mango turn by turn navigation - Windows Phone 7 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

Is the turn by turn working properly for you guys? If i want directions read to me, i have to tap the screen. Just wondering if this is like this for everyone, if so it must just be part of the beta. or maybe it's has something to do with the fact that i'm in canada...

A Dustman said:
Is the turn by turn working properly for you guys? If i want directions read to me, i have to tap the screen. Just wondering if this is like this for everyone, if so it must just be part of the beta. or maybe it's has something to do with the fact that i'm in canada...
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That's how it works. It does not automatically read to you. You tap anywhere on the screen to have it talk. An different implementation.

well that's kinda silly in my opinion, why would they do that? I noticed my screen also times out during navigation, and when i turn it back on it has to reacquire a gps lock...

A Dustman said:
well that's kinda silly in my opinion, why would they do that? I noticed my screen also times out during navigation, and when i turn it back on it has to reacquire a gps lock...
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Dunno. In some regards, it probably makes sense. I use a Garmin for normal GPS navigation, and really, i'm terribly annoyed every time it has to talk. Especially when it repeats itself over and over (such as "recalculating"). The fact that I simply tap the screen and the phone will tell me directions when I need to hear it is rather useful to me. Also the phone doesn't automatically recalculate, which I think makes the most sense. When I drive, and I accidentally go off course, I dont need my GPS to recalculate every 5 seconds. I need to slow down, get my bearings, and then have it recalculate. Because I tell the phone when it recalculate, its not yelling at me every 5 seconds that its recalculating. In other words, I have more control over the GPS this way.
At the same time, I do see the value in automatic direction narration and automatic recalculation. It would have been nice to be able to choose between the two.

Ah. My only real beef with Mango. While not too terribly offputting, I'm wondering if MS was trying to be too different here.
I don't use GPS at all as I'm mostly in Dallas and know my way around the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. But, I do travel from time to time and GPS can come in handy. That being said, the design choices here seem a wee bit weird.
You tap it to get voice and it only notifies you if you've made a correct or incorrect turn. By that time, it's too late. And, you have to turn around. Now, you don't have to look at he screen as you can tap while watching the road. So, it's not as if it's any less safe but... really?
Edit: Reading prjk's post above, I guess if MS revealed the reason behind this particular design choice, it might more sense for all of us.

Yea it still kinda sucks compared to....

It is very weak, compared to every real navigation system in existence. Not having the option to have the instructions automatically read to you, and not providing any kind of audible warning when you approach a turn, and not automatically rerouting you when you miss a turn, all combine to make the system almost useless.
I'll either be keeping AT&T Navigator, or switching to T-B-T from GPS Tuner if they ever get all of the kinks worked out of their system.

Most people use this thing called a radio when they're driving, or they're having conversations in the car, and I think this approach works perfect during those situations. My car has a built in navigation which automatically lowers the radio and then gives my the direction, but the phone, unfortunatelly, can't do that... So it's best if, when you need the direction, you put the radio down, just randomly tap, and have the kind woman give you the information rather than missing it or it interrupting you... Just my opinion though.

FiyaFleye said:
Most people use this thing called a radio when they're driving, or they're having conversations in the car, and I think this approach works perfect during those situations. My car has a built in navigation which automatically lowers the radio and then gives my the direction, but the phone, unfortunatelly, can't do that... So it's best if, when you need the direction, you put the radio down, just randomly tap, and have the kind woman give you the information rather than missing it or it interrupting you... Just my opinion though.
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Another great example. I always have my music blasting in the car so I can't hear the directions anyway. With this method, I can pause the music, tap the screen to hear my directions, and resume my music. I'm not trying to hear directions over my music, or having to bend to the will of the GPS and have it tell me what to do when it wants to.

prjkthack said:
Another great example. I always have my music blasting in the car so I can't hear the directions anyway. With this method, I can pause the music, tap the screen to hear my directions, and resume my music. I'm not trying to hear directions over my music, or having to bend to the will of the GPS and have it tell me what to do when it wants to.
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I'm definitely not trying to rain on anybody's parade here, but there isn't a person here (unless they're a complete weirdo) who can tell me they haven't been annoyed at the GPS interrupting them. Or at missing the directions, and having to struggle to find them. The phone DOES make a noise when a correct turn was taken, and a different one for an incorrect turn, so it does alert you to some degree, but I like the power being in your hands...

