How is ATRIX GPS? Can someone do a review for us?
It works very well, smooth & very accurate. I haven't experienced any issues with it.
Its much better than the captivate. I used Google Navigation to go somewhere the other day and it stayed locked pretty much the entire drive. It took a couple of minutes to get an exact lock (not that that was an issue) but after that it was pretty smooth.
dumasymptote said:
Its much better than the captivate. I used Google Navigation to go somewhere the other day and it stayed locked pretty much the entire drive. It took a couple of minutes to get an exact lock (not that that was an issue) but after that it was pretty smooth.
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Click to collapse
GPS on Captivate was a joke, it never worked for me.
It seems really accurate and fast. Google Maps/Navigation is smoother than ever on the Atrix. I received my Vehicle Dock yesterday and it's great. If you aren't using navigation the car home app shows your location on the map and the direction and even the speed you are traveling really accurately. Overall it seems even more reliable than either of my former phones the Dell Streak and Nexus One.
Extremely good. I get a 9ft lock, indoors, instantly.
Coming from a Captivate, I am extremely impressed. It seems to lock even faster than my old iPhone 3GS. Needless to say, when going from the iPhone to the Captivate, I was very disappointed in the GPS.
Best GPS I've seen on a phone, ever.
I was pretty happy with the GPS on my G1, but I LOVE the GPS on this. Very fast acquisition times, even in hotels and parking structures.
I've used it a good amount and it's been flawless. I use it with the Atrix car dock. I've used it for nav while streaming Pandoro through bt in the car and had zero issues with it. Mapping is quick and accurate. I can't say enough good things about the Atrix/car dock combination.
tks guys... I'm coming from a Galaxy S, actually I'm suing Samsung Brazil. They didn't want to exchange to a new phone or give my money back cause technical assistance (don't know if you guys call companies that fix defective stuffs) said my GPS was ok. I heard "hey look, you got 1 satellite fixed... it's not a GPS issue"... damn it...
I wish in Brazil companies respect us like in USA.
Squeak22 said:
Best GPS I've seen on a phone, ever.
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Click to collapse
+1
...........
mrdlpatterson said:
+1
...........
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+2.... I get accuracy down to 1 to 2 meters with out wifi on. that amazing.
That sounds more like scary lol
very quick compated to my old captivate
It was wonderful for me when I tested it at the AT&T store. It nearly immediately had a lock even being inside the store.
Had a Captivate, and the major reason it went back was the poor GPS. Outdoors with a clear sky view it showed 30-35db signal readings, a full 10-20db less than an obsolete (two generations back) Deluo Earthmate usb "puck" gps sitting right next to it.
The Earthmate and a Nuvi both had signal and position, the Samsung kept saying the signals were too weak to use.
Switch to the Atrix: Outdoors, position within 10 feet (so it says) just like any commodity-grade GPS these days.
INDOORS, in a room with a steel shutter over the windows, it showed 30-35db signal strengths, equal or better to what the Cappy showed OUTDOORS with a full sky view.
No question in my mind, the Atrix has a commodity-grade GPS that works perfectly well. Whether they've done any tweaks or cheats in how it works, I don't know. I find the accuracy reading surprising, since that's pushing what a WAAS-enabled GPS would get and AFAIK no cell phones use WAAS GPS.
Checked position on Google Maps, and it is right on. I'm a HAPPY CAMPER and I'm not an easy customer to please.
Also, when the battery is fully charged on the Atrix? It doesn't wake up and ring and complain it needs to be unplugged. The Cappy tried to wake me up every night. Bad Cappy!
Now, if they'd only enable the FM radio...
DarkSi08 said:
Extremely good. I get a 9ft lock, indoors, instantly.
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Click to collapse
Same here, coming from a captivate this seems miraculous. I have a lot of problems with the atrix but GPS is not one of them.
Best gps i've seen on a phone. Very accurate and very fast
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
Squeak22 said:
Best GPS I've seen on a phone, ever.
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fade1d said:
Best gps i've seen on a phone. Very accurate and very fast
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
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Just came back from a 3.5 hour trip, one way, round trip (left last night and came back tonight), and the phone "lost" me twice - once was a typical SGS-style issue where it kicked me off the highway I was on and said I had to get back on at the upcoming exit, and the second time, for no reason whatsoever, the GPS kinda turned off.... I say "kinda" because it was still on when I checked my GPS widget but the GPS icon was gone from the notification bar. It wasn't searching for GPS, it just stopped showing up there. I turned it off and then back on, found me again in under 3 seconds.
Those were the ONLY issues I had in 7 hours of using the GPS during the last 24 hours. Tell me that isn't the best data you've ever heard on a cell phone's GPS unit???
Related
i am ready to ditch my vibrant piece of crap and want a phone that has working gps. how accurate is the gps along with programs like my tracks and runkeeper?
