UK WP7 Users - Windows Phone 7 General

Ok, so I have seen people complaining from all over the globe as to what problems they've encountered and also people talking about what they like.
Now I would like the perspective of a UK user about any gripes or pleasantries that they have with this new phone OS.
With that I mean even the most minute of details lol.
I'm in the UK and i'm considering WP7 for information purposes.

It works exactly the same as it does in the US.
The only thing we don't get is the 10 credits per month for Zune Pass. It's purely rental only you don't get to keep any of the music once you stop paying. Think Spotify but cheaper and actual physically downloading files and you've got it.

So how about bing maps, how do you find it?

Bing maps is absolutely fine in the UK, note that ATM it does not include turn by turn with voice guidance, nor does it have frills like googles streetview, but as a map app it does the trick.

yea i can say the same for australia. sure there isn't any POI (maybe they could utilise facebook places? come on MS, wise up ), but still, it works fine for me. people like the look of the maps when i show them, how it fuzzy and then comes into display, rather than blocks appearing (like Google). though, with Google's new maps being capable of offline storage due to vector graphs instead of bitmaps, they will be able to do a lot more.

It works pretty well the only thing it's missing over Google Maps on Android is Turn by Turn and Streetview.
It'll find most places, even if you were to type in Tesco you'd see the nearest supermarkets.

It's been great for me.
Very easy to use and it's so smooth. I upgraded from a Touch HD and the difference is staggering.
Marketplace and Zune are both great.
Bing maps i've had absolutely no problems with. Would be nice in a future update to get the OS view that you get on bing maps desktop.

kappo78 said:
Ok, so I have seen people complaining from all over the globe as to what problems they've encountered and also people talking about what they like.
Now I would like the perspective of a UK user about any gripes or pleasantries that they have with this new phone OS.
With that I mean even the most minute of details lol.
I'm in the UK and i'm considering WP7 for information purposes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i got the samsung omnia 7 from orange and am very pleased with it. if you go with orange they have their own Orange maps which is turn by turn using voice. bings maps itself is very cool.

Related

Not brillient news from O2!

