm not in your league gents but using your build on HD2. I tried out this new Locations app and noticed it can build a route but the current location did not move along with my drive. I havent bought/paid for anything yet. I'm assuming once I do then the recalculation and the pointer will move with current location. Need to know cause DHD is arriving in the next few days
I'd leave your SIM installed and use a widget to disable the APN. I use Curvefish widgets.
For what it's worth, I recently took my car on the ferry from the UK to Ireland, so decided to use the pre-loaded Ireland maps to navigate my way to my destination.
I found that Locations worked ok, once it had a GPS lock, but found it difficult to find the perfect zoom level to look ahead to upcoming turns, while still seeing where I was. Basically I was looking down on myself on a map, whilst trying to follow the route drawn out on the map. It was nowhere near as using Google navigation with data, but it was adequate. I would have found it a lot easier if I had someone else in the car yelling out directions, as I was concentrating enough driving in the dark with the rain lashing down!
P.S. You don't need to worry about data charges while you're away, just make sure data roaming isn't selected in your Wireless and Network settings.
eozen81 said:
MarkieSA, let us know the test results for Locations.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right then I'm back from my holiday and this is what happened. Before I went on holiday I pre downloaded the South African maps using HTC locations and bought navigation for 30 days in South Africa.
When I got to South Africa I took out my T-Mobile sim card and inserted a local operators sim card with no data plan, when I fired up HTC locations and went to navigation it said to me that my maps were not up to date and it had to download the latest maps As I had a sim card in that had no data plans it did not work. After a few days I was in a WiFi hotspot and thought I would try and get this working again, I downloaded all the updated map data etc however after that the phone struggled to pin point my location. I tried again a few times after this then gave up.

Official Garmin GPS app available (US only)

$39.99, no trial. Let's just say at least it's a step forward.
http://www.wpcentral.com/garmin-streetpilot-hits-marketplace
...lets hope the European version will follow soon...
Too bad you can't download the full maps, though. You need to download your maps on a "per route" basis.
I am somewhat greatfull that I have t-mobile germany, so I get the Navigon App for "free". Here, I don't need a data volume to navigate.
It's available for the US and Canada.
Is it just a case of a locked API that no one is currently offering a GPS navigation app that has maps pre-loaded?
All these ones that are coming out that need a data connection are pretty useless since i only really use sat-nav out in the sticks where i don't get reception.
I'm not keen on having to pre-download a map each time i make a journey either.
I really miss IGo8 off my old Blackstone
Freypal said:
Is it just a case of a locked API that no one is currently offering a GPS navigation app that has maps pre-loaded?
All these ones that are coming out that need a data connection are pretty useless since i only really use sat-nav out in the sticks where i don't get reception.
I'm not keen on having to pre-download a map each time i make a journey either.
I really miss IGo8 off my old Blackstone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not think it is API problem. They seem to keep storing the maps as you keep using new routes. I think they are using on-demand maps as a DRM method. It is difficult to pirate when the app keeps communicating (and authenticating) with Garmin servers.
Localhorst86 said:
Too bad you can't download the full maps, though. You need to download your maps on a "per route" basis.
I am somewhat greatfull that I have t-mobile germany, so I get the Navigon App for "free". Here, I don't need a data volume to navigate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed on the Navigon software; the 3.0 version is outstanding. And looks far more "metro" in style than this $40 software.
I believe the reason we are not seeing any offline gps software (ie with offline maps and offline routing) is because these companies have algorithms and "engines" for planning routes, and they cannot (or don't want to) convert these DLLs to silverlight. MS doesn't allow you to use your own proprietary code and DLLs in the marketplace. So the only proper nav apps with offline routing and maps, such as Navigon, can only exist if they are manufacturer or carrier-supplied (in the same way that HTC can offer compass and flashlight apps).
Pity this is US/Canada only... really after a decent nav app (Turn-By-Turn's (GPSTuner) POI's dont work in Australia!)
It is a shame for those in other regions, but for those of us in North America, it is pretty sweet. My only gripes with the app are the fact that they didn't include a "run under lock screen" option (a must-have option for Focus users), and the voice seems, at times, to be over-compressed, and comes out just a tad fuzzy. By way of comparison the voice on the AT&T Navigator app is crystal clear. But that is about the only advantage it has over Garmin's new app.
Hello,
I think that navigon will be for Europe.
anyway, it is a very good GPS (navigon) I used this program in try v3.
it's great.
I like it. Looks promising. However I would not get it. I already have a gps for that reason.
I picked it up a couple of days and tried it out and was sorely unimpressed.
Issues:
1) It lost the satellite sync a number of times in urban, but not downtown Seattle.
2) It seems to have no sense of correcting the raw data. For example, if I'm travelling along a highway at speed, you'd think that I'd be going in the same heading as the road. It apparently just reads the raw compass data, resulting in the appearance of a perpetual power slide as I drive.
3) When it loses me and recalculates, it treats it like I'm starting a new trip (with the same phrase at the beginning) and may want me to start on a different, albeit nearby road.
4) Position inaccuracy kept it thinking I was moving when I wasn't. This happened a LOT, although clearly it new I wasn't moving much, and reset me.
5) It doesn't have street names like TomTom.
6) It doesn't let me pull from Contacts. Maybe when Mango is released?
The real summary here is that if I hadn't known where I was going, it would have taken me a fairly poor direction as it would lose me, think I was relatively far away, and start calling out instructions from that. I'd rather use Bing Maps (which I think the touching idea is terrible) or TomTom on my iPad. I got the Garmin because TomTom won't, for some reason, allow my traffic subscription to work on the iPad.
There are some things about the app I like:
1) Data entry for the address was nice. I preferred it over the TomTom.
2) Screen layout is nice.
3) Pictures of road changes are amazing!
I haven't experienced the first two issues you described at all, so I can neither confirm nor deny them .
Issue 3 is a minor annoyance (although I've never had it place me on the wrong street), but I hope it is addressed in an update soon.
Issue 4 I have seen a couple of times, but it did correct very quickly.
For issue 5, I have no idea what you mean. My copy always speaks the correct street name as I approach a turn. Maybe it varies by area, but I am in a much more rural area than Seattle, so I would expect that I would experience that problem before you would.
Issue 6 has nothing to do with the app, it is strictly an API issue. No GPS app on the marketplace today can pull from your contacts. But that will come with Mango.
I have not tried this app yet but i have tried and am currently using Navigon Select 3.0 form this thread and i must say that for the 1 day of testing it, it is working great. BTW, i am a bit biased when it comes to Navigon, i have been using it for a long time now on my old Iphone 3G.
Garmin broken?
I recently started having a problem with the Garmin Streetpilot. Every time i run it, it says "Acquiring Satellite" but never seems to acquire the satellite. I've let it go 15 minutes while driving, and no dice.
I remember getting a Samsung software to improve my GPS reception, and assumed it had somehow broken Garmin. Today I restored my phone back to NoDo, and then got the offical Mango upgrade, this time without getting the Samsung App. Installed Garmin, and wham, exact same problem. It just can't acquire the satellite. I went ahead and grabbed the Samsung app and tried it again, but still no dice.
Does anybody have the Garmin working on their successfully? I'm wondering if they put out an update i missed that broke the app.
I've never had that problem on my Focus, although the previous version wasn't very precise in following the road. However, I briefly tried the new Mango version yesterday (which presumably includes compass support), it had no trouble at all.
I'm starting to suspect the problem is that I didn't get a Samsung firmware update, so my compass isn't working. I'm wondering if the Garmin keeps trying to ping the compass and getting stuck because it can't access it?
That's possible, but I don't think the app would report that the satellite could not be acquired if the only problem was a missing compass.
I agree it doesn't make sense, but given what i've seen in software development, it wouldn't be too surprising.
bigfire said:
I recently started having a problem with the Garmin Streetpilot. Every time i run it, it says "Acquiring Satellite" but never seems to acquire the satellite. I've let it go 15 minutes while driving, and no dice.
I remember getting a Samsung software to improve my GPS reception, and assumed it had somehow broken Garmin. Today I restored my phone back to NoDo, and then got the offical Mango upgrade, this time without getting the Samsung App. Installed Garmin, and wham, exact same problem. It just can't acquire the satellite. I went ahead and grabbed the Samsung app and tried it again, but still no dice.
Does anybody have the Garmin working on their successfully? I'm wondering if they put out an update i missed that broke the app.
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I'm having exactly the same problem on Focus (Mango) using StreetPilot 7.5.

