GPS Buddy Tracking - Tilt, TyTN II, MDA Vario III General

Hi guys, I just took the plunge and put in an order for a Tilt today; unfortunately the shipping address got botched up so it didn't get shipped out yet. I'm coming from a PalmOS background (Treo 650, Kyocera 7135, several non-phones before...).
Does anybody have a suggestion for an app for tracking a couple users and sharing their location with each other?
I see gpsgate has this functionality, but it doesn't appear to have any mechanism for displaying other users. I'd like to pull up a map and see where another user is, and vice versa. I've compiled a list of what I've found and my thoughts (keeping in mind I haven't used them yet), but wanted to get some real user opinions.
GpsGate - Upload only, no way to see other users from the app?
Reperion - Website seems a little sketchy, but the functionality sounds about right. Not real time?
NavXS - Another sketchy website, but the software looks okay.
Mologogo - Java app only, might work though.
GPS Tuner - Nice looking software, but it doesn't have the functionality I'm looking for. It has a buddy function, but there is no "Google Maps" sort of mode. This looks great for outdoor navigation, though.
chtiGPS This looks to be a bit like GPS Tuner, and again doesn't really meet the requirements.

there is a prog called "WIMP" WhereIsMyPhone. You send a text message code to a tilt or Kaiser and it will quietly return a google link with their exact location. Mainly used to silently ping your lost phone and get it's location, but the buddy angle could be handled with it. http://www.wimp-software.co.uk

Mologogo seems to be your best bet, but I tried the WM version on the Kaiser and I got a nasty message error upon launch. (UPDATE - only the first time). Still it proceeded and find the GPS module OK. Problem is that it's not reading the first digits properly 48,8141 becomes ,08141 - probably a regional setting, I'll

Related

can anyone point my in the right direction?

