Have had HTC7Pro for a few days now and generally impressed.
However;
How exactly are the pushpins in Maps supposed to work?
This site from Microsofts Windows Phone area, http://www.microsoft.com/windowsphone/en-GB/howto/wp7/web/use-maps-to-find-a-place.aspx seems to be the only thing that I can find, here or out on the Web, that isn't related to Developers.
In Google Maps of old, I had around 100 pins stored locally (on the phone rather than up in the cloud or on the wider web) for places all over the UK.
I need this to hand as my work often finds me traveling from and to various repeated locations such as Building Sites, Suppliers and (especially) Guest Houses.
It appears that the only way to have a location stored "on the phone" is to pin it to the Start Screen as a link to Maps. As you can imagine, this is going to be very impractical with that many potential places to store.
Is this the case? I don't really want to have to resort to downloading address information for Hotels (which could be stored in Contacts, I know) and other places of Interest every time I want to get directions in Maps. Building Sites are not generally even available through the Internet due to there very nature. The address for them could be stored as a note in One Note I suppose.
Whatever, all these work arounds are just that. Long Winded and unintuitive. Hopefully I am doing something wrong with the Maps application and some one can point me right. If not, bugger!
Just wanted to say thanks. I didnt even know we had pins in bing maps.
Your welcome, Stillriza, even thoughthe pins are no where near as functional as I would like.
That page you linked is basically the extent of the functionality of Maps at the moment. I don't think there is much more.
I'm waiting for the day when it sync's pins to the cloud, so I can look up stuff online, and jump on my phone and have my saved pines or favorites show up on the map.
Otherwise at the moment, Maps is very basic.
That's what I figured prjkthack.
Basic, however is not an issue for me. I despise "turn by turn" sat nav totally. A 2D map is, in my opinion the way to go. I find that when I arrive at my destination I have some idea in my mind as to where I actually am. This is unlike using turn by turn which, find to be akin to driving down some anonymous "pipe", oblivious to my surroundings.
I do think that Maps looks and generally behaves far better than Google Maps on my Blackstone did, although I admit that this may be largely down to hardware limitations on the older handset.
I just wish the pins were more functional.
Ah well, maybe for the update.
Of possible interest to Orange customers in UK. Their "Orange Maps" app, free from Marketplace but subscription required on most tariffs, addresses the Push Pin issue.
It does have issues of it's own however, when compared to Bing Maps. Not least, as a third party app, it switches itself off when the phone "sleeps" or takes a call, or anything else, and has to go through the start up procedure again to relaunch it. It does offer to recall any ongoing routes however which at least means that you don't have to reset the route every time.
Also, it appears, so far, that it does not allow the phone to go to sleep when it is actually following a route. This is better than Bing maps can manage at the moment.
Related
so if you have been following my previous shortcomings with gps on my touch pro, i have returned igo8, after the tech person at the store tried as many ways as he could to get it to work, and finally came to the conclusion that there was no way for it to work.
I would like to somehow have maps on my phone, since i am in a new city and need direction. I dont have a data plan, as i am on pay as you go for the moment. from what i gather, i can download the maps to an sd card, and be able to see them on my phone, but im not sure what i have to download.
My question is, where can i download european or even world maps, to view on my touch pro, and if possible use gps with this application.
i understand that with a data plan i can use google maps, but what are my options at this point?
thanks again, and i promise as soon as this issue is resolved ill stop posting these , what may be to you, remedial questions.
hope to hear.
where i'm at tomtom is the thing really
but otherwise you can look at this
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=420418&highlight=gps+maps
Google Maps is freeware. It not only connects to GPS satelites for accurate travel info. But even better, when traveling through the middle of no where, your system's cell phone signal (usually GPRS at this point) keeps you in the "general area". I am very satisfied with Google Maps, and since I have Garmins in all of my vehicles, I can say it is rather accurate.
Makes it perfect for when I travel for business!!!
Igo8 works perfectly on the TP but it has to be on one of the most recent updates of the software.
Have you tried searching this forum for threads dealing with Igo8? You should find most of the answers you need.
Alternatively, TT7 works fine, provided that you have made the registry changes to prevent GPS lag.
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.
I Recommend Sygic Aura , looks great , runs smooth as well
You can download it free and trial it for 7 days.