I'm sorry guys, but you're really reaching here, and I don't see why you are being so zealous about it.
First of all, the app telling you that you made a correct or incorrect turn after the fact serves no purpose at all. If you are in an unfamiliar area, you need the app to alert you that the turn is coming up, or you are very likely to miss it.
Second, it's kind of insulting to imply that anyone who has a different opinion is a "weirdo".
Third, most people prefer to keep their eyes on the road when they're driving, not fish around for their phone so they can check to see if they are still on course. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if the anti-texting laws in some areas might also cover the kind of distracted driving that Microsoft's implementation might cause.
And fourth, we're talking about an option here, not forcing you to join our weirdo brigade. You want to be forced to find your phone, unlock it, and tap the screen to get your next instruction (while potentially driving in congested traffic in an area you don't know)? Fine. I don't. I want the Mango app to behave the same way every other professionally designed GPS navigation system currently available does.

Uh... Do you know what an opinion is? A navigation device interrupting isn't an opinion, but nice try though... I really apologize that my actual opinion is "reaching" for you... I like it, if you don't, sucks, never told you that you should feel the way I do
Sent from my HD7 using Board Express

RoboDad said:
I'm sorry guys, but you're really reaching here, and I don't see why you are being so zealous about it.
First of all, the app telling you that you made a correct or incorrect turn after the fact serves no purpose at all. If you are in an unfamiliar area, you need the app to alert you that the turn is coming up, or you are very likely to miss it.
Second, it's kind of insulting to imply that anyone who has a different opinion is a "weirdo".
Third, most people prefer to keep their eyes on the road when they're driving, not fish around for their phone so they can check to see if they are still on course. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if the anti-texting laws in some areas might also cover the kind of distracted driving that Microsoft's implementation might cause.
And fourth, we're talking about an option here, not forcing you to join our weirdo brigade. You want to be forced to find your phone, unlock it, and tap the screen to get your next instruction (while potentially driving in congested traffic in an area you don't know)? Fine. I don't. I want the Mango app to behave the same way every other professionally designed GPS navigation system currently available does.
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Not being zealous, but seeing it from both perspectives. They both make sense just fine. Course some people prefer one over the other, and that's perfectly fine too.
IMO, any device whether its your regular Garmin GPS or your Windows Phone device is possible cause for distracted driving. And obviously not understanding or knowing how to use said devices is even more cause for distracted driving.
I'm not sure how you use your GPS devices, but I certainly don't fumble around in my car so it can tell me directions. That sounds like a cause for distracted driving no matter what device you are using. Haha. I would have my phone mounted and already set to navigate. Then when directions are necessary, you just tap on the screen. You tap anywhere on the screen. So you don't even have to look at your phone to hunt for a specific repeat button or something, and that eliminates the need to turn away from the road as well. You would be no more distracted than if you were to have to look at your map on your good old Garmin GPS, or have to tap your Garmin to have it repeat directions that you missed because your music was too loud or because you just weren't paying attention to it. The sounds indicate whether I made my turn or not, then I just tap anywhere on my phone again when I'm ready for the next set of directions. If I go off course, my phone also won't repeatedly yell "recalculating" at me every couple seconds while I try to get back on the right track. I can tell it to recalculate and resume when I'm ready to get back on course.
Its not perfect, and certainly its not for everyone, but for those who like a little more control over their GPS experience, and a little less annoyance, it makes sense.

Has a propper driving 3d mode been implemented yet? kida seems pointless what they have implemented here to be honest. Hopefully the nokia driving app will be available on the store once they sort themselves out and release a phone for wp7.
edit. Acording to an article i read earlier nokia apps will be available for every wp7 phone, but most likely not ovi maps or navigation, those are being reserved for the nokia handsets.

I think we can all agree that having the directions automatically read to you would be a good *option*, even if it's not enabled by default. I only use the GPS when I have no idea where I'm going, so I need something that tells me how far a turn is, then reminds me as I'm approaching, then tells me that I need to turn now.
The old bing app on WM6.5 worked remarkably well. I wish the WP7 navigation could be configured to function like that. Yes it did talk A LOT and got annoying at times if someone else is in the car, but to have tapping the screen constantly be your only choice for being read directions is even more annoying especially if you are in unfamiliar territory.
Aside from that, I'd also like the option to have it automatically recalculate directions when you make a wrong turn. I can't think of an instance of where I'd miss a turn, then not want it to tell me how to get back on track.
To give the navigation some credit though, I use the Zune software for my music when I'm in the car, and it does pause the music when saying something and then resume it after, which is nice.

