Can anyone clarify how GPS works on the G1/Dream. Im being advised by t-mobile here in the UK that to use GPS the phone needs to connect to the internet (so Im guessing it uses a GPS server from Google).
Reason for asking is because I have an Orbit now with Tom TOm and it works sweet for free as long as I can get a GPS signal. I spend a lot of time out of the UK, and dont want to incur internet roaming charges (£1.50per MB) to use GPS and the sat nav.
Additionally, assuming GPS is free, are there any apps out there to allow me to run native Tom TOm on the G1, or any other apps as good as or better than Tom Tom (excluding Google Maps which obviously requires www access).
Thanks
In addition you can disable the A-GPS function (or so ive heard) But i believe the reason why they say you need to have internet access is because the native application of the G1 is Google maps and it draws all of its informaion online, as far as using the GPS only you do not need internet access if you have all the maps available offline.
eskimofisherman,
The G1 definitely has a GPS antenna, which has nothing to do with data - it simply figures out it's coordinates on earth. That data (coordinates) can then pinpoint you on a map, which is where the data connection comes in. The maps are downloaded to your phone using the data connection. And, as far as I've seen, it is streamed to your phone. For instance, if you're on 9th street, the G1 will download the maps for 5 blocks around 9th. If you move, or scroll on the screen, it then downloads the map data for that area you move to. With TomTom, you bought maps, which means you had all 1-2GB of data pre-loaded. Lastly, FYI, GPS is always free. You aren't ever "downloading" data with a GPS antenna. All it does is say "where is this antenna, on earth, relative to X number of satellites?"
As far as TomTom on the G1, I have no idea....sorry
Hope this helps!
Exactly - I was hoping to use the sat nav function with "a n other" sat nav program and/or maps, or using maps offline.
T Mobile seem to suggest you need internet access even for the GPS, regardless of the Google maps function.
Ya, right now I don't think you're gonna have any luck since all the maps applications except andnav use google maps and andnav still requires a data connection. (although I do seem to remember one that uses maps downloaded to your phone from something called open maps or something... can any1 confirm?)
Hi!
If you use AndNav (download lastest beta from www.andnav.org) you can preload all the maps you could ever dream of
This does not require you to go to the internet to download data, but it does require you to access the internet to enable the software to select your route. You can however preload the routes aswell
Keep in mind. If you live in the USA, like myself, AndNav2 doesn't support us yet!
There is a posting on another Android site showing Copilot Live on a G1. When this comes out it will have the maps on a micro sd card. The price for the wm version is $99.
Wow awesome, I just hope the internal Gps chipset is decent. Unlike the n95 built in gps I had. Although I do have a Sirf Star III BT receiver just in case.
Related
i bought a tilt yesterday and it is my first smartphone. I already flashed it to Dutty's v1.1. With my plan i rely on wifi so i didnt get any data plan.
Without 3g, edge, gprs how can i get GPS to work with my TILT that doesnt cost money?
Anyone want to help a noobout?? If you could teach me some stuff PM!!!
GPS does not cost money because it doesn't uses GPRS/EDGES etc - unless you install and run QuickGPS (or similar). GPS is only receiving freely available satellite info
QuickGPS is a service that helps the GPS unit get its first fix quicker and this uses the internet and hence GPRS/EDGE - but it is optional, so if you are prepared to wait a minute of two to get a good GPS fix, then GPS will not cost you a penny.
how do you get the free gps though?
Could you elaborate a bit? What do you mean by "how do you get the free gps though?". Because as Weasel said, GPS IS Free. Do you mean how do you get free software (i.e. TOMTOM)?
unk3 said:
how do you get the free gps though?
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Click to collapse
You already have it, in form of your GPS receiver in your device. If you are wondering how you can get programs/maps to run your GPS with, well there is really just one option for you:
Buy some software! The market is flooded with GPS software, to name a few:
TomTom
iGo
Garmin XT
Destinator
MioMap
and so on...
If you had a data plan, you could use Google Maps in combination with your GPS (google maps is free).
Alternatively, if you are more about using your GPS functionality for hiking, off-road travel,... then I recommend:
GPSTuner 5.2 (excellent software for off-road)
Track-Me (You get this in the Kaiser > Kaiser forum. Great piece of software, and so far it's free)
Either way, you'll need software to make use of the hardware.
Hope this helps a bit.
H.
A good free option would be MGMaps, which uses stored maps and doesn't need to transfer data (however it can do it if you wish).
i guess what im trying to say is, Where can i download "MAPs" or the software that has maps for free.