can anyone point my in the right direction and if there is a solution?
i have found a few errors with the tomtom map's(uk), and i was wondering if anyone knows if there is a updated map!
Hi
Tomtom only release new maps with a version upgrade (at wich point the old maps no longer work). what version are you running at the moment.
Regards
The Pilgrim
PS for all GPS problems go here
www.pocketgps.co.uk/modules.php?name=Forums
thanks for the reply,
i am not sure what version i am running, how do i found out?
i only brought my tomtom a week or so ago
also, since i posted last, i have found more errors, and that's all in a small area of about 25 miles radias of where i live!
what's it gonna be like over the whole country?
I gues coverage of the UK isnt that reliable.
Personally I havent see important errors in NL, D, CH and I (of course I did not check every road). Major Roads of Europe seems to be OK too, but as much roads are missing you have to watch out more.
I suppose you use TomTom3 which has the most recent maps available for TomTom.
Map errors can be sent via the TomTom website to Teleatlas (the map supplier)
There are many errors in tomtom, the company rely on users to report mistakes to them so these can be rectified in future releases. I think there will always be errors in a program such as this because it is a mammoth task to compile all data correctly, assuming several stages of development, there are many errors that can arise in the entry of data. I think that despite the errors it is an incredible program when you take into account the very small amount of memory and the constraints of the cpu speeds and pocket pc operating system. It has saved me many hours of frustration and stress even in central London where the opportunities to take the wrong road are numerous. If anything better exists I would like to hear about it.
I think we need to distinguish between errors in the program (to be adressed by TomTom) and errors in the mapping (to be adressed by Teleatlas).
I found two anoying issues with TomTom:
- Bluetooth usage (with rom 1.72), see other threads. I logged a questions on that.
- auto re-calc directs you to earlier route too long
i guess i am using tomtom 3, yes the errors are i suppose, minor! and i was just wondering, as i am new to the whole tomtom/gps if there was a new verison or updated maps! (but in general its has been a great help to my driving life!)
i also read some where that there is a add on that picks up accidents etc, would you guys know where i can find this!
yes the software seems ok!
my issue is with the map's! i can be in a town, and it tells me that i am in a completly different county, but in the correct town that i am in etc
There is a town i visit quite often and its listed as the town near by and not the one i want. "you get what i mean, yes?"
Can you say which town/city you are referring to please. When I travel on the Cirencester road from junction 11a M5, I am told to turn left into the embankment surrounding the A road, on return it tells me to go right across the carriageway and into the same embankment/field, you have no choice but to ignore, it then tells me to turn around when possible but after ignoring this it gets back to normality.
gtivinny said:
i also read some where that there is a add on that picks up accidents etc, would you guys know where i can find this!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is called tomtom traffic. its a subcription service £32 P/A that downloads traffic information via gprs and displays incidents on your route.
you need to log in at the TT website and download the add-on there. i think you get 1 month free then you have to subscribe.
I must say the feature is by no means perfect. It does miss problems and report delays when there arn't any. i use it in conjunction with Radio traffic broadcasts and then make a judgement.
Regards
The Pilgrim
(the_pilgrim) thanks mate!!
(cruisin-thru) the town i am on about is baldock in hertfordshire,
it has baldock train station, but does know baldock town, its saying that it is letchworth, which is right next to baldock!
The way tomtom uses towns and placenames etc. is all to ****. The easiest way to navigate somewhere is via the postcode; but Tomtoms post code search is only 5 digits eg. DE72 3 this is also crap.
If you use this little gem its soooooo easy www.digitools.co.uk
this postcode program takes the whole postcode. This is usually about 20 houses (Possibly larger area in rural areas)
i would recommend installing Checkpoint before installing the postcode progam as this eases the instalation.
Checkpoint is a POI detector and can be downloaded here
http://checkpoint.oabsoftware.nl/
it will alert you when you are a approaching a selectable POI.
If you use the speed camera database from here
www.pocketgps.co.uk/uksafetycameras.php
you can receive camera warnings as you aproach them
The best part about these programs is they are all FREE
Regards
The Pilgrim
Maps
There are basically only two suppliers of GPS maps in the UK and Europe. And they update the maps every few months or so.
The GPS software retailers, like Tom Tom license at a certain point, and freeze, allowing them to make chargeable upgrades.
As Tom Tom charged about £30 for the last update - from 2 to 3 (including the full maps of Europe I had also purchased, at no extra cost) I didn't feel to badly off.
There is an area on the Tom Tom web site to notify map defects. But don't expect them to be fixed quickly.
Tom Tom does have some issues with the way it stores place names, where there are more than one name the same, it can mix them up. It must stores towns and places in separate tables and look up values as required. I live near Shirley in the West Midlands and Tom Tom displays it at Shirley, Southampton. But it knows where to send me home!
urrr! which one do i need, i am waiting for my xda2 to arrive, so which 1 do i need??
i have tomtom 3 too. and i think the xda has pocket pc 2003 on it, am i right????
CheckPOInt - [Instructions]
GPS Assist (Pocket PC 2002 Only) - [Instructions]
POI-Warner - [Instructions]
Navigator 2
CheckPOInt - [Instructions]
GPS Assist (Pocket PC 2002 Only) - [Instructions]
POI-Warner - [Instructions]
CityMaps
Not Currently Supported
RoutePlanner
Not Currently Supported
go with checkpoint its free :wink:
The Pilgrim
gtivinny said:
urrr! which one do i need, i am waiting for my xda2 to arrive, so which 1 do i need??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I personnaly uses TomTom 3 + Check POInt 3.2 for all spedd cameras and other POI. it works great although I have found the setup of Check POI to be non intuitive (but will work if you follow their web site instructions).
Now if you want 99.5% accuacy with maps, you'll have to cross the channel and move to France. :lol: :lol: :lol:
The maps are amaizingly precise, which suggest it has something to do with the company from which TomTom buy the maps from.

