Database Info

Best GPS Map Performance?

I know that there are currently a lot of gripes about the GPS hardware on the Raph. Granted that's the case and given also differences in regional performace and accuracy of mapping applications (live, google, tomtom, etc):
What is your favorite Mapping app to run on the Raph?
Bonus: If you're on ATT have you tried the Navigator service? I'm wondering if it provides any improvements, which I suppose would, to some, be worth the cost?
Personally I am getting pretty comfortable with Live on my WIZARD (*sniff*) but can't wait to have actual onboard GPS.
Thanks all!
BK

The mapping software you've listed cannot be compared. Live search and google are good places to find businesses and services as well as see movie listings gas prices and even street views now. TT, garmin, IGO are there to give you specific instructions how to get to addresses or coordinates eliminating the need for internet service by having pre loaded maps.

Not to mention exact location. Really hated Google Maps telling me where I'm around...and finding Pois "around where I'm somewhat located" on such a small screen is cumbersome. Igo8 (Mio/Ocn) is hands down the best one-(once you get past its lag)
1. 3d terrain
2. 3d buildings
3. TTS
4. Sys.txt customization is a beautiful thing.
5. Huge Poi database
6. Several skins inform you where a poi is based on GPS location (and tells you in which direction)
7. Direct dial a POI from Igo8 w/o having to exit program.
Start w/ igo8, can't go wrong...

telegraph0000 said:
Not to mention exact location. Really hated Google Maps telling me where I'm around...and finding Pois "around where I'm somewhat located" on such a small screen is cumbersome. Igo8 (Mio/Ocn) is hands down the best one-(once you get past its lag)
1. 3d terrain
2. 3d buildings
3. TTS
4. Sys.txt customization is a beautiful thing.
5. Huge Poi database
6. Several skins inform you where a poi is based on GPS location (and tells you in which direction)
7. Direct dial a POI from Igo8 w/o having to exit program.
Start w/ igo8, can't go wrong...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you know of a way to get iGo to give you routes like Garmin?
If I try to route the 5 hour trip to my parent's house, Garmin will give me a logical route with the shortest time. iGo will give me a route that it says will take an hour longer and take me out of the way.
Oddly enough, iGo's route is the same that Google Maps shows, even though the Garmin one is supposed to be the fastest time.
And I've tried both the Fastest route and Shortest route.
I love iGo, but I'm not 100% sure about its routing.

Have you tried out igo's and/or Garmin's suggested route? I'm sure you know how to get to your destination w/o gps--but sometimes Igo does make sense...which one do you find most logical? With regards to the time differences, how current are both of your maps? That may make a difference.
Odd story of mine, googled how to get from No. VA to Niagara falls. It set out a nice interstate route that would most be described as a half moon...Igo plotted a straight route all the way (yes...even through the boondocks) with the same time estimate. Tried one going up, the other coming down...and no differences in est. arrival time! I swore that my interstate 85mph travel would get me there faster...the Cletus way worked just as well...

Well unfortunately neither one of them do the complete interstate route since it supposedly takes 10-15 minutes longer (since you go further out of the way), but its an easier drive.
I guess both make sense, and they might be close in times, but I don't know how the ETA can be so different unless iGo adds in something that Garmin doesn't.
The only way that route should take 6+ hours is with stops for gas and stops. iGo doesn't estimate how many times you need to stop for gas does it? lol
I might try it again next time I go there (at the end of the month) and switch between the two and see what happens.
EDIT: Both apps use the latest Navteq maps (same version).

Great response! I'll try Igo8 as soon as my Raph/Fuze lands!
Sweeney Russ: As you point out the software I ask about is definitely not the same. But since my current Wizard doesn't have GPS I'm limited in what I can use with just the internet connection. Can't wait to try out a real GPS solution and it sounds like Igo will be the one to get first.
Thanks all for your replies!