I tried using googlemaps, but i can only use it when im in a wifi area lol
Hey, I just upgraded to the official sprint rom and hate their satellite nav program, but anyway, I wanted to know if anyone has any recommended software for use with the phone, my friend recommends Garmin XT but I can't find for sure if it even works with the Mogul. Thanks in advance.
Lilinka said:
Hey, I just upgraded to the official sprint rom and hate their satellite nav program, but anyway, I wanted to know if anyone has any recommended software for use with the phone, my friend recommends Garmin XT but I can't find for sure if it even works with the Mogul. Thanks in advance.
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Click to collapse
Garmin XT works perfectly with the mogul. i have it on mines, you dont even need to use the GPS Launcher. it detects it automatically. i also have tomtom 6 navigator on mines as well. it works well too, but you have to use a gps launcher with that one.
A GPS launcher? Forgive the newbishness, but whassat?
Lilinka said:
A GPS launcher? Forgive the newbishness, but whassat?
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Click to collapse
Some GPS programs dont detect the mogul's internal Gps, so the Gps launcher, activates gps as well as the program at the same time.
http://forum.ppcgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=17072
this is where i read up on it. However the Garmin XT Mobile doesnt require the launcher in order to use the mogul internal gps.
RikoNaz said:
Garmin XT works perfectly with the mogul. i have it on mines, you dont even need to use the GPS Launcher. it detects it automatically. i also have tomtom 6 navigator on mines as well. it works well too, but you have to use a gps launcher with that one.
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Click to collapse
Could you comment on whether or not Garmin XT has text-to-speech for street names? During my limited experience with TomTom (on a friend's phone), I noticed that TomTom didn't have this feature (or it wasn't turned on by default). Does Garmin XT announce street names?
Thanks.
NO, it does not have this feature or none that I can see. But it does work great, I think I like tom tom for some of the other features like advanced routing and I think the maps tom tom are more accurate. For example I get a lock at my house and it says that I am at 1057 and should be 1017.
But for the most part is works great.
Here is another vote for Garmin XT...
It does not read out the street names but I have found that I don't really need stephen hawkings telling me what the name of the street is as long as it is telling me when to make the turn! LOL
The Garmin also does a better job on streets with two names which is common in rural areas...
I live on a street that is a county road AND a state highway...
In Tom Tom I had to use the county road to enter in addresses but with Garmin it would take either street name and still find it.
There are a few nav proggies that do read names out to you but I don't think any of them have the other features and huge POI database of Garmin or Tom Tom.
I have both of those installed (8GB SD Card) and I have to say I never use the Tom Tom just the Garmin!
Quick question
Asphyx said:
Here is another vote for Garmin XT...
It does not read out the street names but I have found that I don't really need stephen hawkings telling me what the name of the street is as long as it is telling me when to make the turn! LOL
The Garmin also does a better job on streets with two names which is common in rural areas...
I live on a street that is a county road AND a state highway...
In Tom Tom I had to use the county road to enter in addresses but with Garmin it would take either street name and still find it.
There are a few nav proggies that do read names out to you but I don't think any of them have the other features and huge POI database of Garmin or Tom Tom.
I have both of those installed (8GB SD Card) and I have to say I never use the Tom Tom just the Garmin!
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Hi,
Please bare with me as I am very new to this.
I got my new Mogul last week and I do have unlimited internet and text msg on my plan. Is that sufficient to get me going with GPS? Or will I be billed for using GPS on my Mogul(Sprint)? Pls let me know as I am very much interested in using GPS.
Thx in adv.
pakka008 said:
Is that sufficient to get me going with GPS? Or will I be billed for using GPS on my Mogul(Sprint)? Pls let me know as I am very much interested in using GPS.
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Click to collapse
You really don't need either to use GPS unless you are going to use google maps or ms live. Then you would need internet connection.
Garmin, IGO, Tom Tom and others use the gps receiver in the phone that uses the sats in the sky without the need for monthly fees. So if you only wanted to use the phone and gps (no internet or sms) then you would not need a data plan or sms plan.
pakka008 said:
Hi,
Please bare with me as I am very new to this.
I got my new Mogul last week and I do have unlimited internet and text msg on my plan. Is that sufficient to get me going with GPS? Or will I be billed for using GPS on my Mogul(Sprint)? Pls let me know as I am very much interested in using GPS.