I used the gps nav for the first time last night and I must say they have some work to do.
I get what some are saying about it's nice not to be interrupted, but last night I needed to know my directions as they were coming up. Make it an option to not automatically read aloud for those that like that. Currently I wouldnt call this turn by turn voice navigation. Most gps units have the ability of getting details or just the bare minimum as far as guidance goes.
Second thing that really annoys me is the layout of buttons. when you are in the directions mode, and then go to the large map, it's annoying to go back to the directions view. Clicking the directions button brings up the new directions field. Also when in large mode, why can't i get voice guidance.
Lack of landscape mode is annoying as well and seems more like a forgotten feature than anything, there's no reason not to have it since metro isn't in use

There also needs to be the option to allow gps to track you if you have to leave the application to do something else. It takes to long, even though it's pretty fast, to re-aquire the satelites.

ken52787 said:
Aside from that, I'd also like the option to have it automatically recalculate directions when you make a wrong turn. I can't think of an instance of where I'd miss a turn, then not want it to tell me how to get back on track.
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I can. If you are driving in a city or very populated area with tiny blocks and roads everywhere. If you miss just one turn, then your GPS starts recalculating for you. It'll tell you to take the next right, but it doesn't recalculate in time because the blocks are so small and the next turn is so close, so by the time its telling you to make the next turn to get back on track, you've missed it. Then GPS has to recalculate again, and you miss your next turn again, and this repeats over and over, along with your GPS yelling "recalculate" "take the next right" over and over again.
This is where I think I'll enjoy the manual recalculation the most. If I miss the turn, I simply wait until I know I can respond properly to the next turn direction, maybe on a longer stretch of road, or maybe I can simply stop or slow down somewhere, then have the phone recalculate once, and get right back on track.

prjkthack said:
Not being zealous, but seeing it from both perspectives. They both make sense just fine. Course some people prefer one over the other, and that's perfectly fine too.
IMO, any device whether its your regular Garmin GPS or your Windows Phone device is possible cause for distracted driving. And obviously not understanding or knowing how to use said devices is even more cause for distracted driving.
I'm not sure how you use your GPS devices, but I certainly don't fumble around in my car so it can tell me directions. That sounds like a cause for distracted driving no matter what device you are using. Haha. I would have my phone mounted and already set to navigate. Then when directions are necessary, you just tap on the screen. You tap anywhere on the screen. So you don't even have to look at your phone to hunt for a specific repeat button or something, and that eliminates the need to turn away from the road as well. You would be no more distracted than if you were to have to look at your map on your good old Garmin GPS, or have to tap your Garmin to have it repeat directions that you missed because your music was too loud or because you just weren't paying attention to it. The sounds indicate whether I made my turn or not, then I just tap anywhere on my phone again when I'm ready for the next set of directions. If I go off course, my phone also won't repeatedly yell "recalculating" at me every couple seconds while I try to get back on the right track. I can tell it to recalculate and resume when I'm ready to get back on course.
Its not perfect, and certainly its not for everyone, but for those who like a little more control over their GPS experience, and a little less annoyance, it makes sense.
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I don't understand how tapping the screen is a good feature? If your voice navigation doesn't tell you to make a turn ahead of time, then that makes the navigation useless...If you're in an unfamiliar area, how are you supposed to know when to tap?

mmian said:
I don't understand how tapping the screen is a good feature? If your voice navigation doesn't tell you to make a turn ahead of time, then that makes the navigation useless...If you're in an unfamiliar area, how are you supposed to know when to tap?
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That'e easy. Anytime is a good time to tap if you are in an unfamiliar area. That's the point of manually controlling when you need (or do not) need directions. You choose when you want your phone to tell you where to go. Then once you've started, the phone makes a sound when you are on track, just tap again right after the sound when you are ready for the next set of directions.

Related

Problems in my pocket!

