Develop Bugs

What's the best GPS software for Vario II (8525?)

I'm in America using a euro-purchased Vario II on T-Mobile's network. Been upgraded to Black 3.0 but thinking of re-flashing it to something better. Also want to try using GPS with this unit, though I know I need an antenna.
So, what GPS software is best for my situation, and would any particular ROM be best suited? Thanks.

Well there are a few out there. I've used 3 of them. Telenav, iNav, and TomTom6. Of the 3 tomtom is my fav by far.
I thought telenav was the best as far as voice translation goes because it says the street names aloud and does so pretty well and on time. But thats where it ends. Telenav almost never found my GPS receiver and it was the one they recommended. It updates maps as you drive via the web which is a bad idea for GPS. Hit a dead spot and you lose where to turn and get lost easily. I can't tell you how many times i wanted to throw my phone out of the window while driving with that crappy piece of software. Especially paying 10 bucks a month to have it not work.
iNav works much like tomtom but I found the voice to be rather lame and the interface poorly designed.
So on to tomtom6. Works like a charm everytime without a hitch. Simple easy and intuitive interface. Never has any issues finding my bluetooth receiver. Never. Color choice for maps for night/day driving along with other features like weather updates, traffic updates, camera locations. Map of the US and Canada takes up about 1gig. Leaves me with another gig for storage however if I moved up to a 6gig I'd still have 5 left. Couple complaints I've heard with tomtom is map load time. I didn't find this to be an issue whatsoever considering my dealings with telenav. I'd rather wait all of 30 seconds for a map to load if I know its not gunna screw up at all once its loaded. Plus you can plan trips ahead of time so load time becomes a moot point.
Thats about it. I think if you do some research you will agree with me but I know some people who post on here prefer iNav over tomtom. Hell some even like telenav. =)

thanks
I actually almost went for Telnav - I was wondering how that "update as you go" would work. Seems like the preloaded maps are more reliable. Now it's more understandable why T-Mobile doesn't offer it directly. I have tons of space left on my 2gig card so Tomtom might be the way to go.
I noticed you didn't mention Delorme Street Atlas 2008 or any of its previous editions. I was about to try that one but thought some research was in order.
Was it a pain in the ass to get the Tomtom working? Though I like my 8525, I'm always frustrated at what this unit is capable of and what I'm actually able to make it do.

Have a try to iGo ( http://www.i-go.com/en/ ), I found it far better than Tomtom (auto zoom in/out, auto 3D => 2D, ...)

iGO is for Europe only, though, right? And it looks like some of the products have been discontinued.

if u live in the us tomtom dnt even think twice about it

Gman007 said:
iGO is for Europe only, though, right? And it looks like some of the products have been discontinued.
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Not true... I use iGo 2006 in California. It is fast and map access is automatic and fast. Delay is the least compared with tomtom. Color options are more vivid and has day/night option auto-switch.
that brings us to another issue.... for the 8525 model you need a gps adapter. 8525 does not have a built in one. In my opinion, thats better, since all the devices that have built-in GPS receivers are weak and signal reception is minimized. In 8525 and while driving you can place the gps adapter anywhere you get the strongest signal. I use Holux 1200. I had a Nokia GPS adapter.. a piece of sh*T. The Holux is by far the best I used. You can get one on ebay real cheap.
As soon as Goggle-Nav gets its act together, the GPS they will produce will be the best. They are working on some kinks with MS DirectX-3D interphase. You can wait for it or enjoy iGo Nav right now.

one more vote for tomtom here. i don't know where i'd be without it, literally.

Not sure how you are using iGo in cali and where you managed to get your maps from. Their website offers nothing on the US not to mention it is advertised as "door to door navigation across europe". You sure you are even using iGo? lol
edit: Well I found some info about the US version. apparently its out in beta possibly final by now. From what I have read though the maps are not as good with iGO compared to tt6. I also read that some people don't trust iGO when it comes to navigating onto on/off ramps for the highways. Just cause a program looks cooler doesn't make it better especially when it comes to proper navigation.
I tried google navigator. There is a cooked rom somewhere that actually allows it to run even though it has a dx issue that prevents it from running on most roms. If the final version is anything like the version I tried. It will be worthless. Slowest application for GPS I've used yet. Sometimes a ton of graphical features are just a bad idea for a device with only 64megs of ram and poop graphics.