Thx in adv.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have unlimited Data package then you can use pretty much any GPS program you want. No extra charges at all! They don't charge for the use of the GPS and you only need the data connection if you use a program that downloads maps on the fly. (Google or MS). I personally don't like that because if I happen to get to an area where the data service isn't available you won't get a map until you get back into a data service area.
A program like Garmin and Tom Tom will also use data connections if you have them but that is only to download updated traffic data. Both Garmin and TT store the maps on the device. If you have a large SD card (like my 8GB) you can store the entire North America map with all the POI data which takes up about 2GB (a little less) of space. IF you don't have a lot of storage space you will have to download a partial map that covers the area your going to be driving in. May seem like a pain but it makes the operation a lot better to have the maps local and always available.
IF you have good storage space and unlimited Data, then your pretty much set. Make your choice based on the features of the program.
If you want to get a feel for each go to your local electronics store and try out the standalone TomTom and Garmin units. They pretty much run the same software (similar) to what you'll get on the PPC.
Google and MS are free so you can easily try them too if you want.
I personally love my Garmin. I bought the GPS10 and it works great. But don't buy the SD card versions...Get the CD which will allow you to install on the PC any SD card instead. Then you can install to any size SD card you want with plenty of room for other things as well!
Do you guys know of any problems with the install on a Titan 6800? garmin xt
ok i want this is it free or it cost money but if its free where can i download it
bpratt - Absolutely no issues installing GXT on a 6800 but it does require at least a 2GB+ memory card to store the maps and program. With GTX you don't actually install it onto the device it really installs into the memory card. When you put the memory card into the device it then adds the bits it needs to the device and runs. In fact you can use that card in any WM device that Accepts SD memory and it will install and work as long as that device has GPS capability.
Get the CD version of it though. More flexible installation options.
Authentisketch -No Garmin isn't free. At least not legally free. I got it with the Garmin Bluetooth GPS10 unit for $119 on Ebay.
i've been running google maps on mine. It has a tracking option (gps) and it's pretty good. Pretty scary actually. To be honest, not only did it find where i live easy enough, the address, BUT ALSO THE FREAKING APARTMENT UNIT! That last bit bothers me so much. I've never been a "ohhhh tin foil time" but that, how does it know what unit i live in???
google maps for mobile FTW
http://www.google.com/mobile/gmm/stp-js.html
I used Iguidance 3.0 w/ google maps today. It's a darn good combination
if you dont' have a lot of storage space. for my area, VA/DC/MD
program and maps only take up 79 megabytes on my 2 gb storage card.
this setup means i dont' have to store PIO i can look up the latest with google maps,
and copy the address over into iguidance.
The only thing is, when it reads directions, it pauses between words.
in..200..yards...turn... left I hope there is a mod to fix that...
the iguidance cab file is only like 13k.
I just bought a Htc 8925 and i heard that it has a gps built in the phone. but i could not figure it out how to use the gps without paying the monthly fees. So please let me know any options that i could do to make my phone work like a gps or at lease help me to get where i want to go. thank you very much
GPS Programs
Hello Shadowluan,
This is a problem I once had too, and I found that you only have to subscribe to programs like telenav or pay GPS programs like tom tom. The two standard yet excellent free gps applications I use are Windows Live Search http://livesearchmobile.com/windows_mobile.htm, and Google Maps http://www.google.com/mobile/default/maps/index.html. However, the free programs do not do everything a good pricey GPS program will do. However, you should use quick GPS under programs > tools before connecting, as it can greatly reduce the time it takes to connect to the satellites. Hope I've helped,
Dave
Download google maps for pocket pc. When it's open check off use gps.
hi, i have google maps already, but whenever i use it, it says i have to have a data connection. if i check off use gps like you said, how can i use google maps to show the direction? thank you very much
Can I use google maps or windows live search to find the direction i want without data connection or Wifi or any internet stuff. because i think htc 8925 has gps built in right? thanks
GPS Usage
Hello Shadowluan,
Windows live search can show direction once it has a satellite connection established and an active internet connection. However, as far as I know, there is no free GPS program that can show maps without an internet connection over At&t or wifi or some other internet connection. Having maps installed on the device I believe is only a feature of the pricey programs. Hope I've helped,
Dave
shadowluan said:
Can I use google maps or windows live search to find the direction i want without data connection or Wifi or any internet stuff. because i think htc 8925 has gps built in right? thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The HTC 8925 HAS GPS built in, all it has is a device that sends your phone its Lat/Long Coordinates. You need a piece of software that can take that information and feed it into a map.
