Database Info

GPS Functionality

I'm using Google Maps without a data connection (don't have one and don't want one). I've installed GPS Test to activate the GPS chip. When I turn wifi off, Google Maps starts acting flakey.
A few questions:
Does the Google maps .cab actually load the map detail to my device?
Here's my big question:
Is is possible for me to drive around and watch my progress with just the GPS chip and Google Maps (or Window Live Search)? If not, the GPS seems useless to me, correct?
Thanks

Both programs require data connection for use. If you want gps software that does not require data connection try tom tom for pocket pc.

So I need to spend $100 more to make any use of the GPS while on the road? Is there anything it's useful for without a data plan or additional software?

alpruss said:
So I need to spend $100 more to make any use of the GPS while on the road? Is there anything it's useful for without a data plan or additional software?
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Considering that there is no software on the world that fulfills your wishes regarding GPS I'd say that yes, there is nothing useful without a data plan or aditional software.
In hungary for example HTC TP is sold together with IGO8. If you'd get one of those TP's then yes, you would have had a TP which did not require anything to work as you want it.

At least yours gets signal. I just got a FUZE yesterday and TomTom 6 wont grab freakin signal... Nor will LIVE Maps... It sucks!

Have you installed GPS test? This piece of software seems to activate the GPS chip in your phone. I would be curious to know if TomTom works after running this.

alpruss said:
Have you installed GPS test? This piece of software seems to activate the GPS chip in your phone. I would be curious to know if TomTom works after running this.
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I just posted this thread... I found a tool that seemed to do just that...
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=461786
Is that the one you are refering to?

Yep, that's the one, GPSTest. It was all I needed to activate my chip.
Are you saying I could install TomTom 6 now and be able to do what I originally wanted to do from my first post?

Thats what im doing now.... gunna test it later today...

Do you have a link for the TomTom product you are using?

It's just TomTom Navigator 6.... I bought it a while back for my Tilt...

Nah, forget it. If I have to shell out $100+ more to load up and slow down my fuze, I'm not interested. Might as well buy an actual TomTom or Garmin device with better functionality for less. Very disappointing that the GPS chip seems to be absolutely useless to me...

There are already other GPS threads, TomTom, Igo, Google Maps, Windows Maps, etc threads. Not need for this one. Thread closed. Please don't open redundant threads.

GPS Questions for Fuze

I am curious if it is possible to use the built in GPS without a data plan.
I know that the QuickGPS (which keeps reminding me to download new data) makes use of the cell towers for downloading, but I was curious if I could, say, use Google Maps or TomTom or something.
IE, download the map software through the WiFi connection, and then just use the GPS (bypassing the cell towers).

espais said:
I am curious if it is possible to use the built in GPS without a data plan.
I know that the QuickGPS (which keeps reminding me to download new data) makes use of the cell towers for downloading, but I was curious if I could, say, use Google Maps or TomTom or something.
IE, download the map software through the WiFi connection, and then just use the GPS (bypassing the cell towers).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you could use tomtom or igo without using data. google won't work without data though.

mr.jaguar said:
you could use tomtom or igo without using data. google won't work without data though.
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Click to collapse
to expand on this, google doesn't have hte maps downloaded to your phone. the other two actually store the maps on the phone (memory card) so it doesn't need to use data to download the maps. the actual gps chip does not use data as it communicates with gps satellites to triangulate your position. The only problem with these programs is that htey cost money, so if you're willing to drop some cash, then you have your solution.

Is there a way of using GPS without media net?

My friend has the LG incite and run windows mobile. He has no media net, but is able to use gps just by using gpsgate and then the tom tom program. i was wondering if there is a way for us on the FUZE to do the same?

SEARCH SEARCH SEARCHH!! <<--- IDK why people don't use the search when we have it!!
all you have to do is turn off the AGPS in your settings. (Go to Start > Settings > System > AGPS Settings) and make sure Enable AGPS is NOT checked. You now have GPS without using your MediaNet!

Definitely did not work for me... Are there any other settings that I need? I turned off AGPS and went to my google maps and tom tom and can't get it to work.

.....google maps REQUIRES the internet to work, whether it's WiFi or MediaNet some sort fo internet is needed.
...as per TomTom it should work. I used to do it all the time until i actually got the data plan for myself.