Has anyone come across a free GPS program that caters to hiking/raster/ortho imagery?
I was using my Tilt for hiking tips but roads are not really necessary. Is anyone using ESRI ArcPad on their Fuze? I was using it on my Tilt (30 day trial) and created a few good road maps, but noticed the Fuze has trouble finding the GPS receiver through ArcPad and the app doesn't fit entirely on the screen as it did with my old Tilt.

telegraph0000 said:
Not to mention exact location. Really hated Google Maps telling me where I'm around...and finding Pois "around where I'm somewhat located" on such a small screen is cumbersome. Igo8 (Mio/Ocn) is hands down the best one-(once you get past its lag)
1. 3d terrain
2. 3d buildings
3. TTS
4. Sys.txt customization is a beautiful thing.
5. Huge Poi database
6. Several skins inform you where a poi is based on GPS location (and tells you in which direction)
7. Direct dial a POI from Igo8 w/o having to exit program.
Start w/ igo8, can't go wrong...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see you can only use IGO8 with a SDCARD? That kinda sucks.

Hi guys,
I just got my FUZE on Friday, and spent the last 4 days setting it up! It's almost done! What an incredible machine!!
Anyways, I've always used iGuidance to find places. It's worked for me since the first version. I just set it up, and it's working well. The infamous Raph GPS lag has not prevalent over the past few days. It seems to be as good as my TyTN with an external BT receiver.
The maps are extremely accurate, too. There is a new 2009 version that I am curious about.
In any case, I'd love to hear more quick opinions about TomTom, Route66, etc. etc.
As I said, I am quite happy with iGuidance, but am always on the lookout for better warez!

ATT Navigator
ElBorba said:
I know that there are currently a lot of gripes about the GPS hardware on the Raph. Granted that's the case and given also differences in regional performace and accuracy of mapping applications (live, google, tomtom, etc):
What is your favorite Mapping app to run on the Raph?
Bonus: If you're on ATT have you tried the Navigator service? I'm wondering if it provides any improvements, which I suppose would, to some, be worth the cost?
Personally I am getting pretty comfortable with Live on my WIZARD (*sniff*) but can't wait to have actual onboard GPS.
Thanks all!
BK
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I just got my fuze, and right now there is a 30 day free trial of AT&T Navigator, everytime I have tried to "Speak" just my city and state, Snohomish, WA it tells me I want to go to utah, and finding a store like Fred Meyer just wasn't on there, on a good note when it notices you taking another route off the way, it tends to re-route within seconds, most of the time just telling you to make a U-Turn, this is my first GPS, so I have nothing to compare it to... I would suggest trying it for the 30 day free trial, but, I am not sure if I want to keep it past the 30 days...

double post

seanvree said:
I see you can only use IGO8 with a SDCARD? That kinda sucks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can run it off internal memory ONLY if you have enough to cover the basic program + map(s)...
Careful with the ***ez...may skate on thin ice...
Skip ATT navigator, no cell signal (dead zones), no location..

Whaaaaat!?!? ATT Navigator uses the cell signal for location!?!? That has to be a joke, right? Amazing that I didn't realize that! Fatguybp, you're right up the street from me! I'm representing Everett. Yes, Washinton's spleen...

ElBorba said:
Whaaaaat!?!? ATT Navigator uses the cell signal for location!?!? That has to be a joke, right? Amazing that I didn't realize that! Fatguybp, you're right up the street from me! I'm representing Everett. Yes, Washinton's spleen...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No ,,, the maps are downloaded through the cell towers...you don't have static maps.... It does use the gps...

I use tomtom mobile, great piece of software lots of POIs and options, maps are stored on my sd card which is great I think, they dont take more then 1.3gb. Although tomtom drains my battery pretty good, I dont care since I have a car charger (you can pick one up from ebay for $3.18 or get one in walmart for $9). If you dont care much about piracy I suggest going to demonoid if you have an account and downloading the tomtom and all the directions on how to set it up are included in the torrent.

I use Google Maps what am I missing?

thehyecircus said:
I use Google Maps what am I missing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Turn by turn guidance with tts and a working gps far from cell towers. Also lot more options to plan a trip including simulation.