Cool ways to use the GPS in the Kaiser

There are two apps that I have used that I must say make the GPS built into the Kaiser along with its data connectivity pretty cool. Of course, the GPS is a great tool for mapping software such as TomTom, iGuidance, Google Maps, MS Live Search, and others... but the possibilities of GPS in a connected device like the Kaiser can lead to many other great things. Two that I have found useful are Mobile Justice and 3d Tracking. Here is a quick description of what they are.
First, I have installed Mobile Justice which alerts you when a SIM card is changed and will send a text message to a number of your choosing when it is changed... for example it was stolen and a card was sent in. It can also send the current GPS location. In addition, you can send the device a text message with a keyword and request at any time, the current GPS location. You can also put a message on the device screen. I know people often cook this application into ROMs. I hope that someone does this for a future Kaiser kitchen. I learned about the new GPS features here: http://www.wmexperts.com/articles/mobile_justice_sms_your_phone.html
The other app that I have used that is kind of nifty is 3d tracking. It updates your GPS location in near real time to a website that you can use a PC to monitor. The mapping is done using Google maps. Very cool way to keep track of valuables such as your teenagers. ;-)
http://free.3dtracking.net/home.aspx
What other cool uses for the GPS have you found to use with your Kaiser?
I think the latest is the GPS photo functionality that was discovered to be built in. We were talking about this functionality at work but in an actual camera. Little did I know that i would discover this same function active in my TyTn II
y2whisper said:
I think the latest is the GPS photo functionality that was discovered to be built in. We were talking about this functionality at work but in an actual camera. Little did I know that i would discover this same function active in my TyTn II
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did see that in the forums which just made the camera in the phone that much more useful. Very useful when on hikes or vacationing to take a quick snapshot. Sure, the camera on the phone is not a replacement for a high quality digital camera, but it is convenient and in outdoor light, does a pretty good job. Combined with the GPS tagging, it is fun too. I hope we get to see even more uses for the integrated GPS.
Please explain
y2whisper said:
I think the latest is the GPS photo functionality that was discovered to be built in. We were talking about this functionality at work but in an actual camera. Little did I know that i would discover this same function active in my TyTn II
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you please explain this function and how it can be used.
I am using Nokia's smart2go gps software in my Tytn-II and its working gr8, with Nokia's maploader u can download very detailed maps with very good databases particularly for middle-east.
Similar to your Mobile Justice product, here's one I saw the other day. Its kind of like LoJack for your phone:
http://www.pocketpc-live.com/pocketpc-softwares/ultimate-theft-alert-v3-for-pocket-pcs-2.html
It You can have your phone let you know where it is if its ever lost.
The company I work for does gps tracking for sports (running, skiing etc). I won't post the link, as i dont want to be seen as advertising.
But its pretty cool to be able to see how fast you ski (57.2mph is my fastest so far).
Someone sent me a note on this site that does something similar to 3d tracking. I will try it out now to see how it works.
http://gps.gpsxml.com/
Here is another tool that has a description with features similar to WIMP (Where Is My Phone) and Mobile Justice. Has anyone heard of it or tested it before? It is called Ultimate Theft Alert and has GPS as an add-on option.
http://www.pocketpc-live.com/pocketpc-softwares/ultimate-theft-alert-v3-for-pocket-pcs-2.html
I had no idea there were so many tools for GPS integrated mobile phones. Here is another freebie, this time from a well known PPC developer, VITO Technology. It is called FindMe
http://www.vitotechnology.com/en/products/findme.html
And for those with coding experience... here is an example with source code.
http://www.codeproject.com/useritems/FindMe.asp
swarnabhab said:
Can you please explain this function and how it can be used.
I am using Nokia's smart2go gps software in my Tytn-II and its working gr8, with Nokia's maploader u can download very detailed maps with very good databases particularly for middle-east.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Basic use would be if you wanted to add pictures to a map (google earth i believe supports this) you take a picture and in geomarks your pic.
It is basically done by regedit - you can read more on this in this exact forum (should be on page one or two -- easy for us to say this while the kaiser forum is still fresh)
Have a look at this..... http://www.reperion.com/
Downloaded the software, registered an account and now my handset can be tracked by anyone with a pc.
yeah the file download was down before, working now, will try this one out
ericb said:
Have a look at this..... http://www.reperion.com/
Downloaded the software, registered an account and now my handset can be tracked by anyone with a pc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is free for now it seems. I will try it out. Do you know if it is any different than 3d tracking? That one is free too.
Had a quick look t 3d tracking, reprion looks to do asimilar thing.
Both seem pretty cool anyway
Some more interesting GPS software: http://www.jgui.net/gps/index.html
Personal observation: There should be a standard for SMS messages whereby the GPS coordinates of the sender can be sent along with text or mms messages. This would be handy for location based services and when chatting with friends.
AND wth pda's
ericb said:
Have a look at this..... http://www.reperion.com/
Downloaded the software, registered an account and now my handset can be tracked by anyone with a pc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AND PDA ! )
http://geocool.reperion.com
Somthing wrong with the GPS
Hi
There's something definitely wrong with the GPS happening from time to time.
Today, TomTom was off by nearly 1 kilometre using the internal GPS. Using BT GPS everything was fine.
After a restart: the location was spot on again.
It has happened to me 3-4 times now that the GPS is completely off the charts.
Wonder if this could be fixed with a Radio ROM update ..
swarnabhab said:
Can you please explain this function and how it can be used.
I am using Nokia's smart2go gps software in my Tytn-II and its working gr8, with Nokia's maploader u can download very detailed maps with very good databases particularly for middle-east.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry to maybe possible hijack this threat a little. I am also using smart2go. But I can't download any maps to my MicroSD with the Maploader. It always complaint that there is no space in my card (which has 3.7GB free). How were you able to download the maps to your card?
Many thanks in advance!
PS. Never mind. I found out that Smart2Go probably has a problem with storage cards larger than 2GB as if I use smaller MicroSD cards, the Map Loader works fine. So the solution is to run Smart2Go with a blank 2G or smaller card, then copy the files to the 4G MicroSDHC. Then Map Loader works (with a size limit of 1.8G for map data).....
Ok so still having some problems.
As noted here
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=332811
Some programs don't instal for me, WIMP did install however (haven't tested it yet) so my assumption would be some kind of security setting that is on when installing cabs, do you guys turn it off? (i remember there was a way to do this with the Hermes) or do these apps just install out of the box (per se)?
EDIT:
Looks like its some kind of problem when i transfer the file over via activesync to the card. I put it on via straight pc to another card and it installs fine.