See i don't want to get the data plan because its just for something I will use once in a blue moon. I just wanna have GPS in case I need it some time

okay...so TomTom or any other navigation software will work as long as you have the maps on your storage card...

I gotta wait till I get my phone back, but can anyone tell me if this works? (People without media Net of course) From my understanding it'll keep saying that its looking for a connection and can't get one.

not sure what "media net" is assuming it's some sort of isp
but gps don't require gprs or even a phone part to work
mind you most these gps's dont work indoors you have to be outside
or in a car and have a working tomtom set correctly up or gamin or any
other gps software suite

Media Net is ATT data plan they call it media net. Everytime I try connecting GPS it seems like its trying to use a data plan and since I shut it off by calling up ATT it seems like my phone is only trying to go through ATT and saying no connection

tomtom and gamin gps software should not use a data connection at all
if of cause the install include the cards of where one is located
the same software is run on pda's with gps but no phone
like many of the mio pda's

if your using some PirateBay copy of Tomtom or Garmin then you need to check the tags. Raphael is not a smartphone it's a PPC.
Advanced config take off aGPS.
MoDaCo nodata.cab
otherwise get garmin i've had very few problems once i figured out how to copy my maps from my c550 to my phone.

whats the point of having a phone as powerful as the touch pro if you aren't gonna pay for a data plan? thats like a car with no gas

FatalCharade said:
whats the point of having a phone as powerful as the touch pro if you aren't gonna pay for a data plan? thats like a car with no gas
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albeit i do have a data plan, i debated it for a while when i realized i was spending 80-90 hours a week in the hospital which has wifi and so does the fuze....given the limited time out of wifi spots, i almost went without it.... but then chose to go with it for those times when i'm not in wifi spots...

Try Amaze Gps....turn by turn gps...and it doesnt use data....and best of all its free!!

amAze needs the user to have a data plan in order for it to operate. similar to google maps

Are these limitations of CDMA, or just the Sprint version? Any way to correct them?

So I just got the Sprint version of the Touch Pro 2. Much to my surprise, it is lacking some functionality of its GSM counterpart.
#1: The Sprint dialer screen has a "Hold" button where the GSM version has an "Add Call" button. It sure was nice being able to instantly and easily conference in 1 or more other parties into a call.
#2: Bing and Google Maps can't instantly detect my position on this Sprint version the way they do on the GSM version. If I go into settings and use GPS to get the location, I have to wait a few minutes for the GPS to locate me. On the GSM version it finds you (presumably by using the cell towers) within about 5 seconds of you opening the app. The "Locate Me" option in Bing is actually greyed out when installing it on the Sprint Touch Pro 2. Is there any way to get this functionality?
#3: This one is not as big of a deal, but the weather app doesn't know where I am. On the GSM version, the weather sets itself to the correct city automatically. You can add another city if you like, but it automatically picks up your current city. I don't care about this one too much, but it would be nice. The other 2 (no "Add Call" and no "Locate Me") are borderline deal breakers for me.
Are these limitations just part of the Sprint ROM, or are they limitations of the CDMA technology itself? If this is a limitation of CDMA itself, then that is a major dissapointment to me. In fact, had I know about this beforehand I probably would have never left AT&T for Sprint. I got caught up in the cheaper pricing, and saw the Sprint version had a 3.5mm jack, but I wasn't aware I would have to give up my Bing/Google Maps and conference calling.
If this is a limitation in CDMA itself, then how on earth can anyone claim this is better than GSM? And also, if this is a limitation of CDMA itself, does anyone know what I would need to do in order to reverse this and port my numbers back to AT&T? Is that even possible or would I have to open a new account? Or if I port to T-Mobile, how long do i have to wait for Sprint to give me a refund on the 4 Touch Pro 2's I just bought?
I guess not too many people have owned the GSM version and the CDMA version, so you don't really see posts mentioning this stuff before you buy the CDMA version. After using the GSM version for several months, I don't know if I can give these features up.

#2 - I click locate me and am found nearly instantly. Takes about 5 seconds for the app to open and gps signal to be acquired. With quick gps it is much quicker.
I know nothing about #1 or #3 sorry.

gsuhr03 said:
#2 - I click locate me and am found nearly instantly. Takes about 5 seconds for the app to open and gps signal to be acquired. With quick gps it is much quicker.
I know nothing about #1 or #3 sorry.
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Click to collapse
You have a "Locate Me" option in Bing? What is your GPS set to in Bing's settings menu? I am not getting a locate me option...