Google Maps and Windows Live, store their maps on a server and therefore require a data connection.
Other Programs put the maps on your Device, TomTom, iGo 2008, but these cost money.
Make your choice. Buy the Nav Program or pay the Data Charge.
I have Tom Tom on my device and it was working great until recently when i blocked data on my account (I read somewhere here GPS doesn't use data) so now the GPS tracking doesn't work anymore. Is there a way to fix it or do i have to go put my data back on (and does GPS use alot of data so i have to purchase a plan?).
unlocked AT*T Tilt on Fido network
Now I don't know loads about GPS, but I do know that Assisted GPS (AGPS) uses data, and that helps you get a GPS fix by using pre-calculated information on a remote server. Though you are not using data to download maps if you are using Tom Tom, your GPS might have been using AGPS to speed up the time it takes for the GPS to locate you. As I mentioned though, I'm not super knowledgeable about GPS, so I might not be right. This is just a theory though.
Dave
Tom Tom use does not require a data plan for operation.
The tilt has a built in GPS chip so it does not require assistance (data plan) to find your location like some other phones.
However if you use any of the features in Tom Tom that require an internet connection like Tom Tom traffic, you will need an internet connection (data plan).
TW,
Tiger Woods is correct (I just wanted to say that like I actualyl know TIger Woods)... But seriously...
Tom Tom and a few otehr programs do not require you to use aq data plan as mentioned.. These programs store their maps on your device (well, usually the microSD card)... The TomTom US map is nearly 1 gb... The advantage with this type of program is that you do not need to be within cellular range for it to work.. and it doesn;t use data for map info... The bad pat is you have to have a 1gb map sitting there takign up room on your card...
Other GPS programs like MS Live Search, Google, and many others stream in the map info from your data plan via cell tower... The GPS part itself doesn;t need the data plan, but the programs that operate this way do... You could be using "A-GPS"... It stands for Assisted GPS and is called that because the towers stream the GPS location that they are and assists your phone in figuring outs its location... Luckily the Tilt offers both A-GPS and "True"-GPS... so you can use it either way...
I would suggest buying a copy of TomTom and using that as it is great.. uses the true GPS.. and if you have a 2gb or higher microSD card you should be fine.. I use an 8gb myself and have tons of software installed on it, music, movies, tomtom, and more...
Plus I have also found that I can use ORB on my phone using pIE and stream full screen video or music from my computer (if you are in a wifi hot-spot)...
I hope I was helpful.... and took some of the pressure off of Tiger Woods helping you.. that guy neeeds to concentrate on his golf game...
On a trip back from vegas I was able to leave my phone on airplane mode and use gpstoday to watch our speed.
Disable AGPS (Assisted GPS) and you will be fine. If you dont know how than use the built-in search to find a tool to disable it.
just use wifi to update the info needed to speed up gps
cogcaviz24 said:
just use wifi to update the info needed to speed up gps
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Click to collapse
correct, before using tomtom, you should:
1) update quickgps and/or quickposition if you have them
2) open gps with gpstest or htc_gps_tool (However if you are using htc_gps_tool you must leave it open)
3) open tomtom (w/assisted gps turned off of course)
I usually have zero issues now finding a satellite within a few seconds.
I have Tom-Tom. A fast lock comes from the data plan and since you have it off, you go solely on the GPS driver AT&T provides. I think your issue is not that the GPS is not working, but the GPS is taking forever to get a lock. When I have the Stock crapy AT&T rom installed and turn data off; it takes 10 to 15+ minutes to get a lock (same goes for 3 of my friends here in southern California USA). I have no idea why AT&T screwed this up; I think the change was to help battery life. So to fix this, I have started by using cooked ROMs, and finally use my own cooked ROMs. With my current Rom I get a REAL GPS lock in less than 2 minutes. Also I have found -G-'s DK 10 Final rom also has an extremely fast GPS lock. And Hyper Dragon is also somewhat fast 3-4 minutes. Have you tried a different Rom?
is there any way that google maps can be saved to the sd card. for example when you drive by a small town with crappy connection it takes FOREVER to load. so i was wondering if the maps could be saved so even without a decent internet connection you can still use gps
In short: no.
There are, however, a few other navigation systems, but they cost a pretty penny.
Telenav, CoPilot and Destinator 9 are all on the market (from $29.99 to $69.99) and both CoPilot and Destinator 9 store their maps locally (I couldn't figure out if Telenav does or not). They cost a lot, but if you're going to be driving around near slow connections frequently, it might be worth it to you.