Well I have 3G service, what programs are good to get? The first one on the page mentioned sounds great, but it also sounds slow and crappy.

For these GPS software with pre-loaded maps, you don't need data connection. I use iGO 8, also tried Garmin Mobile XT. They both work well but iGO has TTS and much better visual. Tomtom comes pre-loaded in some and the software is available for free (I saw some links in this forum), so just buy a map for your country/region and you are good to go.

Simple GPS question

Some how i got the GPS to work on Google maps....
Know my simple question is, when i type in directions from location A to location B, will the phone tell me to turn left or right like on a tom tom style GPS unit or do i just have to pa attention to my phone a lot while driving ?
hope this doesn't sound like a dumb question
Thanks Chris

google maps will track your location but won't tell you to turn left or right with sound. you can install tomtom or any other full-fledged gps software for your phone.

That's the TTS feature and as AthenaLod mentioned, you'll need a program like Tomtom or iGO8 for it; no free GPS program offers this.

So basically Google GPS is kinda pointless, since it doesn't give you a verbal notification, as far as you said about TOM TOM.......if i install it, it will work just like the units you put on your car windshield ?
So their isn't any free TOM TOM / Garmin apps out their
Thanks A Lot for your info and help

well amaze gps is free and it does do turn by turn directions, but i find it's accuracy not accurate.
http://www.amazegps.com/welcome.php

how i said i finally got it to gps to work on Google maps, it said i was with in 10 meters
how far of was amaze gps

No free TTS. A lot of people don't even use TTS so they just get Google Maps or Live. If you get Tomtom or iGO and properly configure them, you'll be good to go.

chetmichaels said:
well amaze gps is free and it does do turn by turn directions, but i find it's accuracy not accurate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are you talking about GPS position, map errors, or poor routing?
I would be surprised if the GPS position were any different with amAze than with anything else; in my experience, it's just fine.
I haven't seen any map errors, either, apart from the fact that a few of the street names in my area (eastern Massachusetts, USA) are wrong; the location of the streets and intersections, and whether they are one-way or not, has never been wrong in my experience.
I have seen a couple of strange routings where the directions take you a bit out of the way, but they do get you where you're going, in my experience.

kareem9nba said:
No free TTS. A lot of people don't even use TTS so they just get Google Maps or Live.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
amAze does not have Text-to-Speech (TTS), where the spoken directions will say "Turn left on Main Street" instead of just "Turn left in 500 feet." However, amAze does give spoken directions, which is a big advantage over Google Maps or Live Search -- you don't have to watch the screen to know where to turn.
If I were a delivery person or some such and relied on GPS navigation for my living, I'd definitely shell out for one of the commercial packages. However, for my use, amAze (www.amazegps.com) is plenty good enough and definitely worth carrying around on my phone in addition to Google Maps and Live Search.

so far www.amazegps.com works for my needs....thanks everbody

Yea google is pointless.... i mean when im in dorchester looking for a cell site and i cant find the actual voodoo church its located in, i hit street view and look at the front door, im sure tom-tom and garmin do that for you.
Out of the 60+ pep i know that have gps in their car, I know one that actually uses the retarded voice command.
I duno i guess some people need someone to tell them what to do.
Some dont.
haahhaha

Live Search does TTS.

Google Maps good enough as GPS?

My D2 came preinstalled with google maps. I find it pretty cool.
Why do I need another GPS software such as TomTom 7?
Is it purely for navigation (such as in a car)? Also which software would you recommend?

Why do I need another GPS software such as TomTom 7?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What happens when you're lost somewhere and can't get a 2G/3G signal??

well , a full featured Navigation system will provide a lot of extra features, and is usually faster - unless you have HSDPA
just compare them (youtube videos) with google maps and youll see the differnce

cencored said:
My D2 came preinstalled with google maps. I find it pretty cool.
Why do I need another GPS software such as TomTom 7?
Is it purely for navigation (such as in a car)? Also which software would you recommend?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a stand alone GPS. I've owned TomTom and iGuidance for my phone. I use Google Maps for everything and never touch the others. It does not have all the fancy bells and whistles but to me it's much better. Everything is always up to date. You can get walking directions. You can see street view. You can see satellite view. It does not take up any room on your memory. It's free and always updated.
Between Google Maps and Windows Live Search (Bing.com), I have no need for a paid GPS program.

