Cycling again a GPX or KML File - Android Apps and Games

Dear,
I'm cycling with friends of me (organized rides). but I still want to cycle those roads again. I record the track everytime through Cardiotrainer and I can export those workouts to an GPX or KML file.
Is there a program were I can import the GPX or KML file and that program exports audio as "within 100 meters go left". A sort of GPS navigation but with audio export and the possibility to imort an GPX and/or KML file. It is necessary that the program can say it in audio and not only text because my Nexus One will be in my backpack.
Greetings

For better understanding:
I am looking for a navigation app for Nexus One which can import gpx or KML file
and then use the app and gps in the Nexus One for doing the same route on my bike but with an audio voice who says where I have to go.
Any hint regards apps or ways to do this very welcome.

BUMP
No one has an idea?

Probably my first and only post.
I'm a cyclist both on and off road, there are thousands of cyclist who want a cycle specific navigation system which will allow them to download previously saved routes from other bikers to ride ourselves but want it on a multi use device not a stand alone sat nav.
That's on and off road, I'd pay for it and I know thousands of others would as well. In particular mountain bikers who want to follow trails and hear voice commands whilst watching the route ahead rather than looking down at a map on a device on the bars.
There's money waiting out there for the right app.

Hi,
Have you looked at RunGPS?
I have been using it for a number of years on WM and have just gone over to their Android version.
It does all the GPS stuff with a choice of maps from straight Street type to more off road time maps with contours etc (not quite OS maps but good enough to use).
It can import various GPS file formats and has a dedicated navigation built in. It is very customisable in terms or screens etc.
It has a facility where it will give spoken directions for navigation along with a resume of your speed, distance etc.
You can plan routes online using their own portal or use ones done in Google Earth. It has a facility to copy a KML or GPX file to the phone which RunGPS will use to navigate from.
You can do 3D play back of routes etc again using their portal, if you are that way inclined.
Can't say I have used it for this purpose but it appears to do all of the above.
It also has a facility to use a bluetooth heart rate monitor. However, a word of caution this worked fine on WM but it does not work with my Desire at present. To be fair though, the developer are aware and are working on a fix.
Regards

Hello spangelsaregreat,
Never heard abaout it. I just installed it but it has waaaay to much button's, screens, settings, ... pfiew!
I checked the manual and i did a little track. When I want to ride it again the Voice output didn't work on my Nexus one
Thanks for the information and who knows i can let it work

Probably not an app for the casual user, but it is very powerful if you take the time to set it up correctly. The developers are very quick to answer queries over email.
Regards

I use my tracks...you can export your tracks to google maps our kml files.
Sent from my Nexus One using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk

Hello ugly pete,
This is not my problem. I want to import a KML or GPX file into an application who Text To Speech me where i have to go (Within 100 meters go left"...)
But thanks for thinking with us !

Hello again spangelsaregreat,
I installed run.gps but the voice integration wont work on my Nexus One. Which device do you have?

HTC desire. not tested it to be honest on this phone. will give it a try and get back to you.
Sent from my HTC Desire using my thumb

Still no one with a solution? RunGPS didnt work for me.

Argon007 said:
Still no one with a solution? RunGPS didnt work for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Application like that would make the cycling much more easier. I would love to have one on my phone.
I have tried many of them so far.
You can check Location Log, it doesnt support importing GPX files, but you can add the coordinates and it will show you the way how to get there.
Check the coordinates from your gpx file, put them into the app, and follow the route, hopefully it will work. It's without voice support.
Another one is AndNav2 but I haven't try it yet.
And the last one that I know is SportyPal, for now it can only record the track, but in the next version they will add this import Gpx feature.

Still no application that supports Text To Speech?

I didn't find yet an application that be able to import KML/GPX files to follow, for my Android 1.6 in my Orange Boston phone
Next week I'll be in holidays and I have some GPX files to do Treking. And an app that be able to import this files will be great
Any suggestion?

As far as i know OsmAnd will do the trick. Haven't tested it yet.

Related

route tracker ??

Hi i hope some can answer this question for me please ..
i do a lot of mountain biking ,mostly in out of the way places.
is there an application for the polaris that can show me where i have been
(ie: started here,went there ,and followed this route)
and for it to saved and shown as a map for future runs.
i have tomtom and navigon but they dont do what i need.
thanks for any help
Hi, I'm not sure if this do exactly what you want but look at it
http://www.locify.com ...
I use a piece of software called t-gps. It logs your travels and then you can upload them to google maps afterwards. I have not tried it yet but it look like you can also load topographical maps into the software.
GPS Cycle Computer
I recommend GPS Cycle Computer. It tracks the points where you have been, also has a feature to turnoff the display (to save battery) and to set up how often do you want to take measurments on the location.
Later on you can save the file in to KMZ to open it with Google Earth...
It is free, you can find it at: http://www.freewarepocketpc.net/
juanmre said:
I recommend GPS Cycle Computer. It tracks the points where you have been, also has a feature to turnoff the display (to save battery) and to set up how often do you want to take measurments on the location.
Later on you can save the file in to KMZ to open it with Google Earth...
It is free, you can find it at: http://www.freewarepocketpc.net/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also recommend it
You can see in this same forum: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=424423
HTH
thanks guys,
i will give them a try,and let you know how i got on after a 20 mile run

Is there Live Tracking Software?

