Google Navigator - Touch HD Themes and Apps

I have been playing with Google Navigator (not Google Maps) from here http://www.pdafun.net/index.htm
In it there is a download for off-line use option, but only for registered users.
Are you a registered user? Does it work?
I have access to wifi at work and at home, but in the car I don't have access to the internet, no 3G, edge or anything.
The trial version appears to let me draw a box around an area to download but then I am asked to register, US$60. Well if this works I will gladly buy it, if not it's not any better (for me) than Google maps which is free.
Thanks for any help or experiences.

never heard of this..... will download it and give it a try... im running ig8 and its flawless for me... the lag is maybe 20 feet off... i pass intersection, and the gps is passing it soon after... but ill give this a go

If you want to prepare Google Maps offline and and take them on your next trip I rather steer you towards GPSTuner from Hungary, a very professional solution, and in some app stores available for around 20 dollars: http://www.gpstuner.com/ Version 6 coming soon, but likely no free update due to major improvements
App store with special: http://www.pocketland.net/product.php?prod_id=13384

Google Navigator also has voice instructions a-la Igo etc. It's a lot more than offline Google Maps.
I have had an email back from the author, it does require a network connection to plan a route. So even if you could have the maps it doesn't work like a fully offline route planner. That for me is enough not to buy it.

Related

Who Uses GPS with GoogleMaps or Windows Live?