WMguy said:
I have a stand alone GPS. I've owned TomTom and iGuidance for my phone. I use Google Maps for everything and never touch the others. It does not have all the fancy bells and whistles but to me it's much better. Everything is always up to date. You can get walking directions. You can see street view. You can see satellite view. It does not take up any room on your memory. It's free and always updated.
Between Google Maps and Windows Live Search (Bing.com), I have no need for a paid GPS program.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ditto! No need for anything else.

I think it depends on the region of the world you are travelling in.
Google maps is totally useless here in Japan, and it has limited use in Europe (my opinion) while in US it might replace TomTom or Garmin or ...
I needed Garmin and a special map for Japan, because with Google there is no routing possible here.

Does your Google Maps speak to you? Give you turn by turn directions?

mrmckeb said:
Does your Google Maps speak to you? Give you turn by turn directions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it doesn't speak, but I can read, and yes it gives turn by turn directions. I have a speaking Garmin, and I spent most of my time reading with it, to help get where I was going.
With street view you can see exactly what the building or place looks like that your going to, I have even seen the front of my house.
Really the only draw back is, you need a good data plan, but I have that for other reasons, so for me that's not an issue.

I'm using Garmin XT and it's much faster (significantly less lag) than Google Maps with 3G...

I have to agree that Google Maps is superb, with its satellite and street views. But, is the TD2 3G radio in combination with a typical network really good enough for serious standalone GPS replacement?
Even in London there are very many weak coverage spots where data transfer hardly works (unless you're willing to hold the phone high in the air, not a "cool" sight!). In the countryside there are huge regions with very little 3G coverage and minimal 2G coverage.

For walking Google Maps is fine, you've got plenty of time to look at it and decide where you want to go, but for driving Google Maps it too slow, as it has to update the maps via download and too small a view to be glanced at while driving, all the dedicated SatNav Driving programs are fast, don't reply on a data connection (which will drop out) and give big clear directions which you only have to glance at, and not take your eyes off the road for too long.

Lots of good points here. I am currently overseas and really need some free gps guidance, so google maps is a nono. I have switched off internet access via my provider completely to avoid horror bills.
So I am looking for a reliable gps software particularly for walking, so it needs to have pedestrian function.
Any recommendations?
Garmin, TomTom, ...??

cencored said:
Lots of good points here. I am currently overseas and really need some free gps guidance, so google maps is a nono. I have switched off internet access via my provider completely to avoid horror bills.
So I am looking for a reliable gps software particularly for walking, so it needs to have pedestrian function.
Any recommendations?
Garmin, TomTom, ...??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Where are you? For Asia there is not a lot of possibilities. MapKing is one, GarminXT with some special local maps (in english) the other.

harolds said:
No it doesn't speak, but I can read, and yes it gives turn by turn directions. I have a speaking Garmin, and I spent most of my time reading with it, to help get where I was going.
With street view you can see exactly what the building or place looks like that your going to, I have even seen the front of my house.
Really the only draw back is, you need a good data plan, but I have that for other reasons, so for me that's not an issue.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using Google Maps when you are abroad could be a real pain unless you buy local SIM Card .

Google Maps cannot, and I repeat, cannot be used as a GPS in the car. Google Maps even shows this warning when installed.

TyKH said:
Google Maps cannot, and I repeat, cannot be used as a GPS in the car. Google Maps even shows this warning when installed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have to agree with u there, tried using it once in a car and got completely lost. you need TURN BY TURN DIRECTIONS FOR IT TO WORK AS A NAVIGATION SYSTEM.

