Android Head Unit GPS apps?? - Connected Car

I just bought a Chinese Android Head Unit. It is working well except for the GPS side. The antenna works fine.
The app that came pre-installed was iGO. Each time I open the app it will go through the initial setup. Once I run the initial setup it works fine. If I close the app and open it again I have to run the initial setup again. It is most likely a permissions issue that won't allow the settings to save.
I would like to know what apps I can use with the GPS antenna attached to my Head Unit. I have tried Google Maps and Waze, but both need a data connection.
Any help is appreciated.

With the app "Here WeGo" you can install maps offline and run it with no data connection

Sygic is popular with the Chinese Android HUs, works fine on my PX5 GS unit.

rouse007 said:
I just bought a Chinese Android Head Unit. It is working well except for the GPS side. The antenna works fine.
The app that came pre-installed was iGO. Each time I open the app it will go through the initial setup. Once I run the initial setup it works fine. If I close the app and open it again I have to run the initial setup again. It is most likely a permissions issue that won't allow the settings to save.
I would like to know what apps I can use with the GPS antenna attached to my Head Unit. I have tried Google Maps and Waze, but both need a data connection.
Any help is appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is indeed a permissions issue. You have to move the iGo folder from the SDcard to internal memory and settings will be retained. This only happens with the new iGO (NextGen) The previous version, iGo Primo, will work directly from the SD.
Other offline GPS apps you can try: Sygic, Navigon, TomTom, Maps.Me, Here. But offline navigation is kinda deprecated these days, you will need a live traffic service to really make the most of onboard navigation. And most traffic services require an internet connection.
If you only travel small distances, Google Maps also has an offline mode, you can download the map of the area you're interested and then use Maps offline.

Hi, I have an android head unit from China too. It came with iGo but I want to use Google Maps or Waka but I don't see an option to change the navigation software that it uses. How did you change yours ?

There is a huge resource of files including maps, licenses, poi, tts etc on gpspower.com but don't help there because it's not the most friendly place. Alot of links get taken down quickly because of dmca so be quick or patient lol.

here we go app has two info bars, one on top and one on bottom, these two bars take 2/3 of the screen and leave only 1/3 to map
---------- Post added at 04:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:18 PM ----------
free version of Sygic is missing a lot, maps are black and white...

Related

Dash W/ Google Maps and Bluetooth GPS reciever?

I have a T-mobile Dash and i installed the new Google maps software for smartphones. and picked up a Cellink BTG-7000 bluetooth gps reciever.
I can't get google maps to detect the bluetooth gps
i paired the device and created a outgoing com port to the gps ( says BTG-7000 (com 7)
- ive tried un checking secure connection
- also created an incoming port but does not have gps reciever name in connection...
the google maps software says i have to goto the start - settings - GPS
but i do not have such an option.
Anyone have any ideas?
dave
Hmmm, I am not sure either. I just tried to get it to recognise my bluetooth gps device. Surely someone knows what is going on.
Same issue here
I am having the same issue with my Dash/Bluetooth GPS with Google Maps. There is a FAQ (http://www.google.com/gmm/gmmfaq.html?platform=winm-SmartPhone-T-Mobile+Dash/web#4) that refers to a "Settings->System->GPS" control panel applet that does not exist.
I have the same problem. I think the issue has to do with the initialization of the BT GPS unit and have WM see it first (as GPS) rather than as a BT device that it has paired with. The GPS applet would take care of it by sending it cold boot parameters etc.
Alternatively, you can download a smartphone version of the applet from the GPS manufacturer and run that before running Google Maps. I am not sure but it might fix the problem.
Edit: I wonder if the HTC S620 Variant has the GPS applet in its ROM? If it does, perhaps someone can extract the cab file and share it with the community. That might fix our GPS woes...
I'm running the s620 ROM. There is no GPS applet that I see...
there is no gps
Darn..that sucks.
the settings they tell you to go look at only exist in the PPC version.
Was able to use a BT GPS device to work with Windows LIVE search ( Google Mobile Maps rival )
If GMM can be forced to use a particular comm port it should also work .. anyone ?
HTC S620 phone BTW.
Figured it out !
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=293018
Umm, same thing I wrote in the other thread:
Folks, is there a reason you guys are so desperate to use GMM? Especially knowing your GPS doesn't work natively without hacks?
Just use Windows Live Search Mobile? IMO, LIGHT YEARS ahead of GMM in terms of usability and fit and finish. AND it'll find your GPS both on GPSID (what GMM uses) as well as COM ports. No hacks. Simple. Straightforward. Elegant.
http://wls.live.com from your mobile phone. Click the Windows Mobile client.
I've played with both and I've found GMM to be much more one handable. Now when I say that I know WLS is one handable but things go slow. You can do things quick with GMM one handed.
Also GMM adds a features that WLS doesn't. One example is that if you go to a contact in your contact list it gives you the option to 'Locate on Google Maps' and it will use the address in the contact information to locate the contact on Google Maps. And I might be wrong but isn't Microsofts Satelite (Not Road Map) imagery older then googles?
GMM cleaner and smaller but lacking big feature
GMM also seems to use much less memory. Great footprint compared to WLS which slows the whole phone down. When I turn off WLS I also have to restart most of the time because the phone can't recoop some of that memory. The one thing I don't like about GMM is that when using the directions feature with GPS, you can only look at your route, or follow your track - not both at the same time like WLS. (IE right before every turn you get a popup with which way to go.) It's much more manual with GMM.