surrept said:
Not sure how you are using iGo in cali and where you managed to get your maps from. Their website offers nothing on the US not to mention it is advertised as "door to door navigation across europe". You sure you are even using iGo? lol
edit: Well I found some info about the US version. apparently its out in beta possibly final by now. From what I have read though the maps are not as good with iGO compared to tt6. I also read that some people don't trust iGO when it comes to navigating onto on/off ramps for the highways. Just cause a program looks cooler doesn't make it better especially when it comes to proper navigation.
I tried google navigator. There is a cooked rom somewhere that actually allows it to run even though it has a dx issue that prevents it from running on most roms. If the final version is anything like the version I tried. It will be worthless. Slowest application for GPS I've used yet. Sometimes a ton of graphical features are just a bad idea for a device with only 64megs of ram and poop graphics.
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I have been using iGO for the last two months. I have downloaded US maps, 8 of them alltogether. I also have maps for Europe and the Mid-East. I have no problem with it, as I did with TomTom, which in lots of incidents lost the GPS signal, doing the same rout as I do with IGO. It is now a matter of personal preferance.

asfoor said:
I have been using iGO for the last two months. I have downloaded US maps, 8 of them alltogether. I also have maps for Europe and the Mid-East. I have no problem with it, as I did with TomTom, which in lots of incidents lost the GPS signal, doing the same rout as I do with IGO. It is now a matter of personal preferance.
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Do you have a torrent for that? All I get is spam and trojans.

No warez here guy. Asking for stuff like that will flip people out.

Creative 2nd Uses

I finally gave up the ghost on my 8525 a couple months back. Now, as it sits here collecting dust, I'm searching for creative solutions to a 2nd life for it. I've used it as a mini browser around the house, but that's getting stale.
Does anyone have suggestions before I turn it over to a donation?
Thoughts:
All-in-one remote: My Palm worked for years in this capacity.
BT keyboard for tivo or PS3?
Are there apps out there already?
TIA

shoreguy said:
I'm searching for creative solutions to a 2nd life for it. I've used it as a mini browser around the house, but that's getting stale.
Does anyone have suggestions before I turn it over to a donation?
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If it has WiFi, can't you use it as a VoIP phone or run Skype on it? Otherwise you could probably experiment with the bluetooth (or the WiFi) to hook it up to some relays for home automation Depends on how skilled you are with programming, and -- I guess -- with the soldering iron
If you still feel like donating it tho I wouldn't mind getting a new toy ;D
Cheers,
Chris

shoreguy said:
I finally gave up the ghost on my 8525 a couple months back. Now, as it sits here collecting dust, I'm searching for creative solutions to a 2nd life for it. I've used it as a mini browser around the house, but that's getting stale.
Does anyone have suggestions before I turn it over to a donation?
Thoughts:
All-in-one remote: My Palm worked for years in this capacity.
BT keyboard for tivo or PS3?
Are there apps out there already?
TIA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
haha.. i dont mind the donation too

Thanks for the offer guys, but I was meaning donation to charitable organizations where cell phones are in need.

Skype works excellent on the 8525. I used it for ages when my cellular was turned off. Just find a hotspot. (There are hotspot finding apps for the phone).
OR.
You could install a bunch of games on it and use it as a timekiller. I had lines etched into my screencover in the bejeweled layout. ALL of the popcap games are very well done on this phone. Bathroom break at work anyone??
Killer MP3 player and youtube watching machine. MP3 players are nice to have, and the Slide2Play thing is executed excellently. And for youtube, well, if you've been bored at a bar or restaurant with wifi, THIS is the thing to have with you! Don't like whats on TV? Fine i'll watch my own.
Lets see, what else has my phone done....
1. Use it as a digital camera with wifi.
2. Install the latest roms here and make people who buy NEW phones jealous.
3. Use it as a digital picture frame/clock on your desk running S2U2.
Theres a million uses. Just think about it.

GPS Voice Navigation

You should check this new app released yesterday. Uses Bing maps, Google maps and MapQuest.

metric supported?

Peew971 said:
You should check this new app released yesterday. Uses Bing maps, Google maps and MapQuest.
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Looks good.
http://www.wp7connect.com/2011/06/03/gps-voice-navigation-new-wp7-app-for-gps-navigation/
dxdy said:
metric supported?
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From the pics I'd say yes (check Settings -> Map).