I don't know about the conference calling or weather, neither really matter to me, but I can too attest (with Telus at least) that the GPS for Google Maps works very quickly.
Note that, as with any GPS, the first time you acquire a lock it will take a while. Subsequent locks should be much quicker.

As far as the GPS in google, try using the HTC supplied Quick GPS to get the most recent GPS info for your phone, it makes aquiring a signal a lot faster, also you can leave GPS on constantly if you like but it kills the battery the same way leaving bluetooth or wifi on does...
I dont think CDMA is limited o conference call, just not a built in part of the sprint dialer.I didn't even notice it until you brought it up but it's not really a concern for me. I'm sure that once the phone unlocker is out conference calling will be built into a lot of the ROMs people are cooking up...
For the weather I haven't seen an auto location update for CDMA, I haven't used the GSM model so it is interesting to hear that has it, another possible ROM tweak once the unlocker is available.
I will be upgrading my sprint tp2 to have the hd2 or "leo" sense ui which does have the location weather and a lot of other newer things, maybe even conference calling... But if you are not into flashing your phone maybe someone has made or is working on conference call and/or gps weather fix. Goodluck!

SaltyDawg said:
You have a "Locate Me" option in Bing? What is your GPS set to in Bing's settings menu? I am not getting a locate me option...
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Click to collapse
in the Bing main menu go to map, and on the maps menu there is an option called, "Track me using GPS", that will put the map onto your location and also allow you to search from your location... alternately on the Bing main menu there is a small line above the icon menu that says "Change Location", click on that then click on "Current GPS"... two different ways to search from your location but by using the map version is does track you as long as you have it selected...

#1: CDMA is limited to 2 calls at once, so you can conference call, but the system requires you to put the first call on hold, then place the second call for conference. It is not as robust as the GSM in this way.
#2: Look for a program called Quick GPS and enable it to download automatically. It will give your GPS an update every week that will assist in speeding up your lock. On my Sprint TP2 I get a lock within 5-10 seconds even indoors!
#3: no idea.

colorado_al said:
#1: CDMA is limited to 2 calls at once, so you can conference call, but the system requires you to put the first call on hold, then place the second call for conference. It is not as robust as the GSM in this way.
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Really? Considering that everything is done telco-side why would there be that limitation?

Re 2 call limit, I don't know the details but that is what I have seen posted here.

Revelation6VIII said:
in the Bing main menu go to map, and on the maps menu there is an option called, "Track me using GPS", that will put the map onto your location and also allow you to search from your location... alternately on the Bing main menu there is a small line above the icon menu that says "Change Location", click on that then click on "Current GPS"... two different ways to search from your location but by using the map version is does track you as long as you have it selected...
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Yeah, I know it works if I have it locate me using the GPS. The problem is, that takes several minutes to get a GPS lock and you can forget about getting a lock indoors.
It seems that Google Maps does indeed work. I just figured it wouldn't because Bing and the weather didn't. But it does. The problem with Google Maps is it is nowhere near as good as Bing.
If you open Google Maps though, notice how it locates you within about 5 seconds or so, even when you are in a basement. That is also what Bing does on a GSM phone.
With Bing being so much better than Google Maps, I would think that it would have full functionality on a WIndows Mobile phone. Especially when Google Maps does have full functionality on the same Windows Mobile phone.
If any of you have access to Microsoft communities, please voice to them that we want Bing to work on the Sprint Touch Pro 2. This is the 3rd largest carrier in the USA, and it is their flagship Windows Mobile phone. Not only that, but Google Maps actually works fine on the same phone, same carrier.

SaltyDawg said:
Yeah, I know it works if I have it locate me using the GPS. The problem is, that takes several minutes to get a GPS lock and you can forget about getting a lock indoors.
It seems that Google Maps does indeed work. I just figured it wouldn't because Bing and the weather didn't. But it does. The problem with Google Maps is it is nowhere near as good as Bing.
If you open Google Maps though, notice how it locates you within about 5 seconds or so, even when you are in a basement. That is also what Bing does on a GSM phone.
With Bing being so much better than Google Maps, I would think that it would have full functionality on a WIndows Mobile phone. Especially when Google Maps does have full functionality on the same Windows Mobile phone.
If any of you have access to Microsoft communities, please voice to them that we want Bing to work on the Sprint Touch Pro 2. This is the 3rd largest carrier in the USA, and it is their flagship Windows Mobile phone. Not only that, but Google Maps actually works fine on the same phone, same carrier.
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I have not had any issue getting a signal using the bing software, I have my phone set to auto download the most recent GPS info using HTC's quick gps, that helps a lot with aquiring a signal in any software...