Google Navigator
Have a look at Google Navigator. It solves the problems mentioned above:
you can go online _or_ download a map for a region before starting your trip.
cu
André

GPS recommendations for hiking uk?

as per title really going hiking next month and need a decent app for hiking, ive got one now but it's untested and i dont really like it, off hand i cant even remember the name of it!
Many thanks

waz000000 said:
as per title really going hiking next month and need a decent app for hiking, ive got one now but it's untested and i dont really like it, off hand i cant even remember the name of it!
Many thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using the program RUNsat, you can find it here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=613381
There's a new version.

Not tried these, but maybe of help:
this (paid) lets you view OS maps on the move:
http://www.memory-map.co.uk/pda_mobile.htm
this (free) lets you get speed, altitude, distance, etc. and data for post analysis using PC:
http://www.1800pocketpc.com/2010/04/28/gps-sport-tracker-1-3-0-free-gps-app-for-windows-mobile.html
Let us know what you find useful as I'd be interested in what's good for UK hiking too.
Ian

i use memory map both for off road driving and for hiking. because os maps are used then not only can you see tracks etc. but you can work out heights and elevations as contour lines are used.
in addition, you can plan a route in advance and put this as an overlay on your map. you can then follow this realtime using your gps. also, the route you are actually taking draws a track which you can save and keep.
by using tweaks you can rotate the screen as you wish.
because the memory map prog is driven from your pc you only have to download a section of a whole map therefore saving memory card space. installed prog runs fine from the memory card.
Mike

MemoryMap +1

memory map for navigation.
Runsat for logging routes, (also known as Navmi).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=613381
depends on what you need..
Runsat can download openstreetmap/opencyclemap tiles, which depending on where you're heading can include quite a lot of data including paths and contours.. but obviously memory map has much more data on it ..
I use both quite a lot, professionally and otherwise, and contribute to openstreetmap/opencyclemap so I tend to like using that data whenever I can

Not super happy with Navigon, the Garmin Navigation app.

So, on blind faith I paid $40 to download Navigon because they don't offer a trial version. I figured for $40 it must be the best navigation app ever.
Am I wrong?!?
Can anyone help me with these annoying issues?
When I start navigation to somewhere and then hit the home button to bring up some other app, there is no way to go directly back to navigation. I have to start all over again. What am I doing wrong?
The voice says "Smith B.L.V.D." instead of "Smith Boulevard". Or "Main S.T." instead of "Main Street".
The voice does not cut out the streaming music when it announces anything. It just talks over whatever is currently playing. So it's hard to understand it when I'm listening to streaming talk radio. I wish it would either cut out the current music or offer a separate volume for navigation voice so I can make it louder than everything else.
When navigation starts, it shows me three different potential routes. But it only waits like 20 seconds for me to choose one. Then it auto selects one for me. This isn't enough time to choose a route. Is there a way to make it wait for me to examine the different routes and manually choose one?
The choice for voices is kind of limited and while they are clear sounding, most of them kinda suck.

I tried co pilot and it was also garbage. Some of the same problems plus old outdated maps and pretty much featureless if you don't want to pay out the ass. I've learned to just stick with Google maps and nav.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk

i like att navigation aka Telenav, it has live traffic and lane assist. att gives you 30 days free trial. if you like it, you can get 4 years prepaid service for 249$, that' only 5.19$ a months! (from telenav.com)

netnerd said:
i like att navigation aka Telenav, it has live traffic and lane assist. att gives you 30 days free trial. if you like it, you can get 4 years prepaid service for 249$, that' only 5.19$ a months! (from telenav.com)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Or...... search the captivate forums and you'll get a link to the free version from telenav that works great. Its a very old thread but search telenav and you'll find it
<insert witty signature here>

CZ Eddie said:
Can anyone help me with these annoying issues?
When I start navigation to somewhere and then hit the home button to bring up some other app, there is no way to go directly back to navigation. I have to start all over again. What am I doing wrong?
The voice says "Smith B.L.V.D." instead of "Smith Boulevard". Or "Main S.T." instead of "Main Street".
The voice does not cut out the streaming music when it announces anything. It just talks over whatever is currently playing. So it's hard to understand it when I'm listening to streaming talk radio. I wish it would either cut out the current music or offer a separate volume for navigation voice so I can make it louder than everything else.
When navigation starts, it shows me three different potential routes. But it only waits like 20 seconds for me to choose one. Then it auto selects one for me. This isn't enough time to choose a route. Is there a way to make it wait for me to examine the different routes and manually choose one?
The choice for voices is kind of limited and while they are clear sounding, most of them kinda suck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Anyone?