I have an HTC Mogul and am interested in a low-cost GPS solution. I am looking at the Holux M-1000, M-1200 and GPSlim 240, but want to know what my mapping/softeware options are without spending another $150 on a program like TomTom.
I understand Google and Windows Live have mapping software, and I currently have GoogleMaps on my PPC. Can anyone who uses these, or any other freeware share what the experience is like?
GoogleMaps' site says it has these features:
You Are Here (I know where I am, so this is no big deal) Where's the nearest... cup of coffee, late night pizza or last-minute bouquet? (OK - maybe this is useful)
Is there traffic up ahead? See it so you can avoid it. (I live in Vermont - there is NO traffic!)
How do I get there from where I am? Type your destination and away you go. (Not very detailed here, is it? So let's say your GPS/GMaps automatically tells you where you are. You type in where you want to go and get directions.
On a system like TomTom, I am assuming you are looking at a map that shows where you are, and says "Turn right in 100 ft. on Main Street" and shows a right-hand arrow. Once you have done this, the screen would say "Drive 6 miles" or something like that.
So, my question is, does Google do this? Does it in any way tell you what you need to do next based on you location and the directions to where you are going? Or does it just display your location as a point on a map, and it is up to you to figure out what and when to do? If so, is anyone using this and finding it useful, or a half-assed navigation solution?
Thanks,
BB
try google navigator 2.4 at pdafun.net it is not free though which is the same with google maps, you pay for network traffic.
hh
Looks Interesting
Have you used this? $60 is way cheaper than $150 for TomTom and I like the satellite view.
GPS...
I use a Holux 1000 and it works great with my Wizard with Live and Gmaps. Havn't tried a "turn-by-turn voice app" yet such as Tom-Tom.
Also, you need to give Beeline gps a try. Its a pretty cool app if you are into navigation.
Tried Google navigator (pdafun.net). IMO, seems a little buggy but I only tried it for about 10 minutes.
They will probably get the same love letter from Google that MGMaps did for content violations. ;-)
http://www.mgmaps.com/news.php?item=136
Try the Navibe GB735, it works great for me...
http://shop.treonauts.com/content/accessories/10-95--2230.htm
I have the Navibe GB735 Bluetooth GPS reciever that I got for my Treo 700wx during a trip to St. Louis, Chicago and Tulsa last September. I wrote a review of it here (http://forum.treonauts.com/palm-smartphones/treo-700w-wx/5919-gps-basics-help.html) under my other name (NavyStore). I still use it for work and just running around town with the Google Mobile Maps software.
Since I was upgraded to the xv6800 (Titan/Mogul) last week, I've used it twice and saw no changes. I have unlimited data w/ Verizon (but would love detailed instructions on how to get TomTom software I got to work on my phone) so it works fine as long as it holds a signal. Although, it does crash when VZW drops the data connection...
Hope these help some.
google maps does not do vocal turn by turn or a 3d view
it does do directions and what i use it for........ you can copy addresses from IE and paste them into google maps...
I use destinator 7 as my turn by turn GPS software and it is very good, but does not allow you to paste addresses into the fields... which mean i have to memorize or write the address down when i enter it...
i use both and can say, you can get by with only using google maps but it is not a turn by turn GPS software
I use my GPSlim 236 with Windows Live Search on a regular basis. Directions are a snap as long as you have unlimited data as well as a little patience in setting it up. I like the traffic feature as well here in Atlanta. You do get a little beep before a turn, but no voice. The view is not all that specatcular with the small screen of my Wizard but sufficient nevertheless. The best part is the SMS/email of directions and phone integration if you need to call a location.
As for Google Maps, I like it a little less, but it's not a bad program either. Personal preference.
I was using google maps for a while but then notices it would lose the GPS signal connection quickly. I tried all the different baud's and nothing worked. I did some searching on here and found that the problem seemed to be with google maps time out conditions. They are to short. So, I started using Live Search. I like it just as mich as google maps. It's actually a but easier to get to and from directions entered in for routing since you can browse to contacts for directions. The only issue I have now is that whenever I do a to and from directions route, Live Search always puts me at a previously entered destination. Does anyone know of a cache delete or something like that in Live Search? Anyone ever have this issue? I am using these apps. on an AT&T Tilt.
the Holux MX 1000 is a good deal if you dont mind the size ( well, as big as a zippo but a lil thicker ) . It hooks up quick ( I would say 10-20 sec , cold start ) and very stable. You can stick it into your key chain and you are ready to go.
For map, I prefer live search over Google map .
I've been using Live Search and love it when it works. The turn by turn is great. I wish it spoke, but it does at least beep. It saved me this past weekend lost in a strange city. Awesome. However, it seems to make my device (Tilt) unstable. I need to soft reset regularly after using it and I seem to lose my GPS signal easily. I don't know if this is my tilt, or the software, but i will freeze up for 3 minutes or so before it get moving again (which it does, most of the time!). As I said, when it works, it's awesome, as good as a full featured GPS solution. But I'm not sure it's wholly stable?
Yea, Live Search is really the way to go. It has much tighter integration with Windows Mobile and the "Speak your destination/search" is absolutely the best. Plus it has turn-by-turn unlike Google Maps. I have Tom Tom also on my phone, but when I'm searching for a location, Live Search wins for ease of use.
Have you tried nav4all??
Hi,
Just wondered if anyone has tried Nav4all on their devices?
What do you guys think?
Works great with my Tytn and blue tooth gps key-ring! (Freedom 2000)
Frogger
LiveSearch has no coverage for me (Belgium)...
On my TyTN (with Holux GPSlim 236), I have used
Smart2go: offline maps, nice 3D view, but no active navigation (doesn't seem to update gps position).
Google mobile: can determine rough location based on gsm cell, no active navigation
AmazeGPS: only have been able to test the alpha release, so it wasn't very stable; screenshots look interesting
Nav4All: good vocal directions, very basic but quite functional system
I have been searching for the free Navigon Mobile Navigation 6: the java version was free, but is no longer available on their site for download... (dunno if it still works though)
As my dataplan is on a different sim card, I mostly use my old phone (Nokia 6260) for data stuff (have it set up as external modem on my TyTN !). The upside is that I can use it as a standalone navigation; however I only managed to use Nav4All, and it seemed to loose its GPRS connection every now and then...
Haven't tested it enough on the TyTn to see if I get the same behaviour there.
Jörg