Revelation6VIII said:
I have not had any issue getting a signal using the bing software, I have my phone set to auto download the most recent GPS info using HTC's quick gps, that helps a lot with aquiring a signal in any software...
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Yeah, I have my quick gps set to auto download too.
I should clarify here...
Tom Tom 7 works fine on my phone. So my GPS is working. Heck, Bing even works if I tell it to find my current location using GPS. Those programs take a few minutes to get a GPS lock though, and will never get a GPS lock if you are in a basement.
Google Maps has my location within about 5 seconds of me opening it- even if I am in a basement. Most of the time Google Maps already has my location by the time the app opens. It uses the cell towers to get your location.
Bing works the same way on a GSM phone. You tap the icon to open it, and it has your position already by the time the app opens. At the most, it will only take 5 seconds or so to locate you- even if you are indoors, in a basement.
You can also go into the settings of Google Maps and tell it to use your GPS, This takes longer than the cell tower location, but gives a more accurate reading. This is aparently the only way to use Bing on a Sprint Touch Pro 2.

On Verizon, Bing works just as fast for me as Google maps. The auto update weather is a function of the version of Touchflo 3d that is shipping with Windows Mobile 6.5 on the A&T phone.you are not going to see it on the Sprint phone until Sprint or the hacking community get that phone updated. For Sprint, their CEO is saying the beginning of 2010. For Verizon, we are hoping in the next couple of weeks.

Techitrucker said:
On Verizon, Bing works just as fast for me as Google maps. The auto update weather is a function of the version of Touchflo 3d that is shipping with Windows Mobile 6.5 on the A&T phone.you are not going to see it on the Sprint phone until Sprint or the hacking community get that phone updated. For Sprint, their CEO is saying the beginning of 2010. For Verizon, we are hoping in the next couple of weeks.
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Click to collapse
FYI, the weather app I was talking about is on the Unlocked European version, running the stock WM 6.1 (WWE) and I used it on AT&T in the USA.
As for the Bing, I did some searching after I started this thread, and I found this- posted by a Microsoft rep on 9-21-2009, on a Microsoft owned forum:
http://social.microsoft.com/Forums/.../thread/1a253558-b033-48da-9158-d45b618a6cd2/
"In case this might also help: The Bing team has been tracking and isolating this issue. They reported to me today that Bing does not work with CDMA at this time but they are continuing to investigate what they can do including collaboration with carriers. Note that some CDMA carriers lock GPS/Locate Me for 911 use only, hence some of this limitation issue."
So if yours is working as fast as your Google Maps, you probably have issues with your Google Maps too...

It would be far to easy to say that Microsoft sucks.... but come-on... they've known about issues with finding people on CDMA for months now and there is no sign of a fix. Google can lock on to a CDMA signal and give an approximate location - Why can't Bing?
The market for smartphones was Microsoft's to lose and they have done a marvelous job of doing just that. How can companys with much less resources put forward the amazing operating systems like Apple, Palm and Google and even Nokia, while MS just sits on its hands and loses its market. My next phone will NOT be a Windows phone.

seamus24 said:
It would be far to easy to say that Microsoft sucks.... but come-on... they've known about issues with finding people on CDMA for months now and there is no sign of a fix. Google can lock on to a CDMA signal and give an approximate location - Why can't Bing?
The market for smartphones was Microsoft's to lose and they have done a marvelous job of doing just that. How can companys with much less resources put forward the amazing operating systems like Apple, Palm and Google and even Nokia, while MS just sits on its hands and loses its market. My next phone will NOT be a Windows phone.
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I just hope they get it together. There is no reason why Google Maps should be getting tower location info and Bing can't.