What gps software to use for hiking / geocaching?

Hey all,
I want to use my Tilt while hiking or geocaching. While the navigation software like TomTom is cool its not what I'm looking for. Instead something that shows breadcrumb trails and waypoints would be better for me. Something like the default on the eTrex or similar? I'd prefer free but am willing to pay for the right app also.
Thanks!
Yesterday, someone asked for a GPS tracking program for skiing.
And here's what madsnm answered:
madsnm said:
Run.GPS should do what you want.
http://www.rungps.net/
/Mads
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Run.GPS is the perfect tool for sports like running, skiing and walking. It uses the Global Positioning System (GPS) to record all of your training parameters like speed, distance and altitude.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe that program could be useful for you.
Edit:
You can import google earth maps, you can import/export Paths/Routes/Tracks and you can import/export waypoint!
Edit again:
It's a 14 day trial
$33.99 for a normal license and $65.43 for a pro license
GPS Tuner is fantastic for hiking. It does the trails and waypoints as you want, and is able to import and export to Google Earth format so you can see your path on your PC too. The only drawback to geocaching is that when the phone goes into standby, the GPS chip shuts off, so you need to get a program like AE Button Plus to force the phone to stay on with one button click, and turn off the screen with another button click. I tend to use a BT-338 external GPS receiver when I geocache, however, because it is much more accurate than the built-in GPS in the Tilt. (It has a Sirf III receiver chip as opposed to the Qualcomm-whatever chip in the phone.)
Falcon, eh? Colorado Springs here!!!
Run Gps
Run GPS is awesome. I use it for hiking & crosscountry skiing. It works great, even in stand by mode
I use GeoScout for geocaching - links to geocaching.com directly which is nice - pulls down caches, logs, maps, etc.
For Geocaching, I recommend Beeline. http://visualgps.net/BeeLineGPS/default.htm It doesn't display maps, but it does handle lots of waypoints. Mine tilt is usually loaded with about 5000 geocaches. It also display cache information from the gpx file so caching is paperless.
I tried GPS Tuner. I like some of the features. It will download maps over the air. This is a nice feature. It doesn't handle a big waypoint database very well. After about 150 waypoints, it starts to slow down.
Neither is perfect. I don't hike without goecaching, so Beeline is my choice. If you're mainly hiking, I think GPS Tuner is very nice. I watch the release notes for both and wait for one to suit me better.
I see DeLorme's Topo 7.0 will work with a touch-screen PDA when used with their Street Atlas 2008 mapping software. Might take a lot of memory for all the map data on a card though.
Nice thing is that you can use it in rural areas as it wouldn't require an active connection to an online mapping server like TeleNav or others.
snooginsguy said:
Falcon, eh? Colorado Springs here!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You ever made it to the Tarrryall cache? I placed that one. First cache in Colorado
OziExplorer and Glopus
I Use for Geocaching "OziExplorerPPC" ( Waypoints with GSAK ) (Maps with OziExplorerPC). --> Link
It`s great to Handle.
Another one is "Glopus". --> Link
Thanks for the details guys!
Was just wondering if something like GPS Tuner/Run GPS would store single points? I like photography and I'd find it very useful to store away the GPS cordinates of where I'm taking a shot in some form....
Ta
Matt
Sadlybrokeboy said:
Thanks for the details guys!
Was just wondering if something like GPS Tuner/Run GPS would store single points? I like photography and I'd find it very useful to store away the GPS cordinates of where I'm taking a shot in some form....
Ta
Matt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just use the GPS Photo option in the camera app.
or noniGPSplot
MACkjam said:
Just use the GPS Photo option in the camera app.
or noniGPSplot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
MACkjam - thanks - had forgotten about the GPS photo option!
Matt
Thanks for all the ideas. I'll be trying out most all of these. I did download beeline last nght, and it is Very eTrex like, so probably the closest to what I'm looking for. Too bad you can't do background maps on it though.
I tried my kaiser with a number of apps for some topo nav/geocaching, none of the apps seem to work very well. The biggest problem for me was battery drain. If your doing caches you can drive to you'll probably be ok, but if you have to hike an hour or 2 the kaiser doesn't cut it.
best app was beeline but I'd go with a standalone gps device.
i use gps with UK os maps for mountainbiking. i have bought a big battery off ebay (about $10), 2800mAh with replacement back (its about 2x thicker than standard). it will last about 7 hours on continuous gps and i also take the standard one for backup
Sadlybrokeboy said:
Thanks for the details guys!
Was just wondering if something like GPS Tuner/Run GPS would store single points? I like photography and I'd find it very useful to store away the GPS cordinates of where I'm taking a shot in some form....
Ta
Matt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want to use the tilt to photograph, you can use KaiserTweak to enable GPS photo which basically puts your gps coordinates in the photos metadata (or something like that)
I regularly Geocache myself and have myself searched for the best navigation software to use for this pastime. I have tested just about every application so far mentioned in this thread but nothing, and I mean nothing, comes close to TrackyPro. GPSTuner was pretty good but TrackPro beats the lot of themo. It is perfect for Geocaching as you can download Geocaches from Geocaching.com direct from within the application and also display descriptions of the Geocaches within the ap too! It really is an incredably intelligently written and intuitive piece of software. Please, please try it. You will thank me I promise. And no, I'm in no way affililated with the author of this software!!
http://www.trackthisout.com/
mfrazzz said:
You ever made it to the Tarrryall cache? I placed that one. First cache in Colorado
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not yet, I'll have to check it out though!
BackCountry Navigator
I'm real fond of a program called BackCountry Navigator. Costs $30, and displays the USGS topo maps that I'm familiar with. They're downloaded from terraserver-USA, so they're as current as those kinds of maps can be, and I can have them with me so I don't need to be on the network. Given a few days of spare moments I got my whole state at 1:100000 scale, and all the national forest areas where I go at the more detailed 1:24000. I haven't tried it yet, but it's supposed to be able to get info straight from the geocaching site.
www.BackCountryNavigator.com
MACkjam said:
Just use the GPS Photo option in the camera app.
or noniGPSplot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using Run.GPS you can take pictures, record videos and audio recordings and just upload it to, for instance, the GPS-Sport.net portal - it's all geo-coded automatically
Here's some examples:
http://www.gps-sport.net/trainings/Iron-Mountain_12832
http://www.gps-sport.net/trainings/Griffin-Creek_11260
http://www.gps-sport.net/trainings/La-Rhune-Lizuniaga_11627