Firstly let me say these are just some of the opinions of staff I've spoken too at 3 O2 shops in my area.
Basically, my upgrade is due next week and I've been looking forward to the new WP7 and the HD7 although I now know the transition will be painful. I wanted to have a play before hand so popped into their shops. I went to 3 because the first 2 hadn't had any hand sets delivered - Only some posters and plastic handsets. They also had next to no knowledge of the phones and pretty much shrugged their shoulders about it.
The third shop had a demo only......which stopped working altogether yesterday. They quoted some dead pixels and then it just gave up. No other explanation given
None of the shops know when they will actually receive any stock.
They all were suggesting I go for the new Blackberry (won't touch these) or an Android phone. Only one lady suggested a iPhone (again not going there).
One guy suggested that this may be a complete flop and we had an interesting conversation as to why he thought so, some of his comments I thought were total gash but he had a point on others. He mentioned that some of the apps on the market place were crashing the device (has anyone any knowledge of this?), or slow (already seeing comments about this on here). To be fair, he was the only one who knew any details about the phone. He suggested that the real release will be after the first update (so Jan), and that at the moment this release was considered to be a real world testing phase.
So none of this is looking promising for the moment. I'm desperate for a new phone - my X1i is pretty long in the tooth now. I'm already installing SBS with Exchange on one of my machines so I don't have to keep my contact and calender items on Live (testing of using the connector is showing loss of data, categories and irregularities which I can't explain or make no sense).
Just thought I'd pass this on.
So basically they have no win phomes and want to sell you something else to make some commission. Why does anyone listen to these salespeople?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
N8ter said:
So basically they have no win phomes and want to sell you something else to make some commission. Why does anyone listen to these salespeople?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Basically - yes. I get the impression that they don't know anything about the phone or OS in the first place to push a sale even if they had the stock.
To be fair, I'll be getting mine via O2 retentions anyway.
Unless the CLR is broken or the Silverlight base library is buggy as hell in the PInvoke parts that interact with the low level system, I really doubt that the apps will crash the phone.
Tom Servo said:
Unless the CLR is broken or the Silverlight base library is buggy as hell in the PInvoke parts that interact with the low level system, I really doubt that the apps will crash the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
there have been
some data programs that have a lot of data from rss feeds aren't nearly as smooth as microsoft software (eg email sms and the like)
I don't think its an issue that a quick ota (january) will fix however so in that I agree with the CS rep.
The OS is new and so a few bugs are to be expected. I think once they release the update in Jan it will be much better.
I don't think that they can think it will be a flop as it hasn't even been released in the US and thats where M$ will probably do most of its advertising.
domineus said:
there have been
some data programs that have a lot of data from rss feeds aren't nearly as smooth as microsoft software (eg email sms and the like)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That means nothing without the source code available. The applications could for instance do not make use of threading to mitigate these issues, maybe overload various controls with data instead of using on-demand loading (and unloading), etc blah blah.
My experience with o2 was a bit better. Well the other half went into one of the Guildford stores to pick up two phones for us before she went into work. There were already some people buying some and she overheard one of the staff members say after she brought those they’d have four left, but then the guy she was dealing with said it was the last one, obviously not wanting to shift two of them on PAYG. So I made my own way into Aldershot to pick one up, and the staff in there seemed pretty enthusiastic about the HD7 and actually knew a bit about them. Was somewhat impressed. I'd be more impressed if they offered me a cradle instead of a case though.
As for the crashing applications, as already said they don't crash the phone, it just falls back to the Start screen. The one that got a bit of attention was the Xbox Live Extras application (which lets you send messages, customise your avatar etc) doesn't seem to be working on HTC phones, it was pulled off the Marketplace yesterday and a fix is going through certification now and should be up in a few days.
Some 3rd party applications aren't as smooth as the Microsoft stuff, you can tell the difference between them but they aren't what I would call slow. Load times weren't as bad as I was expecting for the games either.
I'm yet to find a member of staff in any phone shop that heard of windows phone 7
Sent from my HTC Desire using XDA App
Just got one. Installed all free apps on market place just to test. Did not yet encounter any problems except one, how do you activesync it to outlook?!?!?!?!?!
I on the other hand had a good experience from O2 and the HD7 with Win Phone 7.
The Basingstoke store had a working demo and the sales guy was very enthuastic about the phone and demo'd it and let me play with the phone for about 15 minutes. The experience was very good of WP7 and now really keen to have it....either on my HD2 or to get a HD7.
I expect it not to be perfect, but from other articles and the sales guy the WP7 OS will get updates regulary which presumably will fix bugs, just like a home OS.
So...HD2 and wait.....or sell HD2 and get HD7???
domineus said:
there have been
some data programs that have a lot of data from rss feeds aren't nearly as smooth as microsoft software (eg email sms and the like)
I don't think its an issue that a quick ota (january) will fix however so in that I agree with the CS rep.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which is very likely down to a badly written app and has nothing to do with Microsoft (other than the fact they allowed a sub-par app onto the marketplace).
lee-bowman said:
So...HD2 and wait.....or sell HD2 and get HD7???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unless you really want a HD7 I would stick it out and see if you can get the 16GB Omnia 7 instead. The screen is that much better even if it is slightly smaller, as is the camera. The HD7 feels like a cheap knockoff in comparison. The only reason I got the HD7 was 8GB on the Samsung, but will definitely swap it out if it turns out I can get my hands on the 16GB version.
ruscik said:
Just got one. Installed all free apps on market place just to test. Did not yet encounter any problems except one, how do you activesync it to outlook?!?!?!?!?!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't. Exchange ActiveSync only.
Mind you even Hotmail can almost replicate the feature set of Exchange 2003 nowadays, all it's lacking is Tasks (not supported on WP7) and the fancy meeting arangement stuff.
I would like to also share my story I went to my local town and the only shop to have had any wp7 handsets was o2 but had sold out only 15 mins after opening, Orange said demand was so high only big stores had any others said due sometime thus month. I want back to o2 store and they phoned around and reserved one in another store got it no problem but was last one they had. I think everyone underestimated the os and didn't have the stock to cover demand so I'm not worried about popularity. The sales ppl will say anything to sell what they have in stock. Apps rock esp the games i recomed harvest and twin blades i have been playing for hours, and that's bearing in mind i have also just bought f1 2010 for my Xbox. Don't get put off phone around you will be glad you did
