Develop Bugs

GPS app ?

I have BT GPS. I am looking for a simple GPS app, which can tell me arial distance (so no maps needed) from my location to particular point (longi/latitude). Also it can store a point when asked for.
I want to mark my car's parking point. Then use phone and my BT GPS to go towards the car. That is all.
Any pointer ? thanks

I am amazed that no body replied to post. Looks like I am the only one using GPS with eexcalibur. Anyway here is the info.
I am using BT-339 GPS with bluetooth. It works very well without any problem. Since the connection is bluetooth, you can keep GPS in you backpack or pocket and excalibur will have wireless connection to GPS. No wires hanging out .
I installed "Pocket Street" which came in my MS Street and Trip 2006 CD. I exported map from MS Street and Trip 2007 on my laptop and copied to SD card. Pocket street picks up map and shows location right where I am driving with dynamically updating my position exactly like my TomTom GPS. It does not have turn-by-turn direction, but I do not need those any way. For directions I have TomTom. The map is excellent, which I like much better than TomTom. The resolution is excellent, with all the builtin POIs etc. The map of whole state (right to fullest zoom in) fits in 6 MB to 30 MB. 30 MB for large state like Texas, and 6 MB for smaller states. Pocket street do not have any learning curve. Another advantage is that you do not need, data connection for maps . A big plus, since I do not have unlimited data.
Also I found NoniGPSPlot which can work without maps and you can mark where you parked your car. Then the progy shows the distance and position of your car relative to your current position. This is what I was looking for. The app has about 30 minute to 1 hr learning curve, but when you get how to use, you will be amazed with it usefulness. The position and distance gets updated as you wale towards/away from your makred car parking postion.

No one replied because this topic has been covered many times, thats why the forum has this nifty SEARCH feature, perhaps you should give it a whirl at some point its really fascinating:
1. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=3120875&highlight=mapquest#post3120875
2. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=3079738&highlight=mapquest#post3079738
3. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=440678&highlight=mapquest

Seachbar plugin http://mycroft.mozdev.org/search-engines.html?name=xda
Makes it even easier to find info from the most knowledegable forum member

Bupahs said:
No one replied because this topic has been covered many times, thats why the forum has this nifty SEARCH feature, perhaps you should give it a whirl at some point its really fascinating:
1. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=3120875&highlight=mapquest#post3120875
2. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=3079738&highlight=mapquest#post3079738
3. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=440678&highlight=mapquest
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bupahs, thanks for pointing me to search. I did searched the answer. And I did looked at all the messages you pointed to. But all of those require maps. And all of those need maps to work with. Also the smartphone version do not allow to record a point (i.e to mark and remember parking poistion of car). And if they allow, they do not allow the point to be off road (i.e. in parking lot). Hence I needed a solution which does not use maps, because any app which uses maps do not allow points to be off road.
Thanks.

tahdor said:
Bupahs, thanks for pointing me to search. I did searched the answer. And I did looked at all the messages you pointed to. But all of those require maps. And all of those need maps to work with. Also the smartphone version do not allow to record a point (i.e to mark and remember parking poistion of car). And if they allow, they do not allow the point to be off road (i.e. in parking lot). Hence I needed a solution which does not use maps, because any app which uses maps do not allow points to be off road.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Efficasoft GPS Utilities, I think that may be what your looking for. Its not free however... PM me

[APP] Solution for using bluetooth GPS in many different applications!

I thought it would be of interesrt:
I found an app with which one can use an external bluetooth gps-mouse with many different apps. I am currently using it with google maps, C:geo, Motonav, even gpstest (where it only doesn't show the sat infos but everything else works).
Search for bluetooth gps provider in the market from mobile-j.de. It costs 1.99€ and it's well worth the money!
Now I have accuracy of 1.2 m and spot on tracks with my bt-gps.
Hugo
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App

I did not manage to find it, can you please post it here?

Great find. 2 Euro well spent. 1m accuracy inside my home with my trusty old bluetooth gps
Cheers,
Ric
PS can't post link but if you google on 'bluetooth gps provider' then it is in the top results.

that was mentioned previously in the GPS blasting topic
yet every one believed it was a dud
now somebody else post it, and every one takes it for granted... great... this is just great...