The Imagio that I played with had the Location Weather just like my cooked TP, so I'm guessing you just need to wait for a new ROM. Also, you can hack in a ROM but you can't hack in a 3.5mm jack

i think hes talking about the cell tower triangulation that GSM can do which soon as u get a data connection its finds ur position instantly withing something like 2300meters. im not sure if CDMA can do that. but it is useful somewhat if u dont have a GPS signal it gives u a general location or can search for things nearby

It's called Assisted GPS and both GPRS and CDMA can do it. Telus' CDMA is within 1200ft or 800ft from experience depending on the number of towers it can see.

Telek said:
It's called Assisted GPS and both GPRS and CDMA can do it. Telus' CDMA is within 1200ft or 800ft from experience depending on the number of towers it can see.
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It may technically be possible for CDMA to do it, but the Bing app can't do it on CDMA devices. This is a known limitation that a Microsoft rep posted about over on the Bing forums...

GPS Works with GoogleMaps but not Sprint Nav???

So I've looked for a fix for hours for this...here is the issue:
I have sprint and rely on my GPS every now and then, but Sprint Navigation is being stupid...never had an issue with my Touch Pro, but it doesn't work on my Touch Pro 2. When I try to get directions, it searches for a GPS signal and loads in 10% increments and when it gets to 100% it says I have a weak signal. Sometimes if I keep doing that for 5-10 minutes it'll finally go through, but it is sooo annoying. I thought the issue was my GPS, but after doing the GPS fix on PPC geeks to improve GPS speed, it still didn't work. Then I downloaded GoogleMaps and it locked onto my location in seconds...I have a friend with a Touch Pro 2 on sprint with the same issue so I'm sure we aren't the only 2 having this happen.
Is there a fix to this? Google Maps is ok, but I would much rather have turn by turn directions...

I would try going to:
Start -> Tools -> QuickGPS
I have found that not running QuickGPS every now and then makes the GPS very fluky.

I have tried this, it doesn't work. The problem isn't with the actual GPS. It works fine on google maps, or with the new weather tab on the touch flo screen with WM 6.5 that uses GPS to find the weather for where you are at that moment. It's just with Sprint Nav it doesn't work. Ima try an older version of sprint nav for the first touch pro and see if that works.
EDIT: Ok, so I installed an older version of Sprint Navigation that was for the Touch Pro, and it still didn't work. Ugh, this stinks...c'mon smart guys, any ideas??

Between Google maps and the new "BING" (wonderful) I don't know why you would even want to bother with Sprint Nav.

pelermon said:
Between Google maps and the new "BING" (wonderful) I don't know why you would even want to bother with Sprint Nav.
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Click to collapse
yeah...
i tried sprint nav, so stupid

wizholt7 said:
So I've looked for a fix for hours for this...here is the issue:
I have sprint and rely on my GPS every now and then, but Sprint Navigation is being stupid...never had an issue with my Touch Pro, but it doesn't work on my Touch Pro 2. When I try to get directions, it searches for a GPS signal and loads in 10% increments and when it gets to 100% it says I have a weak signal. Sometimes if I keep doing that for 5-10 minutes it'll finally go through, but it is sooo annoying. I thought the issue was my GPS, but after doing the GPS fix on PPC geeks to improve GPS speed, it still didn't work. Then I downloaded GoogleMaps and it locked onto my location in seconds...I have a friend with a Touch Pro 2 on sprint with the same issue so I'm sure we aren't the only 2 having this happen.
Is there a fix to this? Google Maps is ok, but I would much rather have turn by turn directions...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
R u on a stock rom or no. If no, then try running sprint provisioning.

Yes I am on the wm6.5 sprint rom. Google maps is ok but imo voice guided turn by turn directions, and moreso the moving map that shows u where u are as u travel is far superior to google maps. Is there another alternative to sprint nav that has these features? As far as I can figure out google is just like mapquest except it can zero in on ur position. And I don't know anything about bing's gps thing...

try bing it is free. sprint nav is pretty worthless in my opinion. Otherwise use garmin xt

Oooook, so it appears that quick GPS was the culprit. The settings were off, and it wasn't set to download the maps when it downloaded updates (kind of defeats the purpose of having the app if it doesn't help the GPS any, huh?). I had updated the quickGPS but didn't check the settings before. Funny that googleMaps worked without the use of QuickGPS but SprintNav didn't. I suppose google maps has it's own utility for that within the app itself. Anyway, thanks for the input and help, I'm so glad to have my Sprint Nav back!
Don't know if the Mods wanna keep this thread open, but it is resolved.