Igo (MyWay) 8 vs TomTom Mobile Navigator - why Igo Wins

First and foremost. This may be just my imagination, but I'm starting to think that part of the GPS issues that everybody experiences with the Raphael (Fuze) might be due to TomTom's DLLs...
I've used TomTom extensively on my past 3 phones - an 8525, a Kaiser, and now my Fuze. I just got Igo MyWay 8 - and have to say that overall, I'm much happier with Igo (and I loved TomTom in spite of it's shortcomings with this phone).
Satellite lock and speed
- Igo gets a satellite lock *MUCH* faster than TomTom ever could. I assumed that this wouldn't change, assuming it was a hardware anomaly - but it appears the DLLs used to communicate from software to OEM device vary from app-to-app. Igo wins this one hands down - I get locks inside my house inside of 20 seconds COLD and within 3-5 seconds "hot" or outside. No, I'm not on acid. That fast.
Ease of use
- TomTom *is* more customizable. But many of the customizations you can make are... well... useless. TomTom has the edge here, but not by much.
Features
- Igo has Text-to-Speech (TTS) - something that apparently TomTom has no intention of supporting. I've heard rumors that the current version of TT does support TTS, but I have the current version and could find nothing on it. In the directions, the saying of street names is VERY helpful. Igo matches TT feature-by-feature, the only thing I missed in Igo was the browse map of TomTom (you can browse in Igo - it's just not as intuitive). Also, Igo has actual 3D mapping of both topography and major cities. Way cool - know where the next big hill is, navigate based on building shape, etc.
Igo wins hands-down.
Cost
- Both have the pay-for-map business model, though Igo's at least for the moment are significantly cheaper. Igo wins again.
POIs
- TomTom seemed to have a bit more POI's loaded stock, but the difference was negligible. Even.
All in all, I'll keep TomTom on my phone, but purely for reference if needed. Since I installed Igo, I've not used TomTom even once.
I have to agree with you on all points. I used to be a big believer in Tomtom, but after trying iGo 8 i will not be going back!
I've read a bunch of good stuff about Igo... the thing that sucks is that apps like footprints are usually tomtom compatible and nothing else.
I guess it all depends where you are... I've researched igo a bit and I dont think the maps released for north america as up to date as TOMTOMS... I could be wrong though. If they are... do they have 3d landmarks like they do in Europe? By like they do in Europe I mean as many...
Contacts?
Can you navigate to your contacts addresses with Igo?
I used Igo before and the reason I switched back to TomTom was simply because I use it for business.
So navigating to my contact addresses is a must.
Does your version of Igo support contact addresses?
p50kombi said:
Can you navigate to your contacts addresses with Igo?
I used Igo before and the reason I switched back to TomTom was simply because I use it for business.
So navigating to my contact addresses is a must.
Does your version of Igo support contact addresses?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope. I don't see any contact adress implementation in iGO8. Seems like a very difficult feature though... You never know if you wrote all street names correctly
I've used both IGO and TomTom and I disagree with the results here.
1. TomTom makes usage of special tools such as traffic, downloading extra extra POI with ease, and also editing your map with ease
2. TomTom has MANY more POI then IGO, my entire town had like 10 POI on IGO, on TomTom it has more than 100
3. I feel the TomTom is easier to manage in terms of locking on a GPS, setting it up (depending on where you configured it) and other methods.
TomTom wins
KRAZzysoldier said:
Nope. I don't see any contact adress implementation in iGO8. Seems like a very difficult feature though... You never know if you wrote all street names correctly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not really true.
If TomTom gets confused, it shows you the options that it thinks are most likely to match the contact address and you can choose the one you think it is.
So for me, TomTom wins by a landslide.
btw, with Igo, I had much more GPS lag than with TomTom.
p50kombi said:
That's not really true.