I'm looking for live tracking software. Something that shows the location of another phone on a moving map. I know that there are tons of apps to send coordinates via sms or show it on a web site. What I am looking for is software that shows the other phones location on a map just like a navigation program shows your location. I am assuming that it would use a data connection and that's fine I have unlimited on all three phones. It would be extra cool if it would show my location too. I remember seeing commercials where older (non-PPC phones) would do this.
PS. pay or freeware, it doesn't matter.
try glympse its free, you can find it on marketplace or http://www.glympse.com/ this seems like what your looking for. it works great, you can send a glympse to anyone and they can see you live as your move. It works best when you load the link using skyfire so you can see the actual website version . But if the other person has glympse installed they can see you move in real time that way too.
I haven't used it, but from what I've read, Google LATITUDE will do that.
SecretAgentMan said:
I haven't used it, but from what I've read, Google LATITUDE will do that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
latitude only sends updated gps information every 2 minutes. glympes send out information in real time and also tells you how fast the person your tracking in mph
i use GPSToday from geoterrestrial.com, depending on your settings and the availability of a cell signal you can update at 1 minute intervals with a fairly high degree of accuracy. i enjoy having my wife track me from home as im out roaming about.
ottomatic28 said:
i enjoy having my wife track me from home as im out roaming about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rescu2000 said:
I'm looking for live tracking software. Something that shows the location of another phone on a moving map. I know that there are tons of apps to send coordinates via sms or show it on a web site. What I am looking for is software that shows the other phones location on a map just like a navigation program shows your location. I am assuming that it would use a data connection and that's fine I have unlimited on all three phones. It would be extra cool if it would show my location too. I remember seeing commercials where older (non-PPC phones) would do this.
PS. pay or freeware, it doesn't matter.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try GPSToday (free)
http://www.geoterrestrial.com/
or download straight to your device at http://m.geoterrestrial.com/
After installation you can create a private group from one phone, and invite the other 2 phones to join it. Then all 3 phones can see each others location on the map and also share points of interest/pictures etc, privately.
The group map can also be viewed on the desktop after logging in at the website.
Another GPStoday user here. It also Geotags your photos and you can write log files.
SecretAgentMan said:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google Maps Latitude tracks everybody I have on my friend's list and I use CoPilot Navigator 8 and it has the capability of sending via text right down to the coordinates your location; good enough for me!