daSmirnov said:
It doesn't. Exchange ActiveSync only.
Mind you even Hotmail can almost replicate the feature set of Exchange 2003 nowadays, all it's lacking is Tasks (not supported on WP7) and the fancy meeting arangement stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as I am aware you can active sync via exchange with hotmail and Gmail but with Gmail I know you can sync outlook with Google calender and thus ph7 its a bit of a long workaround but it works
I rang around a few O2 stores around the south of Ireland on Wednesday (the day before the release) to check availability, and 3 out of 4 staff had no idea what I was talking about (even in one or two larger stores).
The last store I rang knew exactly what I was talking about, checked their system, saw that they had one handset due in in the morning, and reserved it for me. Champion.
I was quite nervous about abandoning WM 6.5 for WP7, but after a few days of use I'm really happy. It does all the basics incredibly well (SMS, calls, calendar, email). Web browsing is a pleasure. Everything is fast and it works just as it should.
There is nowhere near the level of customisation that regular 6.5 fanboys would be used to, so if you are expecting to be able to change SMS font size, calendar notification ringtones etc etc then you will be disappointed. The approach here is "Keep It Simple, Stupid" and it works really well. You've just got to go with the flow.
All I'm really waiting for now is a decent GPS Navigation app (along the lines of iGo) and a replacement for SPB Wallet (I believe eWallet is en route shortly) and I'll be a happy camper.
Oh and I've had a crash just the once so far, when I launched the Seesmic app for the first time. The screen locked up and the device rebooted itself. Hasn't happened since, hopefully won't happen too often!
They all know about it here in Birmingham city center!
(In carrier shops... Phones4U and Carphone Warehouse don't get the phones yet)
They've had Windows Phone reps ushering people around in the street.
All O2 shops have HD7 demo units about if you ask, or even on custom displays.
Orange shops have HTC Mozart and Omnia 7.
(But reluctant to get Omnia out now as they seem to be investing a lot of Advertising in the Mozart... went to another shop and made friends with a guy and got one!)
Even Vodafone shop has the HTC Trophy banging about and leaflets for it etc!
daSmirnov said:
It doesn't. Exchange ActiveSync only.
Mind you even Hotmail can almost replicate the feature set of Exchange 2003 nowadays, all it's lacking is Tasks (not supported on WP7) and the fancy meeting arangement stuff.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lumpaywk said:
As far as I am aware you can active sync via exchange with hotmail and Gmail but with Gmail I know you can sync outlook with Google calender and thus ph7 its a bit of a long workaround but it works
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry but none of that is a proper solution.
If you sync your outlook contacts with hotmail you loose a lot of data that is normally stored in them, pictures, certain type of contact detail that hotmail does not support.
That is minor however the first live ID you use on the phone needs to be the actual one as that is the live ID that will be used with zune, xbox live and all other apps. No live ID no phone.
AKA my outlook contacts get mixed with my messenger contacts.
Only way around it is to open another hotmail account.
On top of that all contacts are erased if you delete your hotmail profile created on the phone. It has to stay there working. I am not comfortable with having all my contacts in hotmail that is regulary hacked (about every 2 months).
TBH they dropped the bomb there and many other places.
- You cannot transfer files via bluetooth atleast I can not from my laptop, home PC and HD2.
- There is no widgets for main screen to enable/disable wifi/bluetooth on the main screen.
- In no settings for apps that use data (some apps do not even have settings) there is an option to not use data when roaming, this is a major issue as phone constantly goes to internet. Only option is to disable manually all sync, still it will not stop it going off if you click on a app. ---- Partially solved. There is a option insttings to disable all data connections when roaming. So you can stop it all together but no per application option which is very annoying as I always have weather and location enabled to roam. I also check e-mail. Now I will not be able to do that and if I do switch it back on all apps will try o connect.
- There is no GPS software at all
- HTC said there is digital compass ... where?
- No google maps just bing maps
- You can not assign other search providers for now so you stuck with bing.
- You can not change background of the main screen, only option is white or
black
- Do not even start me with the zune music interface and how you have to copy that music
- There is no internet sharing option not even bluetooth as it does not show up when connected to my PC.
you know, it really surprises me at the level of douche-baggery that occurs in these forums, especially the WP7. yes, a lot of features that were previously available either officially or through tweaks for wm 6.5 are gone and pound for pound, the features don't stack up against iOS or android.
but if you're interested in getting a WP7 phone you SHOULD be aware by now of these inherent drawbacks so stop complaining and go elsewhere if you're not satisfied. no one is making you buy these phones. i'm sure most of the bugs will be addressed shortly in ver 1.1 or 2.0. i mean, android didn't really step into its own until 2.0 and neither did iOS.
and i'm saying this even as an iphone 4 user
littleasian said:
you know, it really surprises me at the level of douche-baggery that occurs in these forums, especially the WP7. yes, a lot of features that were previously available either officially or through tweaks for wm 6.5 are gone and pound for pound, the features don't stack up against iOS or android.
but if you're interested in getting a WP7 phone you SHOULD be aware by now of these inherent drawbacks so stop complaining and go elsewhere if you're not satisfied. no one is making you buy these phones. i'm sure most of the bugs will be addressed shortly in ver 1.1 or 2.0. i mean, android didn't really step into its own until 2.0 and neither did iOS.
and i'm saying this even as an iphone 4 user
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh I am sorry. I been using HTC's for ages since first o2 one which was just XDA. I been waiting for WP7 as 6.5 was just not it, hardware was there but OS was still acting same slow.
No where have I seen that in WP7 bluetooth will only be for headphones? MS has year of experience in mobile phones basics should have been covered, then again Vista.
I can understand lack of google maps but stuck to bing, they just lost similar case and had to remove IE from win7 replacing it with selection window for other browsers and now this?
Why activesync was removed, why no option to change background they have reverted with WP7 to first Android. WP7 is to be the next thing in long term and not going backwards like they did. Even Android and Iphone can sync with outlook.
It is like getting a sports car with no wheels, all basics are there for great product but it just does not work remotely as good as any other car with wheels.
BTW microsoft removed those functions, they did think about it before doing it (granted assigned wrong people) so it will not be corrected officially for some time. Only possible rescue is regeditor for WP7 and ability to enable services somehow.