If TomTom gets confused, it shows you the options that it thinks are most likely to match the contact address and you can choose the one you think it is.
So for me, TomTom wins by a landslide.
btw, with Igo, I had much more GPS lag than with TomTom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great! I didn't know that because I never used TomTom as they don't make uptodate maps for my country. Igo has always provided the best routes as it has the most up to date maps for me... it seems that the app one might prefer more depends on the location. Afterall that's what gps navigation software's main purpose is.
The definitive answers
When I saw a new Igo8 thread, why, I immediately pitched a tent in my pants, round house kicked and double fist pumped!
Igo8, when customized the right way, is the best hands down.
I currently have R3 Igo 8.3 (Jan 7). Now, you don't want to use the most current POI files that come with it (as they are limited)-use previous versions (8.0 or 8.01) and modify the ,txt file so the program recognizes it.
[poi]
enable_pois_before_090117=1
Igo CAN navigate your contacts, the only prerequisite is that NO APARTMENT/SUITE numbers be in the contact address. Igo will tell you which addresses cannot be found by going to (when running Igo):
menu/manage/geocoding errors
There, you'll be able to see which contacts failed.
Activate phone option (so you may call a poi/contact directly from igo). Sys.txt addition:
[Phone]
Driver=TAPI
Class_name=exe_path="/windows/prog.exe
Win_name="phone"
SKIN IT!
Full screen at its best, download the Gurjon (only 8.3.x.x) skin, Excellent.
BRAND IT!
Download a branding.zip to enable icons to be seen (Texaco, Schmcdonald icons seen on screen. Nice!
Okay, tent down...
Edit: Added skin (only for R3 igo8) and sys.txt
telegraph0000 said:
...
Igo CAN navigate your contacts, the only prerequisite is that NO APARTMENT/SUITE numbers be in the contact address. Igo will tell you which addresses cannot be found by going to (when running Igo):
menu/manage/geocoding errors
There, you'll be able to see which contacts failed.
Activate phone option (so you may call a poi/contact directly from igo). Sys.txt addition:
[Phone]
Driver=TAPI
Class_name=exe_path="/windows/prog.exe
Win_name="phone"
...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WOW! 10x, I really didn't know this feature was embedded, although I've been using iGo for 3 years now.
There are some newer TeleAtlas maps floating around for iGo 8.3. I haven't tried them yet though, but I think they're 2008.10.
TomTom uses TeleAtlas maps as well, although I don't know what the latest version is.
For me, Navteq maps are more complete in my area, but I might have to try the newest TeleAtlas ones to see if they have my subdivision yet.
Garmin Mobile XT has always been the most trustworthy for me, plus the embedded Google Local Search is the BEST thing for GPS on these phones. If you have data, you can search Google for POI's from within Garmin. This is so much better than relying on static, built-in POI's.
For example, last night I was going to Toys R Us in Rockford, IL. I knew where it was but when we got there we found out they moved. I wasn't sure where the new location was. I used the Local Search in Garmin and it had the new location.
Garmin has its quirks as well, but this feature, along with live traffic and fuel prices is the reason I stick with it. I do miss TTS and some other features of iGo, but I can also live without them.
The only thing that has kept me away from TomTom over the last few years is that the maps in my area weren't as complete.
iGo was great when I used it. I liked TTS and the terrain. Its choice of routes was questionable at time, and I've always had an issue with the ETA. For a 5-5.5 hour trip it would show about 6.5 hours and the ETA time wouldn't be accurate until I was within about 30 minutes of my destination.
It's a bit of a fault of the map. If it uses some default speed limits it can even suggest a wrong route. Example. There is a road in my city, that has speed limit 80km/h, but it's set as 50km/h so it usually doesn't suggest a side trip to that road, when it's much faster (also, almost everybody drive over the limit on that road), it's the road that continues as E80 .
I run TomTom on my Fuze and I can say that I have zero issues with it. It works exactly, if not even better, as it did on my 8125 (Wizard) and my 8525 (Hermes).
Igo
Igo, Igo and Igo !