Bing Maps updated!

Although I am a proud owner of a windows phone for some time already (HD7), some features I was sorely missing for a long time.
As an Israeli resident, proper Hebrew support is sorely missed. Another biggie was Bing Maps of Israel (There were only some main roads, thats it). I had to pay for a third party app for using Google Maps (Yuck! just kidding )
Anyway, it seems like in the latest update to Bing Maps, all the Israel roads are in. However, searching for locations inside of Israel does not work. I do hope this will be added soon.
Did any other WP user from outside the US notice changes to Bing Maps?
Some months ago there was a maps update, I believe it started using Nokia map data for places outside of the USA.
It's pretty good now.
I remember that update. There was a separate thread about it, see http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1305586&highlight=bing+maps
At the time, the maps did get somewhat better, but Bing still wasn't usable for me yet because there were only a few more main roads of Israel.
Since a few days ago, all the streets of Israel are inside Bing maps (also streets inside the city), which means I can actually start using it, which is really awesome.
Once the ability to search for locations here and use local scout will be available, I will be in seventh heaven.
What application did you use for navigation in Israel?
Switching to WP7's Bing Maps from Waze is a bit shocking..
I agree about waze. Everybody I know uses Waze for navigation, it's too bad there isn't a version for it yet for Windows Phone
(I am aware of the homebrew solution).
It is also strange that Microsoft invested some time ago money in Waze (See: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Microsoft-makes-investment-theflyonthewall-3396524324.html) but there is no app yet (remind you of other apps, anyone?)
The application I used until now is "GPS Voice Navigation" which can do voice navigation over google maps (it cost like 6-7$).
Now I want voice navigation on it. Hate to use Nokia Drive. Dont have any problems with Nokia Drive, but I rather use a native app.
If it doesn't get turn by turn voice navigation instead of that anoying tap screen to get directions crap it has now; Bing Maps will never be of any use.
You said it! Solid argument

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