Apologies if this question has been asked and answered before, but if so, could someone please redirect me. This is my first time on this forum. I've had my HTC Touch Pro (Raphael) for a couple of months now, and cannot get round the problem that whenever I receive a call, I somehow manage to cut it off before I can get the phone out of my pocket. I have tried several different cases (the current one opens like a book, so doesn't press any of the buttons), but something happens in the process of removing the phone from my pocket, however gently and swiftly I try to do it, which means that all I get is a "missed call" message, even after only one ring. If the phone is on a flat surface, it will ring for a long time, so it's not that setting. This is SO frustrating, especially when you try to see who called you, and it just comes up with "unknown caller".... it's also costing me a lot of money having to phone people back when I do know who they are. Please help somebody. I really like my little phone, but it may well end up being thrown out of a window at this rate! Thank you!
Check out this utility here on XDA. Works great. Unlock the phone by rolling it over. It uses the gravity sensor.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=422871
Many thanks for that. We've installed this thread, although I'm not really clear about what it does. It seems I can now lock and unlock the phone by turning it clockwise and counterclockwise respectively along its axis (in addition to the long press, which is what I usually use to lock the phone).
I tried answering one call whilst it was locked, but couldn't free it up to press the "answer" key until I had turned it several times. Fortunately, the caller was quite patient! Is this just a technique I have to get used to, and will it mean that I get a chance to answer calls before the connection is severed? Sorry to sound so thick, but this is all very new to me.
Sarahah said:
Many thanks for that. We've installed this thread, although I'm not really clear about what it does. It seems I can now lock and unlock the phone by turning it clockwise and counterclockwise respectively along its axis (in addition to the long press, which is what I usually use to lock the phone).
I tried answering one call whilst it was locked, but couldn't free it up to press the "answer" key until I had turned it several times. Fortunately, the caller was quite patient! Is this just a technique I have to get used to, and will it mean that I get a chance to answer calls before the connection is severed? Sorry to sound so thick, but this is all very new to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to the settings menu and edit your SensorLock preferences to lock the screen only on an incoming call thus leaving the buttons unlocked.
Maybe the "face down mute" is happening to your calls? Try disabling it.
Um..... how?
answer keys disabler
You the thread below, it disables the onscreen answer buttons while ringing. Helps me getting the phone outta my pocket when ringing
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=425650
Ooooh. Thank you. Sounds like just what I need ... watch this space!
if u want to thrown your htc trough windows, how about if u thrown it to my window bro.
HHumbert said:
Check out this utility here on XDA. Works great. Unlock the phone by rolling it over. It uses the gravity sensor.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=422871
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Gravity sensor... I ever seen this technology on nokia phone. but until now I'm still amazed by this technology. how this sensor works..
sorry 4 my english cause I'm from asia
Ah Dedy - if I win the lottery I shall come and throw a brand new Touch Pro through your window, I promise! I'm afraid that I'm having far too much fun with this one (despite the problems in my pocket) to part with it just yet though. Hope you have a great Christmas, and maybe Santa will bring you one, you never know!

Need a solution for a quadriplegic to make his own calls.

The chair of my company is paralyzed from the neck down though has enough limited mobility with his arms to manage his wheelchair yoke and an oversized trackball for his computer. Whether in the office, home or wherever, he relies on either his secretary or his handler to call someone for him. He'd like to call people himself with a cell phone that someone leaves on a desk or a table for him without further assistance and wants me to make it happen so I turn to you for ideas (and maybe a registry tweak).
I set him up a few years ago with voice recognition software on his computer and that has worked out very well so I'm thinking MSVC. But the first and hopefully easiest obstacle is how to get the phone, a Touch Pro or Diamond specifically, to default to speakerphone. An earpiece is not the best option because that requires someone to put it on him (and take it off if it's wired) and the battery eventually dies. Any way to do that?
The next hurdle is how to get the phone to initiate whatever command that is the equivalent of pressing the button on an earpiece that triggers MSVC, hangs up and answers incoming calls ideally with the screen off so that the battery doesn't die too quickly or so that the phone doesn't need to be plugged in. So, again, can move his forearm and *maybe* be able to have enough coordination to hit the circular button hard enough to use that though he has no muscle control in his fingers so the pressure would rely on the natural stiffness of his fingers (he uses his thumb to click the large trackball buttons). On the other hand, I could map all the buttons surrounding the circle to do the same thing perhaps. But it would be fantastic if he could trigger the phone by shaking it a little to, again, do the same thing that would be done by pressing a bluetooth earpiece's button.
So, 1) how can I get a WinMo phone always to default to speaker and 2) can he take advantage of the accelerometer of the Touch Pro (or Diamond, whichever) to map a soft jiggle (the phone would otherwise be stationary on a flat surface or fully off) to trigger MSVC? I guess he doesn't need to be able to hang up and incoming calls could be set to automatically answer so if those two functions are out of reach that's not a dealbreaker. And leaving the phone on in order to take advantage of the screen for touching, though less desirable, is also an option as his handler can plug the phone in. Or do any other approaches come to mind?
I grately appreciate it.
Doug
Thought I'd take a shot at a possibility. Since you have his PC voice enabled, what about using something like Pocket Controller? I don't know if it can be voice controlled, but it might be worth exploring something like that.
it might be a drain on the battery but maybe something like having a script that runs msvc once a minute so if he need to call someone just wait and then say what he needs to say. or get him an oqo with data and set him up on skype and use dragon speaking software
get a bluetooth for car like : http://direct.motorola.com/ens/carkits/learn-IHF1000.html
install Cyberon Voice Commander on your phone for voice dial. you can answer and dial with one button and voice cammand.
Hmm.. how about windows Vista's built-in voice recognition software? although it takes little time, I did manage to make it do everything I wanted to do without my touching anything.
How about using My Mobiler to control it from his pc
http://freewareppc.com/utilities/mymobiler.shtml
Sorry to post such an unconstructive reply, but what use is a touch-heavy-reliant phone like Diamond or same-thing-but-with-HW-keyboard like Touch Pro to a quadriplegic?
In my humble opinion you should get a BT handsfree with a proper full-time-phone like Nokia or Sony ericsson.
Again sorry for actually not helping much with your problem. But still, my opinion stays the same as mentioned above. Both the telephones are more reliable on functional hands then others.
Thanks!
Wow these are all very good and equally appreciated suggestions! Feels like I've got enough to start googling and hopefully help this guy out. I am truly grateful for the time you all took to respond. I'll post if I have success or problems...
You people are fantastic.
Doug