When you first run the app you download (via wifi) your needed maps to your Memory/SD Card
http://www.sygic.com/index.php/en/how-to-buy.html
Navigon seems to be pretty good. You can get it for free in some cases if your SIM ID is one recognised as being eligible (Telstra AU works to get the Australia/NZ version). Otherwise it's 50 euro or somesuch.
the standard one seems to work perfectly
I am using Co Pilot Live. Its amazing..
kormath said:
I am using Co Pilot Live. Its amazing..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
CoPilot is really great )
The new maps 5.0 are is far away the best
Yes, the new Google Maps Navigation with maps 5.0 is awesome. I have a fairly new (last year) standalone Navigon Device in my car, but the Google Nav beats it hands down.
Except, of course, when you leave your service area or otherwise lose your data connection, at which point Google Nav simply stops working altogether.
ResonanceZero said:
Except, of course, when you leave your service area or otherwise lose your data connection, at which point Google Nav simply stops working altogether.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not any more. Since that last update it caches quite a bit, I think. Drove to my parents in the mountains of eastern Switzerland over Christmas and never once had it stop working, even though there's some pretty decent sized areas without good coverage along the way.
Hrm. I'll have to give it another test, then. I had abysmal luck with it, but that was before the 5.0 release.
I thought you cannot get the new navigation (direction) when you are offline with map 5.0. I like cache feature but I would like offline navigation, especially when I travel Canada where I have to pay roaming if I want to use data.
I use Navigon and its great with all maps on SD. It also integrates google search as a bonus, and its free in Aus and NZ for Gtab and Galaxy S.
Question about Google Navigation cache:
If you set it to cache in settings and then plan a route ie, at home using wifi, does that mean you can turn off data in your car and it will still navigate that route?
Do you think it will soon be possible to DL (cache?) a whole town or city?, or even Country? If so it will make all other Navigation software practically obsolete.
I played with this a little today. There doesn't appear to be any way to control the cache size or behavior in the settings (other than clearing it), but I set up both a short and a long route and then simulated a disconnect and kept browsing. To my surprise, even the detail maps that I had previously inspected were retained, though of course any area I hadn't previously examined closely remained blurry when I passed over it. Out of curiosity, I turned the satellite layer on and even got a few tiles of that out of the cache.
Pre-caching map-only (non-satellite) view for an entire city at fine detail is perfectly possible, and a long-distance overview (I tried an east coast to west coast route) will also stay in cache, as long as you're careful to let every on-screen tile load at the desired zoom level before swiping onward. I'm not sure how much satellite data you can shoehorn in before it starts dropping things, though. I need to keep playing with it.
check out waze its a sochial gps and free
its only as good as the users make it but in areas where there are allot of users its very good
www.waze.com or market
PS works also on other platforms not just android
ResonanceZero said:
I played with this a little today. There doesn't appear to be any way to control the cache size or behavior in the settings (other than clearing it), but I set up both a short and a long route and then simulated a disconnect and kept browsing. To my surprise, even the detail maps that I had previously inspected were retained, though of course any area I hadn't previously examined closely remained blurry when I passed over it. Out of curiosity, I turned the satellite layer on and even got a few tiles of that out of the cache.
Pre-caching map-only (non-satellite) view for an entire city at fine detail is perfectly possible, and a long-distance overview (I tried an east coast to west coast route) will also stay in cache, as long as you're careful to let every on-screen tile load at the desired zoom level before swiping onward. I'm not sure how much satellite data you can shoehorn in before it starts dropping things, though. I need to keep playing with it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So your saying aslong as you dont clear the cache any maps that youve seen will stay there?
What a tedious task tho to browse an entire state lol
Well, obviously you can't grow beyond your available space (which is forced to be the internal sdcard and cannot be moved to the external sdcard), and I suspect Google Maps will start trimming much earlier than that, but I'm currently caching 109MB worth of map images on Google Maps, and everything I've looked at so far has stuck.
It would indeed be quite tedious to manually browse an entire state, but I'm guessing it would be somewhat less so to browse in detail just the towns around a planned route. It may be possible to use Mobile Atlas Creator to pre-cache tiles on a desktop computer and then transfer them to the sdcard, but I'd have to spend some time investigating it.