Google Maps-how to keep maps on phone

Is there a way to cache google maps of say London on my P3300, so that when I'm outside away from my wifi connection (I have no data connection) I can turn on google maps and use my GPS to navigate the streets of London.
It would be so great if you could download maps for google maps, turning it into a competitor for TomTom.
If you're reading this and didn't know, now google maps let's you use your GPS device (built in for us using Artemis) to locate yourself on the google map. Before it could only use cell phone tower info to provide an estimate of where you are. So now it really can be used for accurate navigation directions, if I can cache the maps on my phone.
Anyone know a work around?
There is software for this. Google Navigator. Did you see it?
Take a look here: http://www.pdafun.net/features.htm
In feautures they say:
Map is transferred via network and save permanently until you want to delete it.
Is this what you 're looking for?
But it 's not free.
YES, perfect, thanks. I'll give it a try.

Any suggestions for a good Map & Atlas program ?

Hi !
I'm kind of lost with these programs available for windows mobile and wich one fits with the htc s620 ...
I'm looking for a good program for maps and atlas. I don't want to program to connect to the internet to get the maps tought since i don't want my cell company to charge me for the data downloaded.
Anyone has an idea ?
No one has a program that they love for maps ? =)
google maps works good with it man..u can jus use wifi...free..has a mylocation service which is like gps and it gets pretty close..1000 meters maximum...
no one here really uses map/atlas stuff, besides google maps, because this phone doesnt have gps. i personally wont buy a gps receiver for it, because its old hardware...id rather put that money into a new phone that has gps..
Well, i'm not really wanting to buy a GPS for it ...
I just want something to look thru maps like microsoft maps (Im not sure of the name of their software) ?
I just dont wanna overload the data transfer on my cellphone in case my provider decide to charge me even if it's unlimited internet .... they charge me for each Kilobyte i load.
I was wondering if Tomtom will work on my htc without a GPS ?
I mean, would i be able to search for streets and see my way thru ?
Cause i'm planning on going to a week-end out of town so i'm preparing myself =D
I would recommend google maps, as it is free and mostly reliable for the most part.
Cyberflow said:
I was wondering if Tomtom will work on my htc without a GPS ?
I mean, would i be able to search for streets and see my way thru ?
Cause i'm planning on going to a week-end out of town so i'm preparing myself =D
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe that you will need a GPS device (a bluetooth gps device to connect it to your phone).
Static Maps
I'm also looking for " static " maps. There must be some thing available that we can download. I'm not interested in GPS related maps only a static map of Toronto, Canada. Any help is appreciated.
google maps
google maps
google maps
has that been mentioned here yet?
mjpuczko said:
google maps
google maps
google maps
has that been mentioned here yet?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No it has not been mention so I am going to let you all know that GOOGLE MAPS is the best.
Everyone over looks the obvious. Microsoft Live. Decent map program (and more) and its already on the device. Personally I use Google Maps and MapQuest Navigator, both with my b-speech bluetooth GPS. MS Live works just fine except the Ariel Maps are in black and white lol