I love my new Droid but...

The phone interface totally sux! Is there anything better out there? When I get a call I have to drag the thing over to answer. This is very hard to do with 1 hand. Also half the time the screen goes black and I have to unlock it or whatever. Is there any way to just tap to answer?
Making calls is 10 times worse, you have to unlock the phone, find the phone app, open your contacts, tap your contact, tap make call, and then tap call!! It’s like I have to type a freaking paragraph just to make a call! Is there any way to just press one button to open the phone and then press 1 button to speed dial??
Also I turned on Google Voice to make all my calls. It nice and I know how to turn that off, but now all my incoming calls it says "incoming call from so-and-so... Press 1 to accept" so I have to tape the dial pad, and then tap 1, adding 2 more taps just to answer a freaking call! How do I turn that off?
I love everything else about this PDA, but the phone sux! Please help...
---signed, frustrated
P.S. I think I used less key strokes typing all this than I need to to make a call! lol
Any chance they will improve this interface in v2.2??
Very constructive. And I see it’s your 11th post. It’s not a matter of being impatient. It’s a matter of missing calls because its nearly impossible to do while driving, walking a dog with a leash in one hand, caring groceries, almost every real life situation that keeps you from using both hands on your phone. And as I described it’s a lot more than the 1 swipe.
If you don’t agree with me you don’t need to reply but I find the swipe open to be unacceptable and I'm asking if there is another interface out there that is just a tap open. Or a way to map a hard key to answer the freaking phone!
I'm sitting here at my work phone calling myself over and over to "practice" answering with the swipe. I can do it with one hand but it’s a pain in the ass and just thoroughly a really, really bad design. There has to be an app or mod or something that does away with this.
I just saw the new "Rule the air" Droid commercial. Cool commercial... Notice the one thing they didn’t show anyone doing? Getting or making a call!!!
All these new devices are fantastic PDAs with a really bad phone function slapped on top...
BTW with an 2.2 Froyo official release or rom, when the call comes up theres no need to unlock or swipe, just a click of a button.
What are you running 2.1, 2.01/0 or 2.2? Why don't you try finding an app on the store or searching here? You never know....
So I literally called myself 10 times and practiced answering the phone with one hand. Then I went out to bars and got actual calls and it was like impossible to answer them. That drag thing is just ridicules!! You have to drag it all the way across the screen!! Cany they at least meet me half way?? Even with 2 hands it’s hard to answer!!
Come on, you guys all know this is true. This design is just awful!
I understand why they did it, so when you get a call while it’s in your pocket it doesn’t tap against something and answer when you don’t know it… but it’s just terrible!! And like I said making calls is even worse. It’s like a ton of taps so there is no way to make a call while driving.
The Bluetooth headset would help but we all know anyone that actually uses that looks like a total D-bag..
So here is my solution… Someone will make a killing on this and it will make a mockery of the Android phone interface at the same time. We need a little, lightweight Bluetooth dumb phone that has physical answer and hang-up buttons as well as the full number pad that you can assign speed dials too like a NORMAL F-ING PHONE!! If this was out there on the market I would pay $100 easy for! Leave your brilliant PDA that sucks as a phone in your pocket and use the Bluetooth handset to actually make and take calls like a normal human!!
1. how tiny are your hands that you can't slide the bar down with your thumb?
2. i think there's an app called dialer one that will open a keypad where you can see all your contacts and spell their names out with the numberpad to make it easier
Just because some of you don't have the same issues as the OP doesn't give any of us the right to respond in this manner.
The OP has been called dumb, amateur, told he shouldn't have a smartphone; and the list goes on.
I personally have the EVO; there's not a damn thing wrong with my hands and I come from a very long time of smartphones. MORE times than I can count, I'm swiping the screen and not a damned thing is moving. By the time it unlocks, the caller is gone.
So until you have the same problem, some of you might want to get your head out the clouds and stop replying like these *smart* phones are perfect and the people using them are too dumb to know what they're doing.
On HTC phones with Sense you simply press a button to answer. No swiping. I'm surprised there's no app out there to do this on other Android phones.
Just cleaned this thread. All deleted posts are in violation of rule 2.
Please be aware of the rules before posting. Nothing constructive to say; then don't post!
WB
gtg465x said:
On HTC phones with Sense you simply press a button to answer. No swiping. I'm surprised there's no app out there to do this on other Android phones.
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I have to slide to answer my phone if it's locked before I get a call. I prefer the swipe because I don't want to accidentally answer a call while the phone is in my pocket. That said, I would recommend the op check out the app I mentioned or root his phone and find a sense based rom
there are apps for this kind of problem search market and google
gtg465x said:
On HTC phones with Sense you simply press a button to answer. No swiping. I'm surprised there's no app out there to do this on other Android phones.
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Do not be surprised, because there is an app to achieve this. It is called ed's Droid Tools.
I've used Gesture Search (by Google) since it was released on the Market for finding and calling and/or texting my contacts. Put it on your home screen, then when you want to call somebody, open Gesture Search then write their first initial with your finger (or thumb) then touch the phone icon to call or the message icon to text. Works well for me. Never tried it driving, but then again, I'm one of those guys who yells at idiots who drive and talk on their cell at the same time (it's illegal here).
The standard Droid UI doesn't have a skin, so you get the basic Android dialer. While I don't think the slide-to-answer is all that bad, I'm also coming from a Blackberry Storm, which was wicked-terrible when it came to doing... well anything, so I don't complain much about the stock android experience. One thing Android is good for though, is allowing UI replacement apps (ala Dialer One) so poke around the Market and I'm sure you can find something that changes the answer experience for you.
Love windows
Love windows
i am also fooled by android
power user any thing u want to do go with windows mobile
Droid9 said:
The phone interface totally sux! Is there anything better out there? When I get a call I have to drag the thing over to answer. This is very hard to do with 1 hand. Also half the time the screen goes black and I have to unlock it or whatever. Is there any way to just tap to answer?
Making calls is 10 times worse, you have to unlock the phone, find the phone app, open your contacts, tap your contact, tap make call, and then tap call!! It’s like I have to type a freaking paragraph just to make a call! Is there any way to just press one button to open the phone and then press 1 button to speed dial??
Also I turned on Google Voice to make all my calls. It nice and I know how to turn that off, but now all my incoming calls it says "incoming call from so-and-so... Press 1 to accept" so I have to tape the dial pad, and then tap 1, adding 2 more taps just to answer a freaking call! How do I turn that off?
I love everything else about this PDA, but the phone sux! Please help...
---signed, frustrated
P.S. I think I used less key strokes typing all this than I need to to make a call! lol
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hey dude
to help you out with your dialing problem all you have to do is put the phone/contacts app on your homescreen. the way you described calling the contact is the same way you'd have to do it on almost every other phone so don't act like its a huge task.
organize your homescreens to your preference so that it could make your life easier.
also you can add people to your favorites list so you dont have to scroll through your whole contact list.
as for answering calls, its not that bad. you just gotta hold that green button and slide your finger over. I don't understand how that's difficult or why you'd need practice
phone doesn't suck at all bud
Hi There,
I was thinking of getting one of those because most of my calling during driving...
do you advice me to do so? i mean is the hardware bad? or it is just a matter of waiting for sometime to get an update solving all these problems?
Thank you in advance.

Best Virtual Assistant for just basic phone usage (nothing fancy).