Upgrading to WP7 Issues

I have a Dash 3G running win 6.5 with over 100 great apps, CHome, sliding panels, GPS, SPB TV, Core Player, Wunder Radio, MIRC chat, etc etc etc. I have months of time into it and everything works well. Along comes WP7 and the HTC Surround which I am getting Monday morning at a very reasonable $200. AT&T charges monthly fees for their “premium” apps which puts them out of my reach. Bing maps probably is a subscription and google maps is not installed. I mostly use WiFi at home and do not have a data plan. AT&T requires a minimum $15 data plan that allows 200 megs per month so I may be be able to get my emails and listen to streaming radio if a third party app becomes available. I plan to hold onto the Dash 3G for a while. I am wondering if developers will work on porting their apps to WP7 so I don’t have to pay those monthly fees and I can get back the functionality I have on my Dash. I am not sure if WP7 will be able to transfer my movies onto the new phone. The HTC Surround is faster, nice big screen, new capabilities. We all have the jitters when upgrading….we put in a lot of customization and get used to the way our toys work and then the process repeats so it can be a bit unnerving when letting go. There must be other members here with the same concerns?
-panflute
I thought Zune comes with streaming, no?
As far as I know bing maps like google maps are subscription free services.
As for all your other WinMo apps, you either have to dash them with your Dash or wait and see if there is an emulator for WinMo 6.5 apps available in the near future - I am hearing "the near future" is a trend word of WP7.
Hey,
I don't know about any of the other issues you face, I came from Android (before that I came from Windows Mobile which was absolute **** imo). But for the video, yes you can play video and by the looks of it you can play ANY kind of video on the phone.
I say any, because the only way to put video on the phone is through zune and zune will convert the video before syncing it, so the phone itself might not support (for example) .mkv but zune will just convert that to whatever format is supported before syncing it to the phone.
Streaming
That is useful info. I played with a Zune once but it was an early model and it was useless. Guess they improved on it. The AT&T Navigator which uses Bing is a subscription based app...so you have to pay AT&T for it if you want to use it even if you are using your own WiFi connection for streaming. Same thing goes for the the Zune apps maybe. I'll know more tomorrow when I get my hands on the phone. I would probably prefer to have the HD7 but AT&T does not have it and T-Mobile requires their $30 data plan for unlimited web access.....its a good deal, but still expensive if you total up the yearly cost. Also we are getting version 1.0 of WP7...there's a lot missing like multitaking, copy and paste, skinning etc...so hopefully the rom updates will be available to all when they are released. Upgrading the phone when new models become available could be an issue since right now they are asking $800 for unlocked WP7 phones. The reviews on all of the WP7 phones vary greatly. Some love it, some hate it, some are thoughtful, some of the reviewers are incompetent. But I get a good overall feeling about the OS.
i doubt it will be ROM updates so much. Also, i don't think you need to use AT&T Navigator. I have a HTC Trophy, and quite a few of my contacts, i've put their address there so it's easy for me (this was because i had tomtom on my wm6.5, and could do navigate to contact), and in windows phone 7 it works just as well. i view the contact, click on view address, and it comes up with bing map of it. then i can do get directions.
at the moment it doesn't have turn by turn navigation live, but it does show directions which is good enough considering version 1. Though i would like to see this come in the next update, or at least the update after.
All carrier custom apps can be uninstalled from the device.. AT&T navigator is a pay service, bing maps is free. AT&T Navigator (and TeleNav on T-mobile) offer turn by turn.. but they cost $15/mo or thereabouts..
To stream music w/ Zune you need to have a Zune Pass, which is $15/mo but you get to buy and keep 10 songs per month as part of that deal.
Slacker radio is free internet radio and is pre-loaded onto the device as well.. so there's that option for interested parties.
Here's a short list of subscription based services that are available out of the box on WP7 -
1. Netflix $9/mo (?)
2. Zune pass $15/mo
3. AT&T Navigator/TeleNav $15/mo (?)
4. AT&T U-Verse Mobile/T-Mobile TV $10/mo
Hope this clears things up a bit..
info
Yes thanks again for the info...that clears some of it up. I guess this means that WP7 is open for installing 3rd party apps which means I don't have to use AT&T apps and that is very good news. Most of the internet TV apps are just front end links to streaming stations most of which you can probably open in Internet Explorer. I have heard no mention of Windows Media Player. I am not interested in streaming music, just playing what I already have. The free streaming radio app will be fine if there are enough stations...like talk radio and BBC. It will be interesting to see what apps will be offered for free in the marketplace and what 3rd party apps will become available.

Turn by turn navigation on wp7.