CZ Eddie said:
So, on blind faith I paid $40 to download Navigon because they don't offer a trial version. I figured for $40 it must be the best navigation app ever.
Am I wrong?!?
Can anyone help me with these annoying issues?
When I start navigation to somewhere and then hit the home button to bring up some other app, there is no way to go directly back to navigation. I have to start all over again. What am I doing wrong?
The voice says "Smith B.L.V.D." instead of "Smith Boulevard". Or "Main S.T." instead of "Main Street".
The voice does not cut out the streaming music when it announces anything. It just talks over whatever is currently playing. So it's hard to understand it when I'm listening to streaming talk radio. I wish it would either cut out the current music or offer a separate volume for navigation voice so I can make it louder than everything else.
When navigation starts, it shows me three different potential routes. But it only waits like 20 seconds for me to choose one. Then it auto selects one for me. This isn't enough time to choose a route. Is there a way to make it wait for me to examine the different routes and manually choose one?
The choice for voices is kind of limited and while they are clear sounding, most of them kinda suck.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tinkered with Navigon, but I've realized that the best GPS navigation is actually Navigation provided by Googled Maps. Just get Ivona text to speech, and suddenly it feels like a sophisticated navigation app. I pretty much stopped using my trusted Garmin Nuvi 360 that I paid $650 for more than 5 years ago. It's on par.
Only gripe is it is too persistent on trying to get you back on the route it thinks it is best rather than figuring out that you have a different route.

in case anyone is interested, here is the .apk posted in the Captivate forum and referred to above. I tested it and am happy to report that it works.

Does Telenav require a data connection? Google Nav is the best option imo however I travel out of cell range a lot and need something that doesn't require to have a signal to reroute me.

I have been using Navigon for a couple of weeks now and as far as off line navigation goes it is by far the best out there (that i have used). Sure there are some quirks but the maps are up to date, it has lane assist, speed warnings, route planning and a good POI database. The lane assist and speed warnings do not work in Canada, but worked very well on my 20 min drive to the Olive Garden on Van Dyke on Sunday If you are looking to use online navigation i do prefer Google Maps.
Sent from my SGH-I727R using xda premium

ironcrotch said:
Does Telenav require a data connection? Google Nav is the best option imo however I travel out of cell range a lot and need something that doesn't require to have a signal to reroute me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
unfortunately, it does appear to need a data connection. I haven't played around with it enough yet to see if it has the option or ability to cache maps.

htc0101 said:
I have been using Navigon for a couple of weeks now and as far as off line navigation goes it is by far the best out there (that i have used). Sure there are some quirks but the maps are up to date, it has lane assist, speed warnings, route planning and a good POI database. The lane assist and speed warnings do not work in Canada, but worked very well on my 20 min drive to the Olive Garden on Van Dyke on Sunday If you are looking to use online navigation i do prefer Google Maps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have any of the issues I mentioned in my OP?
Like you, I want a Navigation app that uses offline maps for when there is no data connection. That's where Navigon works.
Google maps and Telenav and most of the others don't offer this.

oops double post.