External GPS settings with various GPS apps

One problem I found running WM6, was that finding the right settings for each GPS application for an external GPS is a pain in the butt.
TeleNAV seems to auto detect the external GPS and have no problems, but Windows Live and Google MAPS both need to be manually set. Anyone know the manual settings for both Windows Live and Google MAPS? My external GPS runs on COM6. I've tried numerous settings, and only TeleNAV is able to connect.
Thanks,
fin
I don't think that Google Maps actually works with GPS yet.
Has anyone ever got it working?
I use windows live messenger all the time and use a G-sat bluetooth device that uses com9. I don't have any problems with windows live; however, never got it to work with google maps. I do use the locate me fuction on virtual earth mobile. I set it manual in windows live settings to com9 and in external gps settings i use com9 as well and under bluetooth settings create an outgoing port. hope it helps
GeoffWhite said:
I don't think that Google Maps actually works with GPS yet.
Has anyone ever got it working?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problems with Google Maps with GPS for me.
After numerous attempts at registry changes and finally a hard-reset to unbreak it, I got google maps to work in unmodified black 2.0
You do need to set the program port to something other than the hardware port of the gps.
Does seem to be a little brittle though.

GPS Software for Elf

Hi,
Was just wondering if anyone had a recomendation for a good GPS porgram? I'm looking for good mapping rather than road directions. Google Maps Mobile is great, but not so good when I'm out of range from a cell tower...
Thanks for your help
smckane
GPS program
TomTom 6 with 6.75 map ( the best, for me)
Navigon 6 ( nice but slower with elf)
Route 66 gps (
Thanks for the sugestions giovanniriccio, but those are all road directions programs, and I don't drive (yet, sadly). Looking for something I can use when out walking / on my bike.
Cheers
How about OziExplorer?
http://www.oziexplorer.com/
Is that what you're looking for? You will need to supply your own (scanned or digital) maps, but if you have those (or find it in gps-forums): it worked great on my HTC Magician. Haven't installed it to my touch yet, though, so I can't promise it will work, and if you don't have the maps in the right format, it can be a bit of a pain in the ass to get it all right.
smckane said:
Thanks for the sugestions giovanniriccio, but those are all road directions programs, and I don't drive (yet, sadly). Looking for something I can use when out walking / on my bike.
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I myself use Navigon more so then TOM TOM (I have both installed) only because I like the interface a bit better... and waiting an additional 3 seconds to have the program load or another 3 for a route to load in comparision to Tom Tom isn't that big of a deal for me.
However, that said. TomTom 6 and Navigon both give you the option to choose your method of transport, So you can choose walking route or biking instead of driving a car.
Navigon has these options: Fast Car, Standard Car, Slow Car, Motorbike, Lorry, Bicycle, Pedestrian. Now as far as I know it doesnt have walking paths programmed into it it just uses these settings to give you an estimate on how long till you reach your destination.
Same for Tomtom however it's options are as follows; Fastest Routes, Shortest Routes, Walking Routes, and Bicycle routes. I've never used any of these features so now sure how they really work BUT they are there.
Like I was saying about the load up time between the two, depending on what type of Touch you have will likely make a difference because honestly I've barely noticed a difference as far as route loading times but that could be because I have the touch enhanced so it runs fairly fast.
Hope this helps!
Memory-Map
Memory map is brilliant for mountian biking and walking.
http://www.memory-map.com/
30 day trial available and good quality maps (UK, France) available or you can import. Runs on PC and PPC so you can dowload and analyse your routes
I'd second Memory Maps, it has worked brillantly for me on a number of WM devices including the touch. It can be a bit pricey for maps, but Memory maps navigator is free and can import and calibrate scanned maps.
Thank you
Lots of options to play with over the Christams holidays!
Cheers!
smckane
Hey Guys...
Heres a link to the Cube Icons thread I made. If you go to http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=351551&page=4
you'll find not only icons for the aplauncher for TomTom and Navigon but I also made some Icons for the mediahub panel of the cube as well.