Part of my upgrade from orange was free orange maps. Obviously had no need for it with android by decided to check it out.
What surprised me is that its actually a workable sat nav, fully voice guided and it orientates itself via the compass too, same as google navigation (only slower as the accuracy of google navigation is better)
My main point is that why can only orange do this on wp7 and no one else?
Some other carriers do it. They say its officially coming with Mango.
vetvito said:
Some other carriers do it. They say its officially coming with Mango.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did read that this morning and im sure with nokias help will be very good. I was just wondering why orange and some other carriers have got apps that do it, yet theres no third party apps that do it properly.
Look for Drive on in the marketplace... i think it may support europe. It's still beta but does turn by turn and voice.
You really need on board storage for pan EU use
Sent from my HD7 T9292 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
Drive on is horrible. There is no landscape, no compass orientation, the voice is so low, you need to hold it to your head to hear it, the voice is unintelligible, the voice gives the next turn too early, the Speedo does not work, no 3d, there is no search by name (you can'tsearch for a business name, you must enter an address.
honestly, bing maps is better than drive on.
/rant
sorry about that. On the plus side, it's free. It is in beta, so maybe these problems will be sorted out.
Sent from my SGH-i917 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
Anyone try the new "Turn by Turn Navigation" app (released 26 May 2011)? I just downloaded the trial version. I am planning to give it a go on my way home tonight. Looks promissing!
Titus_Andronicus said:
Anyone try the new "Turn by Turn Navigation" app (released 26 May 2011)? I just downloaded the trial version. I am planning to give it a go on my way home tonight. Looks promissing!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So far has the cleanest UI for any of the nav Apps. A - B is still my favorite but Morton (the developer) pulled it from the marketplace in lue of copyright stuff...
A - B had 3D view.... I dont know why but for some reason I am hung up on that. Before my Samsung Focus I had the Touch Pro 2 and was running tomtom and then also would use android on it from time to time. I LOVE Google Navigator. That's sort of what A-B reminded me of with the 3d view using the sat/aerial view
I've spoken with the developers of Drive on, Silver Nav and Turn by Turn Nav and they all say 3d view WILL be implemented just not for at least 3 to 4 months. Pretty much right along with Mango. I dont know anything about coding but if an app that has one guy alone working on it could impliment it how could a team of developers working on these other apps not. Unless, again its some copyright stuff which I wouldnt be suprised of.
Just my 2 cents. Right now turn by turn is the best available on the market.
Titus_Andronicus said:
Anyone try the new "Turn by Turn Navigation" app (released 26 May 2011)? I just downloaded the trial version. I am planning to give it a go on my way home tonight. Looks promissing!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried "Turn by Turn" by GPS Tuner and found it fantastic.
The UI is clean and polished.
Voice is loud (English only)
The app is really reliable and fast.
You shall not hesitate.
Turn By Turn = WIN!
Just downloaded the trial 'Turn By Turn' and it works in Australia... The UI is the most polished of all the navs I've seen for WP7 and is WP7 worthy...
After a minute of playing around I committed and bought it...
Turn by Tirn
Turn by Turn is great. Voice is nice and loud and I find it to be accurate. I have also tried Silver Navigator and find it to be OK. I have now loaded the trial version of GPS Voice Navigation and will be trying it today.
I'll be interested to know how GPS Voice Nav works for you. I tried it yesterday, and it had some real problems (I described them in the other thread).
GPS Voice
RoboDad said:
I'll be interested to know how GPS Voice Nav works for you. I tried it yesterday, and it had some real problems (I described them in the other thread).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK tried GPS Voice Navigation and had some issues. Alerts are given in feet rather than tenths of a mile. I can't sit there and try to determine how far 2360 feet is. It also tells me to "turn" about 50 feet before the turn. These are two behaviors that are different than a dedicated GPS and NOT an improvement.
Ok,
After one week of use I can say I find Turn-by-Turn Navigation' really great. It works well.
The only bug I notice is the following: when there is a rundabout, it says "At rundabout..." and nothing more, no direction, it does not tell which exit is the right one (?!) Am I the sole one?
I can't find Turn-By-Turn anywhere in the Marketplace. Any help?
Just went onto marketplace then... Turn By Turn is now at the top of the 'Navigation' section so you shouldn't even have to search...
rmcgraw said:
I can't find Turn-By-Turn anywhere in the Marketplace. Any help?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Turn by Turn Navigation is here:
http://social.zune.net/redirect?type=phoneApp&id=b452aafb-a683-e011-986b-78e7d1fa76f8

Official Garmin GPS app available (US only)