Google offers free satnav to UK Android users

Google offers free satnav uk android users
Finally arrives at its destination
By Lawrence Latif
Wed Apr 21 2010, 12:04 ALL SEEING EYE Google has released its mobile navigation tool to Brits who have Android devices, putting further pressure on satnav vendors.
The ad broker has enabled turn-by-turn GPS navigation on all devices running version 1.6 or later of its Android operating system. The system had been available only in the US until now.
The service works with Google Maps, and while previously navigation was possible, this is the first time that free turn-by-turn GPS based navigation has tipped up on its mobile platform. As the firm has been maturing its Maps service for some time, several 'overlays' are available allowing the user to view traffic, points of interest and, where available, Streetview.
In our far from exhaustive tests, we found that a number of residential streets don't have Streetview-level data, however this is likely to change as Google's thirst for information fills any gaps. By far the biggest problem currently is the 'on-demand' nature of map dat, which means you are at the whim of mobile operators and their typically poor data networks. It is likely that Google will have to employ some form of caching system in order to speed things up, as map data downloading on anything other than 3G networks will be too slow while driving.
For all its faults we have to remember that this is a free service meaning that the traditional satnav providers' business model is at risk. Like most of Google's products, Navigation is in beta and at times it does show, with lag in navigating the user interface being the most visible issue. However, given that Tomtom's Iphone app costs £55, it's hard to see many users putting down that much cash when there's a pretty decent alternative available for free.
Google's navigation service can be accessed by Android mobile users in the phone's "car home" application, with no additional download required. Satnav vendors might well have to think up new ways of flogging the same old kit if they want to stay on the road. µ
Did you not see the post already going about this, and that they all got the news from here??
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=667668
Those of you who don't know how to use it, open up maps -> click menu button -> hit directions option -> punch in some directions -> hit go -> click navigate!
I dont know if anyone know this...with GOOGLE MAP, you will need a plan with internet connection. Good thing about other GPS application like TomTom and Garmin is that you can use them straight away with the GPS built-in regardless of internet connection. In some countries internet data are still quite expensive. How I wish google map can work even without internet. By the way, I dont really understand why Google only release the navigation feature only in UK or the US. They should have them available in major countries.
how do i get rid of google maps burt add on lol
TurkzZ said:
how do i get rid of google maps burt add on lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just go into settings-manage applications-and remove the app.
cheers bro
kuailan said:
By the way, I dont really understand why Google only release the navigation feature only in UK or the US. They should have them available in major countries.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe it is to do with the licensing of the map data.
In the US, Google supplies its own maps - this can be witnessed by bringing up map of a US location and it will say that the map is (c) Google. Do the same in the UK, and you will see that the maps are (c) Teleatlas.
Therefore, outside the US, Google will have to licence the maps for use with turn-by-turn navigation. Presumably it has to do this on a region by region basis, and they've just done this for the UK.
Regards,
Dave
Wonder why I ever installed the Brut thing... the 4.1.1. Maps always had the Beta navigation anyway.
Jannen, the code was always there, even it seems in version 4.1.0, but Google never turned it on, so the hack was worth it.
Thanks Aitese.
At least I got about 8Mb free from uninstalling Brut... helped bit with my other issue on the forum.