So what is MS's equivalent to Google Navigation?

Peew971 said:
You should check this new app released yesterday. Uses Bing maps, Google maps and MapQuest.
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Thanks for the tip Peew971.
I tried it, unfortunately it does not work in France. Not at all.
Whatever the provider it says "Unable to find the route".
On the contrary Turn-By-Turn Navigation by GPS Tuner works great. Fantastic
But I would be glad if GPS Navigation worked because it uses Google Maps, whereas Turn-By-Turn Navigation uses exclusively the terrible Bing Map.

6 pounds it's qouite expensive.
I tried at least 3 navigations in Poland and none of them was working.

I emailed navigon about having ther ofline system on wp7. I used it when I had the iPhone. Loved it as I do a bit of travelong with work and it kept everything together in one place. Got a rely saying they are testing a version. Will post the email tomorrow when i am at the pc.
Sent from my 7 Mozart T8698 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App

I tested both T-B-T and GPS Voice today. Unfortunately, neither of them are really close to perfect.
Some of the UI elements of GPS Voice are much nicer (such as the larger, clearer turn icons, and the way it retains the previous route on the map as a ghosted image if it needs to reroute), but it did a very poor job of actually routing me, opting for slow residential streets instead of faster, wider roads, even when neither option represented a longer or shorter distance. Also, it seemed to get VERY confused at at least one intersection. I was stopped, waiting to make a turn, and it kept alternating between "turn right now" and "go straight for 1 miles" for the entire time I was waiting (about 2 minutes). It was very annoying. And I am not sure why, but it did not display or speak any partial mile instructions. Everything below 1 mile was directed in feet, such as "turn right in two thousand, six hundred and forty feet", instead of what I would expect, which would be more like "turn right in one half mile".
I'm sure it will improve over time, but right now GPS Voice is not a real choice for me.
T-B-T, while its UI isn't as flashy, did a better job of navigating, although it did miss some obvious chances to find shorter routes than the one it chose. And I'm not sure (I need to do some more tests), but it seemed to eat up my battery like candy. Part of that may be due to me leaving the screen on more than I needed to, but it may also be polling the GPS more than it needs to. On the other hand, it worked flawlessly under the lock screen (unlike GPS Voice), and the timing of its turns was always spot on.
I might purchase T-B-T, if for no other reason than to encourage future development and enhancement.
Neither of these apps can hold a candle to AT&T Navigator right now (POI destinations, 3D view, spoken street names, flawless route planning in the 3 years that I've used it, etc), but then I suppose that is to be expected, considering its $10/month cost. Whether they will catch up only time will tell.

installed it today, crashed my mozart terribly. it turned itself off and i couldn't turn it back on, not until removing the battery

re: Turn By Turn
I've purchased it and have been testing it each drive... Works well and have jumped onto their support page and requested the ability to rename favourites (5 George St to Mum's Place) and they replied within a day to tell me this feature is in their wishlist and will be implemented in an update...
/me = suitably impressed

I gather the lack of a reply means there's simply is no Google Nav equivalent for WP7? *walks to VZW store to exchange this heap for an Android device*

Bing Navigation is coming this Fall with Mango.
Sent from my Omnia 7 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App

Better late than never my reply from Navigon
Thank you for your e-mail.
Regarding your inquiry, for the moment our MobileNavigation software for Windows Phone 7 is in a testing period for certain customers such as Telekom SIM users. However, we can not confirm if this software will be released for other customers also.
We advise that you subscribe to our newsletter on our website to receive the latest information once they will be made available in this matter.
We hope to have been helpful with the information above and we are at your entire disposal for further assistance.
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RoboDad said:
I tested both T-B-T and GPS Voice today. ...
... And I'm not sure (I need to do some more tests), but it seemed to eat up my battery like candy. Part of that may be due to me leaving the screen on more than I needed to, but it may also be polling the GPS more than it needs to. ...
.
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Automotive style GPS apps are not built to save batteries. They assume you are plugged into your car's DC power outlet.
I have been using Turn By Turn, and so far like it. May buy it, but seems silly when Bing Navigation will appear in 4ish months.