$39.99, no trial. Let's just say at least it's a step forward.
http://www.wpcentral.com/garmin-streetpilot-hits-marketplace
...lets hope the European version will follow soon...
Too bad you can't download the full maps, though. You need to download your maps on a "per route" basis.
I am somewhat greatfull that I have t-mobile germany, so I get the Navigon App for "free". Here, I don't need a data volume to navigate.
It's available for the US and Canada.
Is it just a case of a locked API that no one is currently offering a GPS navigation app that has maps pre-loaded?
All these ones that are coming out that need a data connection are pretty useless since i only really use sat-nav out in the sticks where i don't get reception.
I'm not keen on having to pre-download a map each time i make a journey either.
I really miss IGo8 off my old Blackstone
Freypal said:
Is it just a case of a locked API that no one is currently offering a GPS navigation app that has maps pre-loaded?
All these ones that are coming out that need a data connection are pretty useless since i only really use sat-nav out in the sticks where i don't get reception.
I'm not keen on having to pre-download a map each time i make a journey either.
I really miss IGo8 off my old Blackstone
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do not think it is API problem. They seem to keep storing the maps as you keep using new routes. I think they are using on-demand maps as a DRM method. It is difficult to pirate when the app keeps communicating (and authenticating) with Garmin servers.
Localhorst86 said:
Too bad you can't download the full maps, though. You need to download your maps on a "per route" basis.
I am somewhat greatfull that I have t-mobile germany, so I get the Navigon App for "free". Here, I don't need a data volume to navigate.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed on the Navigon software; the 3.0 version is outstanding. And looks far more "metro" in style than this $40 software.
I believe the reason we are not seeing any offline gps software (ie with offline maps and offline routing) is because these companies have algorithms and "engines" for planning routes, and they cannot (or don't want to) convert these DLLs to silverlight. MS doesn't allow you to use your own proprietary code and DLLs in the marketplace. So the only proper nav apps with offline routing and maps, such as Navigon, can only exist if they are manufacturer or carrier-supplied (in the same way that HTC can offer compass and flashlight apps).
Pity this is US/Canada only... really after a decent nav app (Turn-By-Turn's (GPSTuner) POI's dont work in Australia!)
It is a shame for those in other regions, but for those of us in North America, it is pretty sweet. My only gripes with the app are the fact that they didn't include a "run under lock screen" option (a must-have option for Focus users), and the voice seems, at times, to be over-compressed, and comes out just a tad fuzzy. By way of comparison the voice on the AT&T Navigator app is crystal clear. But that is about the only advantage it has over Garmin's new app.
Hello,
I think that navigon will be for Europe.
anyway, it is a very good GPS (navigon) I used this program in try v3.
it's great.
I like it. Looks promising. However I would not get it. I already have a gps for that reason.
I picked it up a couple of days and tried it out and was sorely unimpressed.
Issues:
1) It lost the satellite sync a number of times in urban, but not downtown Seattle.
2) It seems to have no sense of correcting the raw data. For example, if I'm travelling along a highway at speed, you'd think that I'd be going in the same heading as the road. It apparently just reads the raw compass data, resulting in the appearance of a perpetual power slide as I drive.
3) When it loses me and recalculates, it treats it like I'm starting a new trip (with the same phrase at the beginning) and may want me to start on a different, albeit nearby road.
4) Position inaccuracy kept it thinking I was moving when I wasn't. This happened a LOT, although clearly it new I wasn't moving much, and reset me.
5) It doesn't have street names like TomTom.
6) It doesn't let me pull from Contacts. Maybe when Mango is released?
The real summary here is that if I hadn't known where I was going, it would have taken me a fairly poor direction as it would lose me, think I was relatively far away, and start calling out instructions from that. I'd rather use Bing Maps (which I think the touching idea is terrible) or TomTom on my iPad. I got the Garmin because TomTom won't, for some reason, allow my traffic subscription to work on the iPad.
There are some things about the app I like:
1) Data entry for the address was nice. I preferred it over the TomTom.
2) Screen layout is nice.
3) Pictures of road changes are amazing!
I haven't experienced the first two issues you described at all, so I can neither confirm nor deny them .
Issue 3 is a minor annoyance (although I've never had it place me on the wrong street), but I hope it is addressed in an update soon.
Issue 4 I have seen a couple of times, but it did correct very quickly.
For issue 5, I have no idea what you mean. My copy always speaks the correct street name as I approach a turn. Maybe it varies by area, but I am in a much more rural area than Seattle, so I would expect that I would experience that problem before you would.
Issue 6 has nothing to do with the app, it is strictly an API issue. No GPS app on the marketplace today can pull from your contacts. But that will come with Mango.
I have not tried this app yet but i have tried and am currently using Navigon Select 3.0 form this thread and i must say that for the 1 day of testing it, it is working great. BTW, i am a bit biased when it comes to Navigon, i have been using it for a long time now on my old Iphone 3G.
Garmin broken?
I recently started having a problem with the Garmin Streetpilot. Every time i run it, it says "Acquiring Satellite" but never seems to acquire the satellite. I've let it go 15 minutes while driving, and no dice.
I remember getting a Samsung software to improve my GPS reception, and assumed it had somehow broken Garmin. Today I restored my phone back to NoDo, and then got the offical Mango upgrade, this time without getting the Samsung App. Installed Garmin, and wham, exact same problem. It just can't acquire the satellite. I went ahead and grabbed the Samsung app and tried it again, but still no dice.
Does anybody have the Garmin working on their successfully? I'm wondering if they put out an update i missed that broke the app.
I've never had that problem on my Focus, although the previous version wasn't very precise in following the road. However, I briefly tried the new Mango version yesterday (which presumably includes compass support), it had no trouble at all.
I'm starting to suspect the problem is that I didn't get a Samsung firmware update, so my compass isn't working. I'm wondering if the Garmin keeps trying to ping the compass and getting stuck because it can't access it?
That's possible, but I don't think the app would report that the satellite could not be acquired if the only problem was a missing compass.
I agree it doesn't make sense, but given what i've seen in software development, it wouldn't be too surprising.
bigfire said:
I recently started having a problem with the Garmin Streetpilot. Every time i run it, it says "Acquiring Satellite" but never seems to acquire the satellite. I've let it go 15 minutes while driving, and no dice.
I remember getting a Samsung software to improve my GPS reception, and assumed it had somehow broken Garmin. Today I restored my phone back to NoDo, and then got the offical Mango upgrade, this time without getting the Samsung App. Installed Garmin, and wham, exact same problem. It just can't acquire the satellite. I went ahead and grabbed the Samsung app and tried it again, but still no dice.
Does anybody have the Garmin working on their successfully? I'm wondering if they put out an update i missed that broke the app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm having exactly the same problem on Focus (Mango) using StreetPilot 7.5.