I didn't know about the phone settings but it only make it more interesting ....
One other thing : maps files are a lot smaller in Igo than in Tom Tom so you can put more maps on your sd card.
Igo is a lot more customizable than Tom Tom and poi's are not really an issue because there is so much available. By the way, if it is for poi uses Google maps and its online search.
Garmin has a great reputation but I find it less interesting.
I have tested the latest garmin, Tom Tom 7.9 and I go 8.3 and I stick to Igo but the latest AmIgo (Igo 8.4) is something difficult to swallow. They say that they have removed all the difficult parts for the user but I think they have removed too much lol
I completely agree with your Amigo comment (flying carpet? Please). It is stripped down, bare bones, a beginner gps program that grandma can easily use.
The thing I love best about Igo (Besides using it as my own 411 directory) is its seemingly endless customization. The skinning makes it worthwhile to search for thst perfect skin. There are skins that alter/add menu options (more than just Route, manage, settings, find).
I upgraded to Gurjon GJ6.2p (www.Gurjon.com)...great upgrade. I can now:
1. Run a program (calculator, calendar, contacts) directly within Igo.
2. Multi-route (fast, short, economical, easy, scenic) and see all on the screen and color coded.
3. Add 10 additional Map screen settings (3d settings, lane info, short menu, turn settings, transparency, bars and pads, waypoint & destination, and more...)
4. Bluetooth enabled.
5. See the actual direction of a poi (with an arrow pointing the direction and distance based on your current location.
Yeah..lag, what can you do with it...
The TomTom version I have supports TTS but yeah I agree that it takes a lot of time to lock. Maybe after some time I will give Igo a shot
As I said - the lag issue seems to be a hardware issue and is still present with Igo (but I still say the positional lag issue is a non-issue for me - I can live with a 1-2 second delay).
For me, the maps (topography as well as 3-d building in major cities) coupled with the TTS makes Igo *very* attractive. I didn't even know about skinning it until I read the responses above this - another big plus for me.
As far as not (to my knowledge) having traffic or weather plugins - honestly - who cares? TomTom charges what I feel is an exorbitant fee for these services and thus renders them useless features to me.
And above all, I still say the satellite locking is faster with Igo.
Mileage may vary - and everybody will have features that are more important to them (like navigate to contact) - but as for myself - I've not loaded TomTom even once since putting Igo on.
A note about POIs... TomTom was anything but complete either - to the point that I never relied on it. When it comes to adding POIs, I'd say that both are equally adept and again makes this a non-issue.
Additionally, for me personally, any service that would rely on a data connection is out the window - I travel off the beaten path and into the sticks quite frequently where data connections are often a pipe-dream. That said - even if I were to pay for (eg) weather service, online poi ability - the services would be totally unusable when I've got no data connection. Again - rendering the ability a total non issue.
Hmm
I have been trying iGo8 and came to this discussion because I think it is awful to use, and was looking for something else.
I have it on an HTC Touch HD. From the outset it made little sense, wanting to plan a route from A to B seems impossible, only from GPS to B.
Today my iGo thinks Im somewhere on the M25 where google maps knows I am home in West Sussex. I have exited Igo twice and restarted, same issue.
Thumbing a map to see where you are or to look at surrounding areas on iGo is a joke, simply awful. It uncontrollably moves waaaaay past a mere gesture, and even when you press your thumb down to stop it moving, it continues.
I really hope TomTom is better, or I will need to buy a "real" GPS for my car... but at this point iGo gets a thumbs down.
Mark.
You probably have an addition to your sys.txt that makes the map move in that manner. Don't remember what the coding is...but I too hated it and removed it to scroll ONLY when I touched the screen.
As to routing...all you need to do is touch start point, 'cursor'-->set as start point. Then touch your destination, 'cursor'-->set as destination---simple.