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

Looking for a geocaching app

Because simply put, the $11 geocaching app is kinda crap. I'd like to have an overlay on the stock 'maps' app that'll show me the nearby ones, so I can do more than one at a time. Kind of a pain in the arse to do it their way.
www(DOT)geocaching(DOT)com/map/default(DOT)aspx?lat=47.12304&lng=-122.3156
They have a google map available, even. They're not opposed to google integration, they're just a little bastardly about everything.
Help?
c:geo is the answer, it's in the market.
NerfJihad said:
Because simply put, the $11 geocaching app is kinda crap. I'd like to have an overlay on the stock 'maps' app that'll show me the nearby ones, so I can do more than one at a time. Kind of a pain in the arse to do it their way.
www(DOT)geocaching(DOT)com/map/default(DOT)aspx?lat=47.12304&lng=-122.3156
They have a google map available, even. They're not opposed to google integration, they're just a little bastardly about everything.
Help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
c:geo has some uses, but IMO it's too slow to load data (online or GPX) and its main usefulness is if you're caching in an area which you don't already have a Pocket Query for, or for a brand new just published cache you don't have a PQ for.. So for those times I keep it on hand.
My actual caching program is GeOrg. It's $6 but it's well worth it. It's fast as lightning loading GPX, it doesn't slow down when you have 500 or even 1500 entries in a database, you can have many databases to separate out data, and it has great tools built into it, great Maps integration to navigate inside the client, compass is great, and it also has great integration with Google Maps to navigate using the old school 2d overview or using Google Navigator.
FYI for my usage, I tend to make a database per PQ because then I know which to load based on where I am and there's less to scroll through, but you could as easily load all of your PQs into the same DB. I went somewhere over a weekend and loaded up 2300 caches in one DB and there was no noticeable slowdown.
AND... If you load your PQs into bcaching, there is a connector there which you can use to access, so if you really want online on the fly without having GPX on the device you can do it that way OR if you can compile yourself, he provides a completely ready to compile project for a connector directly to geocaching.org to load data directly from their databases, but he won't provide it in binary/apk form to comply with their rules. Either way is still faster than c:geo
And you can of course log or create field notes in the app. There are also some useful solvers built in, you can create waypoints, do offsets (waypoint projection), store databases in internal storage or on SD card, etc.. He also has plans to support Bluetooth GPS directly in his app in the future, but I've found Bluetooth GPS Provider works great for that for increased accuracy and sensitivity vs the internal GPS in my Nexus One.
BTW, I use Tasker to get PQ's onto my phone, but you could do it any number of ways. You could save them from email or whatever works best for you. I've had a system for about 5 years where all of my PQ's arrive at my server and are digested and placed into one central zip file so I download that one file for my "local area" and that's what I typically import when I update the database when going out caching, and I have a larger zip file which contains all the other PQ's that I update when I go to one of those locations. GeOrg can update directly from the zip, or you can point it right at a gpx.
If you're at all serious about Geocaching, GeOrg is the way to go.
If you don't have a premium membership I'd also suggest to use "c:geo" - its free and not that slow as it sounds in khaytsus' post and it provides all the important features, but more userfriendly (my opinion) than "geOrg".
I use it mostly for paperless caching even with parallel use of my Oregon device for exact navigation. But i don't have a pm and the original gc-app is crap (just my opinion, too).
c:geo has an builtin compass as well and uses the google maps client/navigator for map and navigation. It can store caches including notes and waypoints offline, can calculate waypoints ("waypoint projection") and log founds online.
The most awesome feature is the "livemap": it shows the immediate environs around your position with all known caches - with their types and if they're deactivated or not. This map follows your movements, which is interesting for caching tours by car or bike...
The author of the app is providing fixes very fast, sometimes maybe too often, but everytime when it's necessary.
I've tried "Columbus" as well, but it didn't fit my needs and i've found it not as clear as c:geo. But it's worth to try it, too...
so... it has a localized map of geocaches in your surrounding area that'll respond to basic 'zoom' commands, so I can just wander around while bored and do some caches?
...Looking at it, yes. Yes it does. God I love you guys.
I don't have a premium account. Would that prevent the awesomeness that it is from working?
I ask because I'm a tool and I bought the $11 geocaching app thinking it'd add a layer on maps...
khaytsus said:
My actual caching program is GeOrg. It's $6 but it's well worth it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally agree. GeOrg is the best.
sorry man can't help u
mcfisch said:
If you don't have a premium membership I'd also suggest to use "c:geo" - its free and not that slow as it sounds in khaytsus' post and it provides all the important features, but more userfriendly (my opinion) than "geOrg".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's free, and in this scenario, so is Geocaching.org, since you don't have a premium membership. Way to leach.
mcfisch said:
c:geo has an builtin compass as well and uses the google maps client/navigator for map and navigation. It can store caches including notes and waypoints offline, can calculate waypoints ("waypoint projection") and log founds online.
The most awesome feature is the "livemap": it shows the immediate environs around your position with all known caches - with their types and if they're deactivated or not. This map follows your movements, which is interesting for caching tours by car or bike...
The author of the app is providing fixes very fast, sometimes maybe too often, but everytime when it's necessary.
I've tried "Columbus" as well, but it didn't fit my needs and i've found it not as clear as c:geo. But it's worth to try it, too...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All that applies to GeOrg, as I already said But it's much faster. You can not compare the speed at which GeOrg imports GPX vs c:geo importing GPX. Nor can you compare the speed at which GeOrg loads details vs the c:geo load details for nearby caches. Live map functionality is pretty similar, the only difference is that GeOrg doesn't directly provide a feed from geocaching.org since it violates their Terms of Service. They do directly provide a bcaching feed which is pretty much the same. Personally I am a Premium Member so I have GPX and can load up the local caches and go in seconds.
For people who also use GSAK there is a new free app: GDAK on the market.
GeoTag
I noticed that this is an old thread, but for people who are still interested:
I use GeoTag which I took off my SE X10i Mini, a bit of searching will lead you to it.
It looks like google maps with minature versions of your geotagged images overlayed and you can select them to view in gallery
Works good for me but each to thier own!!! )
khaytsus said:
It's free, and in this scenario, so is Geocaching.org, since you don't have a premium membership. Way to leach.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps people want to participate in this hobby without paying a membership. Why should one website have a monopoly on an international hobby?
You don't have to pay!
Just as a note, because it was not mentioned yet...
Did anyone try the combination c:geo and Locus? Perfect for offline caching!!!
Cheers
berkley said:
Just as a note, because it was not mentioned yet...
Did anyone try the combination c:geo and Locus? Perfect for offline caching!!!
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed. Nothing beats C:GEO. The responsiveness of the dev is amazing. Best app on the market, hands down.
LexusBrian400 said:
Agreed. Nothing beats C:GEO. The responsiveness of the dev is amazing. Best app on the market, hands down.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He has to be responsive, he's scraping data and Geocaching.com breaks that every time they update...
Shame that loading GPX data into c:geo wasn't more responsive.
I'll stick with GeOrg, it's extremely fast, flexible, has a LOT more tools for hunting and placing caches built into it, and as I've already mentioned can do On The Fly caching just like c:Geo if you really want that.
GeOrg will also use Locus maps.
tdusen said:
GeOrg will also use Locus maps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that using precached tiles with the Custom Tiilepack map type? Yeah I forgot to mention that, although I use BackCountry Navigator.. Topo and OSM maps, I can't get the sat tiles to view properly, I suspect because they're 512 pixels rather than 256 but not sure.
I need to pester the GeOrg dev about that.

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.

Categories

Resources