[Q] Bing maps no longer doing map search/navigation?

Hello, does anyone know if Microsoft has turned off support for Bing Maps and Navigation in the Windows Mobile app? I found that starting late last week, Bing can no longer find anything when searching for addresses or businesses in the maps section of the app.
Searching for an address/business in maps returns the error "Sorry, we can't complete your search. Please check your connection and try again."
Searching for an address or business in the navigation section (Endpoint) returns "Sorry, we couldn't find this location."
Trying to navigate to a favorited address returns the error: "We were unable to generate your route. Try again?"
Using an HTC Touch Pro 2, WM 6.5 App, Sprint is the carrier, Bing Mobile version 5.1.2010.6280
I think everyone including MS is trying to bury WM 6... so this does not surprise me.
As far as navigation I would try and find a copy of Garmin XT. The only reason Im still using my Tilt 2 is because of the no data plan required GPS G-XT. Its truly amazing
shawndoc said:
Hello, does anyone know if Microsoft has turned off support for Bing Maps and Navigation in the Windows Mobile app? I found that starting late last week, Bing can no longer find anything when searching for addresses or businesses in the maps section of the app.
Searching for an address/business in maps returns the error "Sorry, we can't complete your search. Please check your connection and try again."
Searching for an address or business in the navigation section (Endpoint) returns "Sorry, we couldn't find this location."
Trying to navigate to a favorited address returns the error: "We were unable to generate your route. Try again?"
Using an HTC Touch Pro 2, WM 6.5 App, Sprint is the carrier, Bing Mobile version 5.1.2010.6280
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used bing navigation two days ago and it worked fine.
Sounds like you need to do some housecleaning on your device.
Also, I suggest you update QuickGPS then after that soft reset and then after rebooting completely open the bing app and try it.
Obsolete
mr.horndoctor said:
I used bing navigation two days ago and it worked fine.
Sounds like you need to do some housecleaning on your device.
Also, I suggest you update QuickGPS then after that soft reset and then after rebooting completely open the bing app and try it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
might just not be working in his country or region?
bing not working
same problem here.
i get: "Sorry, we cannot complete your search. Please check your connection and try again"
with any search string.
I'm using a HTC Touch Pro2 on sprint.
between opera, Bing, and SERO I really didn't see any need to upgrade my phone. but losing Bing really reduces the functionality of my phone.
Yes, I have re-installed Bing, updated quick GPS.
The same thing has happened to me. I"m using an HTC Touch Pro 2, WM 6.5 App, and Sprint is the carrier. Bing mobile has worked for me for about a year, all of sudden last week the Navigation no longer works, can't find any addresses. The Map works and can "Locate Me", but I'm unable to get driving directions.
I noticed that Navigation is grayed out in Bing Settings. Does anyone know a resolution to all of this? Thanks
Microsoft is really trying hard to eliminate WinMo from everyone's memory...
Have you guys tried Waze...?
Waze seems nice but it keeps crashing sense on exit. If I can find a workaround I'll definitely use it, although I will miss the voice search Bing offered.
timjarsky said:
Waze seems nice but it keeps crashing sense on exit. If I can find a workaround I'll definitely use it, although I will miss the voice search Bing offered.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Waze doesn't have voice search? I guess the voice search I use in Waze is provided thru the OS not Waze itself... Never used Waze on WinMo, only Android and iOS... Sorry.
Have you tried disabling Sense? I know, it's really the only thing that makes WinMo bearable...
arrrghhh said:
Waze doesn't have voice search? I guess the voice search I use in Waze is provided thru the OS not Waze itself... Never used Waze on WinMo, only Android and iOS... Sorry.
Have you tried disabling Sense? I know, it's really the only thing that makes WinMo bearable...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
using the task manager to kill Waze avoids the problem.
I might give Waze a shot. I've actually been running Android on the phone and using Google Navigation and it has been going pretty well. Voice search works real well, and Google Nav seems just as good as Bing at navigating around traffic. Biggest complaint at the moment is that Qik doesn't work on it, but it hasn't worked on Windows Mobile in over a year, so no big loss.
Android is a bit slow at times, but so far has been pretty damn stable. Most of the apps I've tried run decent enough. No games of course.
The biggest draw back of Android for me so far has been battery life. Some times the phone can easily go overnight without a charge, and other times it eats up the battery in 3 hours of no use. Seems like some of the third party apps don't properly close out when you're done using them and prevent the phone from going to sleep mode. I think I've managed to figure out who the trouble makers are (one was a garage sale app), and haven't noticed any problem with any of Google's apps or the major third party apps (Tapatalk, Facebook, Pandora, Opera).