AllGamer said:
that was mentioned previously in the GPS blasting topic
yet every one believed it was a dud
now somebody else post it, and every one takes it for granted... great... this is just great...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Even if it was posted in the "GPS blasting topic", which I suppose is the GPS Poll topic, before it didn't catch my attention although this is a topic, that I am very closely following. What I did see was an app that catches raw NMEA data and put's it on the screen. Now that program is not useable for anything, while the app I mentioned above can distribute the GPS data to many different programs running on the SGS.
And not meaning to offend you, but I think that this little app is worth an extra thread rather than to be mentioned in a several hundered post thread where it drowns easily under the posts.
And if it was you, who found this app at first: Your the Man!

Just bought this, and tested it on my external Bluetooth GPS and wow, this app works perfectly with my tracks, run.gps, alpinequest, gps test, gps status, runner...

Works with EZCam which is great. Because my car has an infra-red coated windscreen the phone's GPS doesn't work when the phone is placed in the dashboard Brodit mount. This makes it possible for me to place the GPS unit in the rear, where there is no infrared coating.

Cant get this to work with any programs...
EDIT: After a couple of reboots and reconnects to my BT-GPS it works.
Thank you for the tip!

Just a short update:
The bluetooth gps provider app works with sygic mobile maps as well!

Alternative - use your Bluetooth GPS receiver as GPS source
Try this as an alternative: Bluetooth GPS Mouse (I have a link here as well -- but I am somehow not allowed to post links in this forum ). Anyhow, you should be able to find the program -- just search for 'Bluetooth GPS Mouse' in the Market
You can test it freely and later buy the commercial version if it works for you as well!

mrmagmrmag said:
Try this as an alternative: Bluetooth GPS Mouse (I have a link here as well -- but I am somehow not allowed to post links in this forum ). Anyhow, you should be able to find the program -- just search for 'Bluetooth GPS Mouse' in the Market
You can test it freely and later buy the commercial version if it works for you as well!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am using bluetooth gps mouse and it works quite well with sygic, motonav, copilot, navigon etc.
Of course it also depends on the quality of your external bluetooth gps receiver. I use the nokia ld-3w with a sirfstarIII chipset and replaceble battery. Probably there are better ones out there, but this one was cheap and works good.
My question is wich app is better: GPS mouse or GPS provider?
Shall I just stick with GPS mouse?
Greetz

betoNL said:
I am using bluetooth gps mouse and it works quite well with sygic, motonav, copilot, navigon etc.
Of course it also depends on the quality of your external bluetooth gps receiver. I use the nokia ld-3w with a sirfstarIII chipset and replaceble battery. Probably there are better ones out there, but this one was cheap and works good.
My question is wich app is better: GPS mouse or GPS provider?
Shall I just stick with GPS mouse?
Greetz
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought both program & i certainly want to recommend GPS provider over GPS mouse:
Pros of GPS Provider over GPS Mouse:
1. Icon on notification bar showing the program is running
2. Satellites signal status displayed in the program windows
3. The gps data streaming is smooth, i tested both with Papago satnav, GPS Provide makes the position mark run smoothly while GPS mouse cause the position pointer jerk while moving --> very weird behavior
So far both program stable, no force close encounter.
My final words, GPS mouse still premature...

yc1437 said:
I bought both program & i certainly want to recommend GPS provider over GPS mouse:
Pros of GPS Provider over GPS Mouse:
1. Icon on notification bar showing the program is running
2. Satellites signal status displayed in the program windows
3. The gps data streaming is smooth, i tested both with Papago satnav, GPS Provide makes the position mark run smoothly while GPS mouse cause the position pointer jerk while moving --> very weird behavior
So far both program stable, no force close encounter.
My final words, GPS mouse still premature...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK Thanks for your reply!
Just one more question:
With GPS provider do you also have to enable "allow mock locations" (Settings » Applicatios » Development » Allow mock locations) ?
Greetz

oops double posting

yc1437 said:
I bought both program & i certainly want to recommend GPS provider over GPS mouse:
Pros of GPS Provider over GPS Mouse:
1. Icon on notification bar showing the program is running
2. Satellites signal status displayed in the program windows
3. The gps data streaming is smooth, i tested both with Papago satnav, GPS Provide makes the position mark run smoothly while GPS mouse cause the position pointer jerk while moving --> very weird behavior
So far both program stable, no force close encounter.
My final words, GPS mouse still premature...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Points 1 and 2 have been adressed by them now -- so you have both a status icon and a display of satellite SNR values. Another plus is that you can purchase the program outside of the Android market as well (which is a bonus as the market is not available in many countries).
I don't have problems with the position jerking around, but if there is an issue and you report it to them I guess it will be fixed soon.