The Google Maps cache is stored in /sdcard/Android/data/com.google.android.apps.maps/cache, and has filenames somewhat like "cache_vts_GMM.6".
As a followup to this, after more testing it appears that the cache size is locked at 120MB. Once I get up to that point, it deletes out 5-10MB. I *think* it's preferentially culling satellite imagery over maps, but I'm not absolutely sure. To be safe, if you're prepping for a long trip, do your browsing with all layers turned off.
I am in Finland, and my tabs Google Maps Navigation is not yet available in this location. Very disappointing.
I have downloaded Waze, but found that there aren't enough user's over here as yet, so the roads are non-existent. Also the map editing program is rubbish, and I haven't figured out how I can get the updated information onto my Tab?
Found a few other so called free one's on the android market, one called NDrive, but first it want's to install a huge amount of data and then they want me to buy the maps (which probably is another horrendous amount of data).
I am really disappointed though that the Google Maps Navigation doesn't work. That was one thing why I bought the tab, as I don't have a sat nav in my car. Does anyone know of any solutions?
You should try Copilot - works really good on Tab. Also Aura works well, but Copilot has better routing.
In fact it works great on Galaxy Tab, eventuali though so dos google navigator
Does anyone on here use COPILOT LIVE 8 USA? I have some issues and I wonder if anyone else can add some comments as to how to resolve? I have sent these to COPILOT SUPPORT but no response yet.. I am hoping to get all of these resolved:
1. I am alerted that I am at my destination BEFORE I actually get there. It also doesn’t tell me LEFT or right or ahead is my destination. Can this be resolved?
2. I tested 2 addresses today with COPILOT and a GARMIN GPS. The Garmin was dead on while COPILOT was lost and had be going in circles. This was while I was in a development with a LOT of little side streets. Can this be fixed?
3. when you get to your destination, it doesn’t give you the option to CLEAR the route. It asks me what I want to do but if I close the BOX, since I don’t want to do any of that, it keeps the route I am on. I noticed this as I use COPILOT to get home. Then today, I turned on copilot and it still said it was running the route to my house. I couldn’t find any way to clear it except to delete next stop. Then it cleared the route. I also see no way to click CANCEL ROUTE if you decide you don’t want to navigate to where you set. My Garmin has an "X" that I can hit to cancel route.
4. Program is missing a LOT of POI's .. For instance, I was sitting in a parking lot of WAL-MART which has been there for many years. It didn’t know this Wal-Mart existed. It did know about other ones nearby but not this one. Same with TARGET, I was sitting in a target parking lot and it didn’t know target was there.
5. Routing is wrong on some trips.. Sometimes it will tell me to turn left when you can't or when LEFT is the completely wrong way to go. How to fix?
6. I entered in SPEED TRAP DATA but it NEVER alerts me to any of them. I said YES to the fact I was importing SPEED TRAP data but it never did anything.. MEANWHILE, my Garmin did alert me.
7. It would be nice if I could pull addresses out of my EVO 4G address book so I don’t have to re-type them in and also if you could do voice entry of the data Like GOOGLE and SPRINT navigation already do.
8. It appears the maps are SEVERAL YEARS out of date. How do I get updated maps?
9. If I want to select a POI to travel to... I select the category, then pick my POI or type in the name.. Lets say WALMART. Then I find the walmart but then decide that wasn’t what I wanted. I then hit my back arrow on my phone and select a different category or maybe just type in a different name of a POI. When I then search for the new one, it brings me to the orig category and POI and NOT the new one. I have to completely back out back the main screen of copilot and then start over with finding a POI. I have to do this every time..
I hope someone can help resolve these issues... Thanks...
1. CoPilot alerts you with an audible alert slightly before the exact destination. I don't know why. But there is no fix for it, as I doubt they consider it a problem. CoPilot does not tell you that the destination is on the left or right. If you look closely on the map though for the destination flag, it will be drawn on the left or right side of the road. You can tell from that.
2. Read the review in the Android Market and Apple App Store for ALK's products in the US. ALK' maps are notoriously bad and out of date. They try and do their maps in-house instead of buying them from Navteq or TeleAtlas. As a result, customers suffer, but you also pay less.