I have an LG G4 and I'd mainly like to be able to double tap a volume key while my phone is in the holster and then via blue tooth headset make phone calls and create and read SMS. I don't want to use gestures or voice commands to initiate my interaction. I just feel they drain your battery way too much. Even shaking means the sensors are constantly being monitored. I just want to double tap the buttons to activate, even if that means using multiple apps to take control of those functions. I'm just a minimalist when it comes to things that are constantly eating CPU cycles and such.
I don't really need to do anything with movies or trivia... I mean a google search here or there would be nice. Maybe tell it to launch a maps program or something wouldn't be bad.
I really just mainly want to make phone calls and create and read text messages so I can do these things hands free. I'd like to do this for driving as well as I'm a bee keeper and it would be very convenient to do these things fairly hands free while I've got my hands in the bees.
Thanks in advance and I look forward to hearing people's opinions,
Gilligan
You can use Google App
nickalumada said:
You can use Google App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was going to do that... I just didn't want to activate something that was too intensive and not be able to really shut it down. You know how they are, they seem to take over and never stop running once you activate them.
Everything I kept reading about Google was how it can help you watch TV and other crazy things that I can't see how anyone would need a voice assistant to do.
I mean, why do they have 3rd party apps if Google can "do it all"?
Gilligan
gilligan8 said:
I was going to do that... I just didn't want to activate something that was too intensive and not be able to really shut it down. You know how they are, they seem to take over and never stop running once you activate them.
Everything I kept reading about Google was how it can help you watch TV and other crazy things that I can't see how anyone would need a voice assistant to do.
I mean, why do they have 3rd party apps if Google can "do it all"?
Gilligan
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is another virtual assistant developing silently, called VVA I think )). It can do everything you ask and no background running and battery consuming
Not sure when will it release
BTW have u try cortana for Android? It's pretty cool
And sorry for my bad English though