Titus_Andronicus said:
Automotive style GPS apps are not built to save batteries. They assume you are plugged into your car's DC power outlet.
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OK, first, I'm not an idiot. I know how GPS navigation apps are designed to work. On a long trip, using a car charger would be an obvious necessity. But it should NOT be a necessity for a cross-town round trip.
And second, my comment was based on comparing the behavior of T-B-T to AT&T Navigator on the same phone. I have used Navigator for trips lasting well over an hour, without using the car charger, with no unusual battery drain. T-B-T, on the other hand, appeared to eat between 10-15% in a 15 minute trip. Again, I need to confirm this, and it may be that some of the drain came from having the display on for the first half of the trip, but it still seemed excessive, even for a GPS app.

Titus_Andronicus said:
Automotive style GPS apps are not built to save batteries. They assume you are plugged into your car's DC power outlet.
I have been using Turn By Turn, and so far like it. May buy it, but seems silly when Bing Navigation will appear in 4ish months.
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I felt the same way, about waiting for Bing maps with navigation, but I think spending $5 for months of turn by turn navigation is a pretty good deal. If Bing navigation is better I won't feel like I wasted money, but if Turn by Turn is continually improved I may just keep using it instead.

Viper Smart Start

I'm considering adding a car starter to my wife's car, and was wondering if anyone has used or is using the Viper SmartStart? Its sold and installed at Best Buy, but also requires a yearly subscription to SmartStart.
The plus of of these is that you can start your car from virtually anywhere, where as traditional starters have a limited range. We live in colder environment, and the plus of being able to start one's car from inside a mall, supermarket, etc, would be a great bonus during the winter months.
Are they worth the cost over a traditional remote car starter system, and are you happy with it?
Thanks for any feedback
PT

I personally don't have one, but think about it this way: do you live in a colder place, such as alaska or the midwest where you really have bad winters, rather than someplace that may have the regular maybe 3 months of really cold winter, where you'd pay all that extra subscription year round where you only see 3 good months of use?

You make a good point of paying for a 1 year subscription when you only may really use it for 3 months. We live in Buffalo, NY. Not worst of winters, but they can be pretty bad sometimes as well.
I believe you can actually get a 3 month subscription as well.
I'm also interested in its functionality. Has anyone had much experience with it, and does it work as well as its advertised?

I have a viper smart start system and it is handy year around both summer and winter, it has saved me from lockouts a few times plus I really like knowing if I feel like I left my vehicle unlocked I can secure it from anywhere. Of course if your vehicle is in a cell dead zone it won't work. The app could really use a better interface and a damn widget for sure. why it doesn't make your phone a full 2 way remote I don't understand seems easy to make it an instant push notification but this feature still isn't available. Personally I think the whole system is gonna go the way of satellite radio and MSN live on my pioneer deck.
But for now its handy and I forgot to mention it is pretty pimp!

Hey Steelewise.
Thanks for the feedback..... Do you remember when you had it installed or maybe added the app to your phone? I "think" the system does now include a push back to phone. This is per the Viper website:
2-Way confirmation of commands received at vehicle.
Smart Alerts sent via text messaging (SMS).
Security alert messages (for security/RS or security systems only)
Error messages if command not executed at vehicle (all Viper systems)
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Will the GPS work on this without a phone plan?

I am thinking about buying this. I don't want it for a phone. Just a GPS, Camera and MP3 player. Is it possible to use the GPS without having an active plan? I see in the specs it has an integrated GPS antenna, is that what it does? I want to use it for fishing on shore or in a boat to mark fish spots and routes. Some trick like start it on Wi-Fi? Or just outright? Any info will be appreciated. Thanks.

bandit97 said:
I am thinking about buying this. I don't want it for a phone. Just a GPS, Camera and MP3 player. Is it possible to use the GPS without having an active plan? I see in the specs it has an integrated GPS antenna, is that what it does? I want to use it for fishing on shore or in a boat to mark fish spots and routes. Some trick like start it on Wi-Fi? Or just outright? Any info will be appreciated. Thanks.
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No you don't need a date for any phone with GPS, however it will takes longer time to get locked in. AGPS would be faster (this one requires an internet access).
I was going to buy this phone today (found it at a bargain price!), however as I read of the limited data available for installing apps (like installing GPS software), and only 512mb ram, I decided to skip on this one.

Just went out fishing today. The GPS on this phone is sick. One of my favorite parts, works good. Took a little bit of messing around. Pretty accurate offline. Had it on all day lots of power left.
Sent from my One V xda app on CM10