Didn't try GPS Provider yet
Bluetooth GPS Mouse unlimited is doing great though...

Hi, I use Bluetooth gps mouse. I have zero problems.
I have try to use it with the app gps test but don't display the sattelites on this app.
Do you know a similar app to work with external gps so as can check how meny sattelites, signal e.t.c?

nanoo-eg said:
Hi, I use Bluetooth gps mouse. I have zero problems.
I have try to use it with the app gps test but don't display the sattelites on this app.
Do you know a similar app to work with external gps so as can check how meny sattelites, signal e.t.c?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a free app called Bluetooth GPS form googoo android (nothing to do with "bluetooth gps mouse).
It connects to your external BT device (without the need of gps mouse)and gives nice readings and even your position on map (and that's all it does)
Have fun

Galaxy S GPS sucks and I didn't want to pay for something like that.
I don't understand either why I should give phone call or network access to such an application...
So I've have developed mine:
it' free,
it's open-source (you can verify what it's really doing and you can improve it!),
it just asks for needed permissions.
The application, as the previous one, allows to use an external bluetooth GPS on Android devices:
The application starts a service, then connects to a Bluetooth device (NMEA GPS) and creates a mock GPS provider which can be used to replace the internal GPS.
It's also possible to log the external GPS NMEA data in a file on the device.
The app needs the following permissions:
bluetooth and bluetooth admin (connection to the GPS device),
location and mock location (replace the GPS location provider by a new one using the bluetooth GPS device),
write external storage (if you want to log the NMEA data into a file on the sdcard).
It should run on all android devices (2.0 and above) and NMEA bluetooth devices.
I have tested it with a GlobalSat BT-338 bluetooth GPS (SiRF III), a Galaxy S (I9000) and a HTC Sapphire (Froyo CM-6).
It works with Google Maps, Wikitude, GoPenS and my own personal navigation app. Normally, it should work with all applications that use Android official location API.
Notes: in order to install the app:
enable Settings/Applications/Unknown sources,
enable Settings/Applications/Development/Allow mock locations,
download and install the apk.
You have also, of course, to enable bluetooth and pair the the phone with the GPS.
Project page:
Bluetooth GPS for Android on SourceForge
BlueGPS4Droid apk: BlueGps4Droid_1.0.apk

Just installed it, brilliant, I had a small BT GPS lying around anyway so I can now use it when GPS is important and not have to rely on the very flakey SGS GPS.
I hope Samsung is reading these forums!

Smart tags

Anybody know how to get NFC smart tags to work? I've got hold of some Sony xperia tags and can't get them to work with the one x. Any ideas or know of any apps?
Sent from my HTC One X using xda app-developers app

Hi there, NFC is just crazy man, I can do Magic using them.
You need NFC Task Launcher, its a paid app that you can find in Google Play Store, once you get it installed, you can then erase the contents on your xperia tags, and put whatever functions using that App, you can actually WRITE your NFC Tags with this app too.
Examples of what you can do are:
1. Embed URL info in Tag, i.e. your Facebook URL.
2. Adjust Profiles from Brightness, Volume levels, Wifi toggles BT, etc.
3. Embed your Business Card information.
4. Embed TEXT of your liking
5. Embed a Message.
6. Delete Contents currently stored on Tag.
For example I'm using 1 Tag in my car, that whenever I enter my car, it turns on Bluetooth, connects to my iDrive system (BT Phone), turns off WiFi, Starts CoPilot Navigation, and sets my brightness to MAX.
1 Tag beside my Bed, that turns off all WiFi, BT, Mobile Network, turns volume to 20%, Brightness to 30%
1 Tag in Office, Sets Volume to 40%, Turns on WiFi, Connects to my exchange server using WiFi, Update Market Apps through WiFi.
You get the Idea!
Hit [Thanks] if I have shed some lights on NFC Usage
Any questions, Just Ask or PM me!
Wael

You can use Xperia SmartTags on Google play, it's free.
It's working pretty well, I tried it to activate bluetooth on the onex.