Overall its been a very positive experience and instead of upgrading to a new phone I'm seriously considering continuing to use my TP2 but with Android as the primary OS for as long as possible.
I just have to keep reminding myself that playing the latest Angry Birds isn't worth $20/mo extra, and that while a better camera would be nice, I don't NEED it.
There are still a lot of Windows Mobile devices out there. In fact some carriers were still selling them less than a year ago. I know Microsoft sent an email out concerning closing the Market Place for Windows Mobile users, but I don't remember getting anything on Bing. It's funny how they don't support their own people and end up driving their long time users to other apps and OS's (ie. Google Maps/Android). Is there anywhere where you can at least ask the question of what the issue maybe and if they plan on fixing it.
chrisc1 said:
There are still a lot of Windows Mobile devices out there. In fact some carriers were still selling them less than a year ago. I know Microsoft sent an email out concerning closing the Market Place for Windows Mobile users, but I don't remember getting anything on Bing. It's funny how they don't support their own people and end up driving their long time users to other apps and OS's (ie. Google Maps/Android). Is there anywhere where you can at least ask the question of what the issue maybe and if they plan on fixing it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can try tweeting them I guess... Social media has made large companies respond to small issues before.
I don't think Microsoft will really care about any issues with WinMo, they want you to buy a WP7 phone. They continue to support WinMo, they're basically continuing the loss of revenue.
I can guarantee you I will not be buying a Windows 7 Phone based purely on the way MS has treated WM users, especially after promising that they would continue to support WM.
Also, here's a post I made about this at the Bing forums and the response:
http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/bingmaps/thread/e0922592-ec17-4a37-8d3d-1e0b70413303
Short answer, MS turned off the token service the app was using.
shawndoc said:
Short answer, MS turned off the token service the app was using.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I figured it was something like this. Thanks for closure, even if it's not the kind you were hoping for...
Android FTW
This is lunacy! Bing mobile was the only reason I still have a WinMo device. Does MS really think by disabling Bing mobile is really going to make me by a Win 7 phone? NOT! Guess where I'll be going next? Not MS because of the heavy hand treatment.
There is no harm in letting an app continue to work. We've all expected no more updates, but disabling = alienating. This is the last straw, bye MS!
With all that said, I've been trying alternatives for navigation and Waze seems to be the best free. Google maps is OK, but the GPS is not accurate and the text is super small to read so not really useful while driving. I found others that seemed promising but just cant get them to work. I'll stick with Waze for now until I get an iPhone or Android.
This is so unfortunate since Bing mobile was by far, better than any navigation app (including TomTom), even on the iPhone (my wife has an iPhone so I've tried others). I have no idea why MS keeps shooting themselves in the foot. Get a clue MS! This is why you are so far behind everyone else! Its not your technology, its your execution!
Try loading Android on your phone. I've been having good luck with Google Navigation, it bypasses traffic like Bing does, and its search is much better at finding destinations.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1171052
The release I linked to there is stable and most everything works. The only "trick" I had to learn was to put WM into Airplane mode before launching Android.
shawndoc said:
I can guarantee you I will not be buying a Windows 7 Phone based purely on the way MS has treated WM users, especially after promising that they would continue to support WM.
Also, here's a post I made about this at the Bing forums and the response:
http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/bingmaps/thread/e0922592-ec17-4a37-8d3d-1e0b70413303
Short answer, MS turned off the token service the app was using.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this is crazy, first myphone then marketplace now bing. what the heck. for tyhr first time im actually considering moving to android. ive been playong with waze and it is an awesome idea but the navigation is not comparable to a standalone gps where bing was almost. The fact that i could do voice searches actually made it better then my old garmin. I was gonna update my dad to a smartphone and give him an extra tp2 figuring he could really use a gps. Now that sprint forced us to update too a current plan im gonna try the sprint navigation. I went to see your post and microsofts response but they seemed to remove it. what did they say?
Weird, wonder why they removed it. Guess they were getting flamed by angry people after their response.
Basically someone from MS said that he wasn't familiar with the Bing app for WM, but that they'd recently turned off the "old" token service. So if the old app used those tokens to communication to the Bing servers, it wouldn't work any more.
And again, I'd suggest loading Android on the TP2 and trying out Google Navigation. It has a voice search that seems much better than the Bing app for voice recognition, and much better at finding locations.

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