[Q] GPS on DHD

Those of you who already have the DHD in your hands, could someone confirm or reject the following about the GPS software?
- I've read that the software included with DHD is on a subscription basis so, you need to pay monthly or yearly fees to use it. Is it true?
- What software is included for GPS?
- Can anyone confirm if maps with street names for Cyprus are included?
- Finally, in case that the included software is either unavailable for Cyprus or the subscription is not cheap enough, could we install MLS destinator which is alerady working fine for Cyprus?
I don't want to bother the GPS software original come from DHD....
I rather use CoPilot.... more better...
The google GPS not really good enough compare with others GPS Apps...
I use Google Maps with Voice Navigation, no charges for that. There is another Nav app on the phone where the maps are there but not the voice (I think) you have to pay for the extras.
For me Google Maps are fine.
You have to buy features for the software. Turn-by-turn navigation, speedcams, traffic info, etc. The software and maps are free.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
andreasy said:
- I've read that the software included with DHD is on a subscription basis so, you need to pay monthly or yearly fees to use it. Is it true?
- What software is included for GPS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
2 applications are included:
1. Google Maps and you can download Google navigation (maps are not on the phone so you need a connection at all times).
2. HTC Locations. This is using the well known Route 66 software as a basis. You can download all of the country maps worldwide for free on your phone. And you can use it for free.
If you need added services, such as navigation, speedcams & traffic info you have to pay a sub.
andreasy said:
- Can anyone confirm if maps with street names for Cyprus are included?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see a Cyprus map in the list, but Greece and Turkey are there, perhaps Cyprus is included in the Turkey map?
andreasy said:
- Finally, in case that the included software is either unavailable for Cyprus or the subscription is not cheap enough, could we install MLS destinator which is alerady working fine for Cyprus?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can install any navigation sofware that works on Android.
Personally, I use Navigon.
BigMango said:
I don't see a Cyprus map in the list, but Greece and Turkey are there, perhaps Cyprus is included in the Turkey map?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My friend, I appreciate your interest to help and I thank you but what you just said here is a big foul. Just think.
Hey andreasy!
I live in Cyprus too, and as far as i can tell, the HTC software will NOT work in Cyprus cause there aren't Cyprus maps, which is really unfortunate.
But "iGo My Way" does, and it has a Cyprus map too. I have it on my computer here and it works on the android emulator. pm me if you need some help.
Thanks. Do you by any chance know about MLS destinator availability on Desire HD and if iGO can compare to MLS? I use it on a PNA and I am quite satisfied.
Does iGO have all the street info and POIs like MLS (ATM, Gas stations, etc?)
to be honest i haven't heard of MLS. I google'd it and it looks like there is an android version so it should work with DHD.
As for iGO check your pms.
BigMango said:
1. Google Maps and you can download Google navigation (maps are not on the phone so you need a connection at all times).
2. HTC Locations. This is using the well known Route 66 software as a basis. You can download all of the country maps worldwide for free on your phone. And you can use it for free.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are there not supposed to be maps stored for the 'Maps' app already on the phone?
I was under the impression that I could use pre-loaded maps on the phone, at least thats how HTC made it sound, but it seems I need to be connected to Wi-Fi or network data to use this app, am I doing something wrong or will it only work in the 'locations' app you mentioned?
NVM caught the answer in this thread.
There are preloaded maps for the Location app. You can download more maps for free. However it is only for Locations app. Google Maps needs internet connection to work. If you don't have data plan or in roaming, you can use Location app without any data being transfered, however your GPS fix could take longer without AGPS.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App
andreasy said:
Those of you who already have the DHD in your hands, could someone confirm or reject the following about the GPS software?
- I've read that the software included with DHD is on a subscription basis so, you need to pay monthly or yearly fees to use it. Is it true?
- What software is included for GPS?
- Can anyone confirm if maps with street names for Cyprus are included?
- Finally, in case that the included software is either unavailable for Cyprus or the subscription is not cheap enough, could we install MLS destinator which is alerady working fine for Cyprus?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the DHD in Cyprus. Google maps works and it has street names. However Google cannot give you driving instructions. It is possible to download country maps from Android market but Cyprus in not included. Basically you cannot use driving instructions in Cyprus but you can view maps and see street names.
I am not sure if MLS has released an Android version but I know that there are other GPS software you can install. I will try and find out which software works for Android and I will let you know
Thanks, I have been using MLS destinator 7 & 8 and I am quite satisfied with the software itself and the included POIs but the maps are outdated and no updates are provided for Cyprus.
If any of you find any good software that gets updated, let's have recommendations. I know that Garmin is the best as a software and in terms of updates for Cyprus but they have locked their software on their devices and on specific phones only so this is out of question.