I use nfc Task Launchera .. wonderful you can find on the play market

I posted a full post on how what etc here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1619651&highlight=smarttags

Wow! That's just awesome! I'm planning to take hold of those NFC tags.

standalone offline maps, and activity

not sure if is right place to ask, but as far as i know sony watch is the only with build id GPS
i would like to know what app can i use to track my walk and as offline map that works without phone
i can use 2 different apps
how long can i expect the watch battery to last with those features?
what i need to do is track my walking days during my vacations and use the map without phone

You can use google my tracks and/or google fit as activity tracker. Also runkeeper and others are availabe with support for sony smartwatch 3 gps. For off line maps use osm city maps.
Enjoy

I think backcountry navigator has offline capability, but I have not tested that function yet.

Best standalone GPS apps?

Hello, just bought a SW3.
Does Google Maps work with the built in GPS? I noticed that it starts to look immediatly for the phone...also is it possibile to move the offline maps I downloaded to the smartwatch internal memory? How does it work? I am new thanks.

I've got an LG G5 which is affected by the GPS hardware issues (ie GPS is non-existent) - my SW3 works fine in maps when paired to this phone so would guess the watches GPS is working well. Guess it could be using the phone to grab location via phone masts, but not as slow as phone location so doubt it.

gurningchimp said:
I've got an LG G5 which is affected by the GPS hardware issues (ie GPS is non-existent) - my SW3 works fine in maps when paired to this phone so would guess the watches GPS is working well. Guess it could be using the phone to grab location via phone masts, but not as slow as phone location so doubt it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In fact I was wandering if it was possible to use the smartwatch alone for running, with its built-in GPS (and perhaps offline maps loaded) but without the 4G connection of the phone.
Sony said the point of this smartwatch was to leave the smartphone at home, but I saw that the location doesn't fix if the smartwatch doesn't connect to phone first (Bluetooth and 4G).
Am I doing something wrong?

Menomis said:
In fact I was wandering if it was possible to use the smartwatch alone for running, with its built-in GPS (and perhaps offline maps loaded) but without the 4G connection of the phone.
Sony said the point of this smartwatch was to leave the smartphone at home, but I saw that the location doesn't fix if the smartwatch doesn't connect to phone first (Bluetooth and 4G).
Am I doing something wrong?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have two of these devices. In order to use the google fit stand alone gps, i suggest that you turn off your phone or BT connection between the phone and watch as well as the wifi setting on the watch prior to a run. When you go outside, turn on the google fit app and wait a few moments while you warm up, this will give the watch a chance to lock into GPS. Then all you have to do is start moving and the standalone gps will work. The problem with google fit is that it so dependent on communications between the phone and device as well as not having a gps locking icon. I prefer to use Ghostrunner app for the sony smartwatch 3, its completely independent from the phones gps and has such a setting in the app to force the watches gps to work over the phone.

Thanks and what about google maps? Can it be used in standalone for running? Just for mapping andò routes

And what about runtastic? Can I use it with position on the phone turned off but watch GPS turned on? Apparently it doesn't work for me

I use mine for running and I use Endomondo. I just use the watch GPS on its own and after the run it syncs via bluetooth to the phone. I've heard there has been issues with this but with my LG G4 it's all worked fine.

Does anyone know how to use the smartwatch in standalone with Google Maps tracking while running? It searches for the phone connection everytime...do I have to turn BT off or follow specific steps?
thank you in advance

Menomis said:
Does anyone know how to use the smartwatch in standalone with Google Maps tracking while running?
thank you in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean? Maps doesn't record your path, if that's what you're after.
If you want to see yourself on a map, including your trail where you've been, use ghostracer. You can also load a gpx path and follow it on the map, but it doesn't give you navigation instructions, you have to watch for the turns yourself.
Navigation is in osm offline maps, but I never had much luck with it.