Looking for Generic GPS Software

Something that can do simple basic GPS functions like the original hand helds did. No map needed, can track a path and way points. Most importantly I'd like to use it to measure things... so show me footage from where I start to where I am currently.
I looked at GPS Cycle Computer v3
Which looks like it would be what I want, but it only shows distance in miles... which is way to large of a scale for what I'm looking for.
Anyone have a clue to what I could use?
The Ultimate X2 Rom in my sig has several great GPS apps cooked in, one called turboGPS which is freeware and should be exactly what you're looking for (although a bit of a learning curve)
Val
do u run GPS turbo in parallel to GPS software(i.e garmin)?
in GPS setup, what do you select. Simulation? API? or none?
What tweaks did you also do in Tubro GPS
Couple days ago I instaled Sportypal. It is use a GPS to measure time, distance, speed even calories if you select proper activity as walking, running, cycling, rollerblading or "free stile' where you can do what you like to do without calories of course. Nice clean design, feeling is great....it has pause if you like (no measurment in it) continue, track, compass.....it is FREE
http://www.sportypal.com/Workouts/Details/1649
This is my cycling workout from two days ago. Uploading of workout is by your wish.
The mesurment is in yards up to 1mile after is in miles.
teodorparcel said:
Couple days ago I instaled Sportypal. It is use a GPS to measure time, distance, speed even calories if you select proper activity as walking, running, cycling, rollerblading or "free stile' where you can do what you like to do without calories of course. Nice clean design, feeling is great....it has pause if you like (no measurment in it) continue, track, compass.....it is FREE
http://www.sportypal.com/Workouts/Details/1649
This is my cycling workout from two days ago. Uploading of workout is by your wish.
The mesurment is in yards up to 1mile after is in miles.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That looks to be a good one, I will definately give it a try and report back
Thanks
Word... I'm definitely looking into that!
I just found out that on sportypal you can upload the gpx file from whereever you want, even if it's not made by the sportypal.
Just upload it and see your stats or analyze your workout. It worked for me, i had some gpx files from before and it put them on the map.
Take a look at Beeline GPS. Works great.
I keep a Holux 1000 always powered up under my car seat so when I'm in the car my Kaiser links to it for GPS needs. That way its instant as soon as the app starts. Waiting on the internal GPS is painfully slow and by using the Bluetooth GPS is doesnt sap my Kaiser's batt.
Beeline it's more for navigation as i can see, and plus it's not free
try visual gps
http://www.acetylated.com/software/mobile/visualgps/visualgps.html
freeware. it is pretty sweet. i think that it is exactly what you are looking for.
Turbo GPS, SportyPal, and Noni GPSPlot are all good options. Noni is probably the closest one to the GPS hand helds of old (still have my old yellow Garmin eTrex). SportyPal works great for walking/workout tracking, butTurboGPS is the most powerful of the three in terms of functionality.
Nav4all? Amaze gps?
Try....there're some simple track functions
gardndj said:
Turbo GPS, SportyPal, and Noni GPSPlot are all good options. Noni is probably the closest one to the GPS hand helds of old (still have my old yellow Garmin eTrex). SportyPal works great for walking/workout tracking, butTurboGPS is the most powerful of the three in terms of functionality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried Turbo GPS, nice software, but they have to change the UI.
gilligan8 said:
Something that can do simple basic GPS functions like the original hand helds did. No map needed, can track a path and way points. Most importantly I'd like to use it to measure things... so show me footage from where I start to where I am currently.
I looked at GPS Cycle Computer v3
Which looks like it would be what I want, but it only shows distance in miles... which is way to large of a scale for what I'm looking for.
Anyone have a clue to what I could use?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have tried many apps, finally now I am setteled for gpsVP (free). You can download google maps (or satellite) via WiFi or data. The downloaded maps are stored in cache and are prety compressed. It can store the tracks, also show previously recorded tracks.
I have tried gps VP long time ago, it's nice also but it needs some fleshing up. At that time it didn't have any support for the social networks, i don't know for now.
gpsVP is at version 0.4.18 (May 2009) http://code.google.com/p/gpsvp/. Also google for GoogleAK.

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