3. ALK has known about this issue for a LONG time. I personally have sent the issue to them a year ago. The only way to cancel the route is to select the "remove next waypoint" option, or something to that effect, don't recall the exact name.
4. Same issue as the maps. They are bad. Try using the Google Search instead of the POI search within the app.
5. Buy a different app. The maps are bad, these are the repercussions of that.
6. Traffic camera alert functionality works. I have used it in the past. Don't say what you did wrong, but that function does work.
7. Don't hold your breath.
8. You don't. The maps are what they are. You can submit errors and they will correct them within 45 days supposedly. But when you are starting with maps as bad as they are, you'd be submitting problems every time you use the product.
9. Can't help you with that one.
dahauss said:
Does anyone on here use COPILOT LIVE 8 USA? I have some issues and I wonder if anyone else can add some comments as to how to resolve? I have sent these to COPILOT SUPPORT but no response yet.. I am hoping to get all of these resolved:
1. I am alerted that I am at my destination BEFORE I actually get there. It also doesn’t tell me LEFT or right or ahead is my destination. Can this be resolved?
2. I tested 2 addresses today with COPILOT and a GARMIN GPS. The Garmin was dead on while COPILOT was lost and had be going in circles. This was while I was in a development with a LOT of little side streets. Can this be fixed?
3. when you get to your destination, it doesn’t give you the option to CLEAR the route. It asks me what I want to do but if I close the BOX, since I don’t want to do any of that, it keeps the route I am on. I noticed this as I use COPILOT to get home. Then today, I turned on copilot and it still said it was running the route to my house. I couldn’t find any way to clear it except to delete next stop. Then it cleared the route. I also see no way to click CANCEL ROUTE if you decide you don’t want to navigate to where you set. My Garmin has an "X" that I can hit to cancel route.
4. Program is missing a LOT of POI's .. For instance, I was sitting in a parking lot of WAL-MART which has been there for many years. It didn’t know this Wal-Mart existed. It did know about other ones nearby but not this one. Same with TARGET, I was sitting in a target parking lot and it didn’t know target was there.
5. Routing is wrong on some trips.. Sometimes it will tell me to turn left when you can't or when LEFT is the completely wrong way to go. How to fix?
6. I entered in SPEED TRAP DATA but it NEVER alerts me to any of them. I said YES to the fact I was importing SPEED TRAP data but it never did anything.. MEANWHILE, my Garmin did alert me.
7. It would be nice if I could pull addresses out of my EVO 4G address book so I don’t have to re-type them in and also if you could do voice entry of the data Like GOOGLE and SPRINT navigation already do.
8. It appears the maps are SEVERAL YEARS out of date. How do I get updated maps?
9. If I want to select a POI to travel to... I select the category, then pick my POI or type in the name.. Lets say WALMART. Then I find the walmart but then decide that wasn’t what I wanted. I then hit my back arrow on my phone and select a different category or maybe just type in a different name of a POI. When I then search for the new one, it brings me to the orig category and POI and NOT the new one. I have to completely back out back the main screen of copilot and then start over with finding a POI. I have to do this every time..
I hope someone can help resolve these issues... Thanks...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Is there any app like copilot live usa that works? I love the features of copilot over google and sprint navigation. actually it would be nice if I could find and app similar to copilot and my garmin rolled into one.
Sent from my EVO4G using Tapatalk.
What about the navigon app?
edit- apparently navigon is also bad. is there any good paid navigation app?
Sent from my EVO4G using Tapatalk.
I wouldn't say that Navigon is bad. It is just very v1.0 as far as features goes. Biggest issue is that there is no app2sd. It is Navteq data so it is as good as it gets from that perspective. They have yet to announce a map update policy either.
dahauss said:
What about the navigon app?
edit- apparently navigon is also bad. is there any good paid navigation app?
Sent from my EVO4G using Tapatalk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does it work in USA? I dont see USA maps talked abut on their site..