1. When you close the app, there is nothing in the drop down to show it is still running, but if you hold the home button to bring up recent apps it will be in there and it opens in last used state.(not as nice as google in the status bar)
2. The whole av / avenue thing i found hit and miss with different voices some pronounced the abbr, and some read it as long form.
3. I have not tried it with other audio playing.
4. I agree I hate that and don't know how to change it, I just go back and reselect destination and look really fast at the options.
5. Have not tried to find other voices yet, on my to do list.
Even with those problems still the best i have tried.

htc0101 said:
1. When you close the app, there is nothing in the drop down to show it is still running, but if you hold the home button to bring up recent apps it will be in there and it opens in last used state.(not as nice as google in the status bar)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent work-around, thanks!
This is hard to do when the phone is in a dock on the top of my dash, but it's a lot better than pressing multiple buttons and re-starting navigation.
htc0101 said:
2. The whole av / avenue thing i found hit and miss with different voices some pronounced the abbr, and some read it as long form.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm noticing that also. The voice I liked best (australian chick) NEVER does say "ST" or "AV", etc. in long form.
But the default male voice will sometimes do it. And sometimes not.
htc0101 said:
4. I agree I hate that and don't know how to change it, I just go back and reselect destination and look really fast at the options.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, kind of annoying.
I guess for some folks who don't care which route they take, then it's nice that they don't have to click another button to start their route.
But I'm still new in my area and like seeing the multiple routes. It should maybe have a setting that lets it auto-select or wait for you to select a route.

SYGIC is the best GPS hands down for android. OFFLINE works great. When you first install the app you download your base files and any maps you will need and then it works perfectly anywhere using only GPS and no wifi/data connection is required.

bluntman420 said:
SYGIC is the best GPS hands down for android. OFFLINE works great. When you first install the app you download your base files and any maps you will need and then it works perfectly anywhere using only GPS and no wifi/data connection is required.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would agree that it COULD be the greatest, but it is not there yet. It's implementation of POIs is abysmal. The Vehicle arrow is so large on a skyrocket screen that it covers everything you might need to see. The routing algorithm is questionable. Sygic has a lot of potential, but it is not there yet; I can't recommend it.
Hopefully the developers are listening to the comments on their forum. They seem to have given up answering questions from frustrated users. Perhaps it's because they are working full time on fixing all of Sygic's problems.
GPS app developers all seem intent on having the latest flashy features while ignoring basic Navigational function. This includes Google maps BTW. For that matter, stand alone Garmin GPS units have less basic functionality than their 5 year old devices. Garmin Mobile XT for Windows Mobile was a great program; if only they would port it to Android. It didn't have the extras, but it did the basics well. It needed better hardware though. A Skyrocket running windows mobile and Garmin Mobile XT would likely be the best GPS Navigation device on the market, period.
Basic Navigation Function:
1. Good Maps.
2. Easy and quickly understandable 2D Navigation display.
3. A strong routing ability with accurate ETA capability.
4. Clearly understandable Basic Voice instructions. (TTS nice, but belongs in the "extras" category.)
5. Good POIs and an easy useful search function.
6. The ability to create, import and use personal POIs.
7. Some customizable preferences. i.e. route: shortest distance or shortest time? Avoidances. etc...
8. Quick and accurate position lock on.
Garmin Mobile XT excelled at all of the above. Of course, #2 and #8 are device dependent as well.
Without basic navigation functions, a GPS is a toy and not a tool. Some of the way current apps and devices fail:
Epic Fail: New Garmins: "autozoom" zooms out immediately after a turn point is reached. If another turn point is immediately afterword, you are sometimes left with no guidance. Autozoom should either wait longer to zoom out, or be user selectable to "off".
Fail: Google Maps. Routing algorithm works, most of the time. Sometimes it takes you 3 blocks past your destination and then back?
Fail: Google Maps. Horrible personal POI capability.
Epic Fail: Sygic. Abysmal POI search capability.
Fail: Sygic: Difficult POI import capability.
Fail: Sygic. Vehicle cursor WAY too large on Skyrocket.
Epic Fail: CoPilot. Maps are ridiculously inaccurate.
It amazes me how good the GPS hardware is on the Skyrocket. Cold booting over the middle of the Pacific at 500mph it locks on consistently in less than a minute; often in 15 seconds or less. No other handheld GPS device I've ever used has come anywhere close to that. It locks on to a 3D position in places that other GPS devices can't even maintain an already acquired lock. Given the right app, the Skyrocket could be the ultimate GPS.