Im using Navicom now, i did use Copilot before but i feel that Navicom is better and the voice guide have great timing now, my taste it has a better layout. Anyways im happy with it so far.
Does anybody know how much the navprog that came with the phone will cost after the 30days trail ?
MrGarak said:
Are there not supposed to be maps stored for the 'Maps' app already on the phone?
I was under the impression that I could use pre-loaded maps on the phone, at least thats how HTC made it sound, but it seems I need to be connected to Wi-Fi or network data to use this app, am I doing something wrong or will it only work in the 'locations' app you mentioned?
NVM caught the answer in this thread.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What HTC is advertising is that you can preset your route from home where you have Wi-Fi and the phone will download the maps needed. When you are on the road the phoen uses the pre-downloaded maps. However if you decide to change route or go on another trip you need to use your data plan to download new maps.
Thats why its better to have a dedicated navigation program like IGO with all countrry maps pre-installed on the phone. No need to download from home or use your data plan.
In addition Google maps Navigation is not available for all countries Cyprus is one of the Countries that are not supported.
andreasy said:
Thanks, I have been using MLS destinator 7 & 8 and I am quite satisfied with the software itself and the included POIs but the maps are outdated and no updates are provided for Cyprus.
If any of you find any good software that gets updated, let's have recommendations. I know that Garmin is the best as a software and in terms of updates for Cyprus but they have locked their software on their devices and on specific phones only so this is out of question.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IGO works fine. The maps for Cyprus are of 2009.
andreasy said:
Those of you who already have the DHD in your hands, could someone confirm or reject the following about the GPS software?
- I've read that the software included with DHD is on a subscription basis so, you need to pay monthly or yearly fees to use it. Is it true?
- What software is included for GPS?
- Can anyone confirm if maps with street names for Cyprus are included?
- Finally, in case that the included software is either unavailable for Cyprus or the subscription is not cheap enough, could we install MLS destinator which is alerady working fine for Cyprus?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use the gps all the time, which works very well to be honest, i have co pilot live 8 installed (£25) works perfect, no extra bills as it comes off the data allowance you have.
Google maps is pre installed as far as i could see but compared to co pilot it fails.
boarne71 said:
Im using Navicom now, i did use Copilot before but i feel that Navicom is better and the voice guide have great timing now, my taste it has a better layout. Anyways im happy with it so far.
Does anybody know how much the navprog that came with the phone will cost after the 30days trail ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Press update in the Locations menu and you will get the different prices for different length of subscription. It's differs from country to country..
It's frustrating that everyone tells a different version of the story. Here goes my version which I think is accurate as I actually have a DHD and have done for 3 weeks...
The phone comes preinstalled with Google Maps, and HTC Locations.
Google Maps: Downloads data as and when it needs it. Therefore for every route, you will have to download data on-the-go. It works pretty well though and has a nice enough interface. All text is TTS, so sounds a bit jerky. Will do postcode lookup.
HTC Locations: This comprises of 2 sections. 1: Maps; which is free for everything, works just like Google Maps but has the funky compass functionality. 2: Navigation; This is the SatNav part of the product. You have to pay for a license for a map, which allows you to use turn-by-turn nav. Once you have the license for your country and have downloaded the map, then you do not need to download any more data. At this point it functions exactly like a regular PND (TomTom etc). Text is pre-sampled so sounds a lot nicer (but can't read road names). It can be supplemented by live traffic and speed camera alerts, which are both extra subscriptions.
With locations, you can download as many regular maps as you like and all you pay is data connection fees (if done over 3G etc) to get them.
With the Navigation part of it, you have to pay for all of it. Nothing is free (though you do get a 30 day trial of one map)
Also the HTC app doesn't do postcode lookup, which is probably the biggest problem with it.
In my opinion, neither are really up to scratch and do not form a decent replacement for my TomTom (on my old Touch Pro2!).
I have Navigon on my phone, and that is a better solution, but the interface is quite horrible (i.e. you can't display time, arrival time and speed on the screen at the same time) and also I find that entering addresses using the on-screen keyboard doesn't really work properly (when holding the top row for a number, it doesn't work - I have to select the number section of the keyboard and press it from there).
I'm thinking of giving CoPilot a try to see if it's any cop...
I hope that helps clear things up.
All those info are great but they would only be helpful if we lived in a large country. It's still helpful though so, thanks.
From a very thorough research I found out that no matter which is the best navigation tool, for Cyprus things will be totally different. So we only have 2 options: iGo and MLS.
They are not the best tools but they are the only ones you can use on Android and they are the only ones that have Cyprus maps (with street names and spoken instructions), even if the maps are outdated and cover only the 80% of the island.
I have MLS on a PNA so maybe I give iGO a try in order to compare.
Thanks to everyone.

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