Yes, Navigon has a US app.
tried Navigon and it stinks. WHILE the maps and routing is better and traffic seems to be included, its missing a lot of things that copilot does.. the POI icons on navigon and the map as so small you cant read anything while driving. AND in 3D mode, there are NO STREET NAMES. You also can not see a list of directions so you do not know what route is is taking you on. It DOES have some nice features though, but NOT at $61.00 .. My issue now, is trying to get a refund since it took almost 2 hours to download maps which is more then the 15 minute time limit. In fact, once I tested the program for 10 minutes driving I decided COPILOT, even with some of its flaws is better ... M probably have to call credit card company to get refund...
is there ANY program that is worthy of buying for a navigation program? or do I stick to my old garmin?
Your main options are Google Navigation, CoPilot, Navigon or Sprint Navigation. I've used them all. I also have a Garmin 885t and a TomTom 740 Live. I've owned about 6 other devices over the years. I can tell you that Google Navigation is my primary GPS at this point. I like it a lot. I miss nothing from my Garmin. I only miss the ability to detour specific segments of the route from TomTom. I miss nothing from Sprint Navigation. I deleted Navigon. It took way too much room and didn't have app2sd. I have CoPilot installed as a backup should I not have a connection to use Google Navigation. I will remove it and reinstall Navigon if it ever gets app2sd.
im rooted so I was able to put NAVIGON on the SD card. I just dont like some things, which I mentioned. Im actually trying another program that has a 7 day trial and is free from the market for the trial. Its called AURA. it says it uses the latest TOM TOM MAPS.. I ASSUME they are up to date. it also has traffic and other stuff.. Looks good on the web sites BUT I havent tested it yet as I am downloading some of the maps. this program also supports APP2SD without the trick I did for navigon..
so I am playing with AURA but It appears it doesnt speak street names.. thats a deal breaker... I have a support request in to see if it actually does this. I hope it does. it is one heck of a nice program... IM using the USA version
EDIT: Looks like it doesnt speak street names.. I have a support question to ask about this. This program would be AWESOME if it did. its got the NEWEST TOM TOM MAPS and it does almost everything I want. the NON SPEAKING STREET NAMES is a DEAL BREAKER.. I hope they answer my question and fix that issue...
For a while now I've been like many other drivers, constantly fighting the urge to respond to every beep, blip and flashing light on my phone while driving. Working in IT, I have an "on call" position, and I've found that the urge to respond to every alert, IM and email I get is hard to resist despite my best intentions. More and more, I find I have to force myself to keep my eyes on the road, and not on whatever fan or cpu alert has popped up in the data center. I keep having to tell myself "it can wait til I get there".
So I had an idea for an app that would fix this problem once and for all. Basically, it would use GPS to detect movement and any time it went past a set speed, say 10 MPH it would instantly lock your phone to a non interactive screen and block all alerts, possibly even sending automated responses like "Can't talk now, I'm on the road. I'll contact you when I get there". Brilliant. Simple. Safe.
So after doing a little digging, it looks like a European Car Insurance company, Esure (not to be confused with eSurance here in the US) created EXACTLY that app. It's called DriveOFF, and the last known iterations of which seem to have disappeared from the play store about 2 years ago. What I can't figure out is why every trace of the app seems to have been eradicated from the face of the planet. It's been removed from the Play Store, and I can't even find it as an .apk download on any of the shady app sites floating around the web. I guess there's not a whole lot of demand for apps that make your safer among the seedy, side of the Internet with questionable legality. But as far as I can tell, DriveOFF somehow violated Google's design criteria and thus was pulled from the Play Store. If that is the case, it really is a shame that a legal loophole has destroyed an app that should (in my honest opinion) be the STANDARD behavior for all smart phones, period. On the other hand, I know that when I am driving, if I see a billboard or something that catches my attention, I'm frequently tempted to Google it. I'd hate to even consider that Google would place more value on ad revenue generated by reckless driving than on the health and safety of it's users. But that certainly is worth consideration...
So, I am BEGGING. If ANYONE happens to have this app or knows where I can still get it, please feel free to contact me.
EDIT:
Okay, so after doing some more digging I was able to find that the app was in fact available on the app store perhaps as recently as January of 2014. It seems as though the rights to the app were handed over from the Esure Insurance Company to a non-profit organization based out of Surrey, UK called "Safe Drive, Stay Alive" or "safedrivesurrey.org"
http://www.esure.com/media_centre/safe_drive_stay_alive.html
I've contacted both Esure and Safedrive in order to try and track this app down.