Substitute for AndroidAuto - And 2018 Honda Accord EX with Hondalink

I just purchased a 2018 Honda Accord EX that has Hondalink. The OS seems to be based on Android 6.1.1
So far Im very disappointed with the limitations of the Hondalink OS. The Driver Distraction Limitations are ridiculous. In CA it's illegal for you to hold your phone. It must be hands free. But as long as it's mounted, you are still able to use many functions as long as it's single finger touch. Regardless, I think a user/driver should be allowed choices and be held responsible if abusing those choices, like texting while driving, or watching a video while driving. But the limitations of HondaLink, coupled with AndroidAutos ridiculously small list of supported apps, it makes me wonder... WHY??? Why have this system at all? There's no app/option to watch video or browse images (even if parked) and no web browser. No Youtube. No Voxer support. Nothing. When I ask google for showtimes of a movie playing, using voice command, it gives showtimes for theaters that aren't even close to where I am when asking. Ive even tried to specify the theater when asking. Doing this only confuses it. This is a pathetic substitute for the fandango app.
Obviously I considered using the "Install App" (App Installer? sry, not in car) button. So, went on my galaxy S8+, used APK extractor, copied extracted apks to a USB jump drive, and plugged the jump drive into the car. The car recognizes the Jump Drive, and sees the apks, along with their appropriate file sizes. The apks I tested are Accuweather, ES File Explorer, Voxer, and Youtube. When I tap on one of the files, it brings up the "Install App?" dialogue box, but the button "Install" is greyed out.
Does anyone know how to get into the Developer Diagnosis page?
At the very very least, I'd like to disable the Driver Distraction Setting
Is there an android app that can be used as a substitute to Android-Auto that is a straight screen mirroring of the phone to the HondaLink Infotainment console?
i have a 2018 accord sport...i don't even get the subwoofer or the extra speakers....but using AA with my phone or just unplugging it when needed works just fine. What are you needing it to really do?
Before I go into it, please understand that I recognize that feature limitations and the "Driver Attention" lock is all meant for the safety of the driver and for others around the driver. I recognize that ultimately the road and the safety of those on the road are the priority. But i will also note that in CA, as long as the phone is mounted and not in your hand, you can pretty much do any task that only requires one finger (short of texting)
That being said, if AA allows an app, like Doubletwist, im frustrated that I cant do a simple one finger task of scrolling down a list of albums/artist/songs/playlist unless I'm at a complete stop. I've found that when I'm rolling at 2-3mph and am STILL locked out, im having to unplug my phone and look down at it to simply change playlist. When I'm going down a freeway and I'm in stop and go traffic for 15-20miles and never actually coming to a completely stop, this can be beyond frustrating. Ultimately I think that driver safety should be the drivers responsibility, and not predetermined by a company. If a driver abuses technology, then the driver needs to be accountable. It's my mission to figure out how to disable that stupid driver attention lock.
What do I want it to do? I want more than an overglorified play/pause button. Seriously. Yes it shows the name of the song and allows me to go to the next track, previous track, pause/play, but beyond that, absolutely no control. Voxer is a VERY simple one touch app. You tap to start voxing, you tap to stop. That's it, super straight forward. NOT supported. I want to be able to browse firefox, fandango, and YouTube when I'm parked.
But ultimately, I want the Android experience with full fledged apps. Android Auto pretty much just commandeers the Hond aLink infotainment screen. So just allow straight screen mirroring. That's what I "want".
Make playlists In Google play music....use your voice to change it.
Google play is nothing more than pandora and spotify. You have to select from their options. Yes, I might being "picky", but I prefer Doubletwist. It lets me sync my iTunes music and playlist. The point is, AA supports Doubletwist, but is too limited, and the "Driver Attention" lock is frustrating as heck. Besides that, AA is just too limited, too restrictive. Google/android should just do away with AA and just do straight screen mirroring. Or at least allow a 3rd party to make an app that resembles AA without so much of the limutations. It's sad that the most awesom.e feature in the best car ive had in almost 20 years is turning out to be the most pointless feature. 90% of what you can do through A you can do through Bluetooth. But I Really don't want to get a mount and make the dash look tacky. I mean, the phone mounted right next to the high infotainment screen. Jeez. More to the point, I just plain don't see why I should have to.
