GPS / My Location - Windows Phone 7 General

I have the LG Optimus Quantum 7 with WP7. I believe it has the Qualcomm GPSOne in it. My old phone (HTC Touch Vogue) also used that GPS. This LG phone's GPS is horrible. Much worse than my old HTC Touch. Lots of GPS have "static navigation", as did my old HTC, but this LG seems to be way overboard on the "static navigation"
Since it has the same GPS chip in it, what gives. Is it an issue with WP7 and its location service, or is the actualy GPS in this LG actually that much worse than in my old HTC?

I have the same phone from the same carrier. What do you mean by "static navigation"?
Also, if you set your system locale to USA, the Bing search will work for local stuff here in Canada, just in case you didn't know!

sure haven't said:
I have the same phone from the same carrier. What do you mean by "static navigation"?
Also, if you set your system locale to USA, the Bing search will work for local stuff here in Canada, just in case you didn't know!
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the US tip. The Bing search has been crap, so hopefully that will help.
Static navigation is a 'feature' added to help when driving. It locks you position when you are traveling slow. It helps avoid drift when sitting at a red light and that sort of thing. But when you are walking, or especialy geocaching, it is a real b*&ch.
Is there anyway like in Android to disable the cell phone tower triangulation? I really have no use for that, and only want real GPS possition. It always seems to mess stuff up (for me).

Sorry bud can't help you with that one. All I know is that it works fine for me when driving (well, it hangs sometimes, but the exact same as google maps).

sure haven't said:
Sorry bud can't help you with that one. All I know is that it works fine for me when driving (well, it hangs sometimes, but the exact same as google maps).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That hanging is actualy "static navigation".
Maybe I should just hold my breath for bluetooth SPP so I can use my external GPS.

Titus_Andronicus said:
That hanging is actualy "static navigation".
Maybe I should just hold my breath for bluetooth SPP so I can use my external GPS.
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Click to collapse
No no, I mean sometimes the maps don't change when you're zooming in, meaning you just get a blown up and fuzzy image.
A coworker today showed me on his galaxy that he can mount it on the dash of his car, and it superimposes augmented reality lines and then acts as a GPS. That would be awesome.
Apparently Bing turn-by-turn is planned in a update...

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

using gps lock on without service

I am thinking of purchasing a Motorola droid with a car mount/media station for cheap (probably around 100$) and i was wondering if i could use it as a gps without cell phone service?
i wouldn't see why not... gps is simply a signal just like wifi(if its free of course) it would be just like buying a tomtom i would imagine... try putting ur phone into airplane mode and testing the gps
Of course, do keep in mind that both Google Maps and Sprint Nav need a data connection at least initially to download the route information. The new GMaps is supposed to be able to work offline once it does the initial route, though you may need a connection if you veer off course.
There is at least one app that works off maps on the SD card, but I can't recall its name right now.
Visionikz03 said:
i wouldn't see why not... gps is simply a signal just like wifi(if its free of course) it would be just like buying a tomtom i would imagine... try putting ur phone into airplane mode and testing the gps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will tomorrow.
bkrodgers said:
Of course, do keep in mind that both Google Maps and Sprint Nav need a data connection at least initially to download the route information. The new GMaps is supposed to be able to work offline once it does the initial route, though you may need a connection if you veer off course.
There is at least one app that works off maps on the SD card, but I can't recall its name right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you think of it, please let me know!
CoPilot Live lets you store the maps on your SD, or so they claim. The reviews on the market aren't too great though.
http://www.alk.com/copilot/android/
There are others as well, a quick search yields:
http://www.mapdroyd.com/
http://www.ndriveweb.com/products/product/96/
http://www.sygic.com/index.php/en/how-to-buy.html
Perhaps others too. But I can't vouch for any of these. I'm fine using GMaps even with the data connection requirements. Especially now that you don't need a data connection all the time -- only when generating a new route. I'm not sure whether it can handle simple missed turns without a connection or if it doesn't cache anything outside the route. I haven't tested that yet.
I've never found a maps or navigation program that I like other than Google, and I've tried pretty much all of them. They're a hassle to get maps for. The new GMaps does cache tiles, though I haven't tested it extensively, and I don't know that it caches maps in the Navigation program (which I use all the time as well).
GPS will lock even with no cell service. But unless you find a good offline map app, you'll just have your nice little blue arrow showing you exactly where you are on a plain gray featureless map.

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.
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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!
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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.

GPS Issue?

Hi,
I received my 900 on Friday in Seattle area via Fedex. I drove around using Nokia Drive and it was so much better than the stock WP Map. However, I traveled to LA today and when trying to use Nokia Drive, the satellite would constantly drop to the point where it would not pick up a signal. Thankfully, my son has my old Samsung Focus and we were able to get to the hotel using his phone and WP Maps.
Anyone else having issues with GPS? Granted, it was only one instance. I will try it again later this afternoon/evening and report back but wanted to share my experience thus far.
Mine has been working well
Sent from my Lumia 900 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
I'm surprised your focus worked at all. My Focus' GPS is horrible losing GPS signal constantly.
Mine has been working fine
My GPS has been working perfectly fine in the LA (Chinatown) and SGV area.
Hi All,
I'd like to report back that the GPS is working fine. Not sure what happened the first time around.
However, one thing I noticed about Nokia Drive is that apparently, it seeks the shortest route by distance and not by major roads. Yesterday, I plotted course from Redondo Beach area to Valenica (Six Flags Magic Mountain) and for the first several miles, it routed me through residential neighborhood where I had to stop at every intersection for like 10 blocks or so instead of routing me through PCH on my way to I-405. Rather annoying.
On the bright side, the navigation on the whole is SO MUCH better than the default WP maps. I like the way it recalculates and the 3D view is pretty darn nice.
That's it for now.... Cheers.
Goes the GPS app built into the phone has voice guidance ? Or just turn by turn?
My wife would like to get one but just to make sure the NAV has voice.
benzso63 said:
Goes the GPS app built into the phone has voice guidance ? Or just turn by turn?
My wife would like to get one but just to make sure the NAV has voice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The native map sytem of Windows Phone OS has voice by touch. But Nokia phones get Nokia Drive, a full voice guidence and 3d maps.
Thanks for the reply.
Seed 2.0 said:
The native map sytem of Windows Phone OS has voice by touch. But Nokia phones get Nokia Drive, a full voice guidence and 3d maps.
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