Anyone know how to fix the "No maps found!" TomTom error? I'm currently using TomTom 6.203 (7220) with USA/Canada maps version 6.75 (1409). I have the maps folder in my microSD card.
No Maps Found
I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM, dos any body know how to fix, you cannot get into settings to look for maps, it just takes you to tomtom download page
Not sure if this will help but I had had the problem on my treo before and I just simply took the map off and brought it back onto the SD card.
I'm also not sure if the placement of the map has anything to do with it but I had originally had it in the TOMTOM folder. When I moved it to the root menu of the SD card it read the map fine.
Right now I'm running Tomtom 6.010 (7720) and my map is "USA and Canada 675_1409'
I found the solution in another thread from kunz:
Disable Bluetooth Explorer from Settings -> Connections -> Bluetooth -> Bluetooth FTP
It causes TomTom to think that the bluetooth folder is your storage card and tries to load map from there. Disabling it should do the trick.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This worked out instantly for me.
You guys may also want to try Navigon Navigator for your phone. I have the latest version 6.2 and it runs super smooth has a way nicer interface then tom tom and has voice control so you can actually just press a button on the phone and say "navigate home" and the program does the route and stuff for you. Its a great feature to use instead of flipping through your favorites or something like that.
I have both tomtom and Navigon on my touch. I use Navigon more however I have noticed that they both sometimes find different routes. On that occasion I noticed tomtoms routes are a little quicker (by say a few minutes... but that could simply be because it calculates the estimated time a bit different) Either way.. something to check out at least. Look up some information on the program and check out screen shots of it. You can tell right away the interface and maps themselves look alot nicer then tomtoms. Both seem to be about the same as far as up to date maps go.
Question!
OK Guys, please excuse my noob question, but as far as I know the Touch does not have GPS. Do you use external Bluetooth GPS devices or how do you use all these apps?
tnyynt said:
OK Guys, please excuse my noob question, but as far as I know the Touch does not have GPS. Do you use external Bluetooth GPS devices or how do you use all these apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, bluetooth gps. I use GlobalSat BT-359, and I'd like to buy one day "Freedom Keychain GPS SiRF III Receiver" or maybe the small Holux GPS Receiver.
As for software doing maps, there are plenty. I know of: googlemaps, gpstuner, gloposis and sometimes the necessary companion 'gpsgate'. Recently gpstuner got google maps support built in, but I haven't tried (previously one had to build maps oneself for gpstuner).
With a bluetooth gps would it work with garmin maps topo or road maps?
I use GlobalSat BT-359, with Windows Live, along with Microsoft Voice Command 6.1, you can actually tell it where you want to go. The mapping software works fine. The only occasional problem I have, and maybe someone has an answer for this, is it takes a while (5 minutes sometimes), to sync with the GPS "puck". Sometimes closing and reopening the app. several times helps it along. Once in a rare while it will lose the port, as well. I am using port 1. Does anyone have a solution to this? Otherwise, it works great when everything is sync'd.
thanks. Gary
Why not try the "Igo My way 2006 plus"
Igo My way 2006 plus works great with my Touch and it alerts me on approaching the speed cameras. You should try it out. The maps are much more detailed then on other Gps software i used. If you want to use it and you don't find a trial, plz pm me and i will help.
p.s. you have to own a Bt. Gps receiver.
KLYnick said:
Igo My way 2006 plus works great with my Touch and it alerts me on approaching the speed cameras. You should try it out. The maps are much more detailed then on other Gps software i used. If you want to use it and you don't find a trial, plz pm me and i will help.
p.s. you have to own a Bt. Gps receiver.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That software looks pretty cool, but I don't see any mention of maps for US/Canada on their website... Do these exist, or is it just for European users?
Thanks....

[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!

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.

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