varxtis said:
Google play is nothing more than pandora and spotify. You have to select from their options. Yes, I might being "picky", but I prefer Doubletwist. It lets me sync my iTunes music and playlist. The point is, AA supports Doubletwist, but is too limited, and the "Driver Attention" lock is frustrating as heck. Besides that, AA is just too limited, too restrictive. Google/android should just do away with AA and just do straight screen mirroring. Or at least allow a 3rd party to make an app that resembles AA without so much of the limutations. It's sad that the most awesom.e feature in the best car ive had in almost 20 years is turning out to be the most pointless feature. 90% of what you can do through A you can do through Bluetooth. But I Really don't want to get a mount and make the dash look tacky. I mean, the phone mounted right next to the high infotainment screen. Jeez. More to the point, I just plain don't see why I should have to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure what the doubletwist is, but I prefer using sony xperia musix (look here on xda). For youtube there is carstream app that someone made which can be used for watching youtube while driving besides parked (http://www.thekirankumar.com/blog/2017/12/29/play-youtube-video-android-auto-app/). Also, i believe there is newer android auto version which allows wireless AA but I haven't tested that yet which may help with some issues that you have.
YoColdRain said:
Not sure what the doubletwist is, but I prefer using sony xperia musix (look here on xda). For youtube there is carstream app that someone made which can be used for watching youtube while driving besides parked (http://www.thekirankumar.com/blog/2017/12/29/play-youtube-video-android-auto-app/). Also, i believe there is newer android auto version which allows wireless AA but I haven't tested that yet which may help with some issues that you have.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks I'll look into those. Presently, I just stuck a phone mount on the dash and keep everything Bluetooth. Its only taking advantage of probably 5% of the Honda-link infotainment consoles potential, and yet it's still 20x better than battling with Android Autos ridiculous limitations. Sad :\
varxtis said:
Before I go into it, please understand that I recognize that feature limitations and the "Driver Attention" lock is all meant for the safety of the driver and for others around the driver. I recognize that ultimately the road and the safety of those on the road are the priority. But i will also note that in CA, as long as the phone is mounted and not in your hand, you can pretty much do any task that only requires one finger (short of texting)
That being said, if AA allows an app, like Doubletwist, im frustrated that I cant do a simple one finger task of scrolling down a list of albums/artist/songs/playlist unless I'm at a complete stop. I've found that when I'm rolling at 2-3mph and am STILL locked out, im having to unplug my phone and look down at it to simply change playlist. When I'm going down a freeway and I'm in stop and go traffic for 15-20miles and never actually coming to a completely stop, this can be beyond frustrating. Ultimately I think that driver safety should be the drivers responsibility, and not predetermined by a company. If a driver abuses technology, then the driver needs to be accountable. It's my mission to figure out how to disable that stupid driver attention lock.
What do I want it to do? I want more than an overglorified play/pause button. Seriously. Yes it shows the name of the song and allows me to go to the next track, previous track, pause/play, but beyond that, absolutely no control. Voxer is a VERY simple one touch app. You tap to start voxing, you tap to stop. That's it, super straight forward. NOT supported. I want to be able to browse firefox, fandango, and YouTube when I'm parked.
But ultimately, I want the Android experience with full fledged apps. Android Auto pretty much just commandeers the Hond aLink infotainment screen. So just allow straight screen mirroring. That's what I "want".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To unlock the driver attention thing you need to hold the home, power, and source button for bout 10 seconds then click on the detail information & setting screen and from there hold home button again for 10 seconds and then click on the vehicle model information and turn off the DD VSP ERROR and that should do it. However everytime you turn off your car it resets and you have to do it all over again.

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