The GPS works great, gets accurate location very quickly
Sent from my HTC EVO 3D using XDA App
Painkiller006 said:
The GPS works great, gets accurate location very quickly
Sent from my HTC EVO 3D using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ditto. It has nailed me within 3 feet while zoomed all the way in on the map. As I move around my yard it moves almost instantly.
Used a few times in Chicago today, near O'Hare airport which is known for **** signal. Worked perfectly.
Locks on quicker than my ogEVO.
Sent from my EVO-3D waiting for Myn's ROM
it looks like ive found a phone. cant wait to see what its like to have working gps.
Painkiller006 said:
The GPS works great, gets accurate location very quickly
Sent from my HTC EVO 3D using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If by accurate you mean reading you as 3 streets over...
not sure
I use mine with a running app Runkeeper. It was very good the first 2 times I used it showing 3.08 miles for a actual 3.1 mile distance. But yesterday is showed 5.37 miles for the same 3.1 route.
I hope it was just a glitch which happens depending on clouds but yesterday was clear.
meh
Meh, it gets poor signal indoors. Outdoors, it's often off. To truly test the GPS, you need to disable WIFI, otherwise it will use the BSSID's of nearby wifi hotspots to show your location...
I noticed that on the OG Evo in Maps (Maps, not Navigate), it would usually snap-to-street while i was driving. Now it doesnt seem to, i could be doing 50 down a side street and the map shows me driving through people's back yards on that street...
I use mine for logging runs and workouts. I wasn't too impressed yesterday when Cardio Trainer logged only half of my run.
NS4G didn't do that, lol. You could see where it would pickup and drop some sort of signal, and it repeated it numerous times while walking.
Running, it seemed to hold signal decently.
::EDIT::
Went running and I think its a CardioTrainer issue, not GPS. The GPS is constantly updating it seems like, just with CT I had a setting (auto pause after 5 seconds of no running) and I don't know if because of picking up and dropping satellites or what, but it was in and out of that mode.
Disabled that option (no big deal to me if it doesn't auto pause), and had a CONSTANT lock for the rest of the run after I did so.
I can get a cold lock inside within 10secs. Outside cold lock almost instantaneous. Gps rocks in this device.
Sent from my 3rd Dimension of Evolution
It's really good and accurate. But, I never really use it so I can save some battery life.
I've been blown away on it. Google Maps on my Palm Pre used to take over a minute to load, and in some cases wouldn't load at all. After it did, it wouldn't aquire a GPS signal. On the 3vo on the other hand, maps opens up within seconds and it also aquires a GPS signal right away. The arrow even moves around depending where the phone is pointed. Can't say I have any complaints. My favorite feature is being able to stream pandora music and telenav at the same time, and it actually fades out the music while GPS kicks in.
I've been having all sorts of trouble with GPS locks. It'll lock on fine to start, but within a few minutes of driving I'll get GPS signal lost and it'll take a long time to re-acquire. I wonder why. I may have to consider taking it for a repair/replacement if I'm the only one seeing issues. It reminds me a lot of how my 4G acted when I was using an earlier CM7 build so I attempted the ##GPSCLRX#, but that didn't seem to solve anything.
sroach23 said:
i am ready to ditch my vibrant piece of crap and want a phone that has working gps. how accurate is the gps along with programs like my tracks and runkeeper?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I drove from Buffalo, NY to Summerville, SC and back last week (900+ miles) and my GPS was spot on the entire time. While in SC I used it to get everywhere and it was perfect.
Mine grabbed me within 5 meters. Spot On.
I used Cardio Trainer also and it was very inaccurate. I watched the signal jump all over the place, it was terrible. I took it back to Sprint and they reluctantly swapped it out. I haven't tested it yet. Others, please test walking or running. I will be taking it back and going back to my EVO 4G if it is not fixed. My EVO 4G worked flawlessly.
you can only test something like gps when your driving and have time to set it up, wait for lock, yadda yadda yadda...
on the three occasions that i have used it it consistantly dropped signal and was a PITA. as for gps... I prefer the 4g not the 3d
Strange...
slaakker said:
I used Cardio Trainer also and it was very inaccurate. I watched the signal jump all over the place, it was terrible. I took it back to Sprint and they reluctantly swapped it out. I haven't tested it yet. Others, please test walking or running. I will be taking it back and going back to my EVO 4G if it is not fixed. My EVO 4G worked flawlessly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My GPS has been working flawlessly since purchase. I play golf and use the Golf Card app and was very happy with the accurate results. However, today....the GPS was acting wacky. It was jumping all over as described above. I reset the GPS and that didn't fix it. After playing around with the phone for awhile, I finally got it to work as normal. Keeping an eye on this in case I need to get rid of this phone.
My GPS has been about as temperamental as the OG Evo on CM7. It sometimes has trouble locking and often is fairly inaccurate (it seems to work better in Google maps than other apps). The OG Evo on sense was definitely better IMO.
Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk
The GPS is very inaccurate and jumps around constantly on Runkeeper. For example, see these runs:
http://runkeeper.com/user/rcrockett/activity/41894800
http://runkeeper.com/user/rcrockett/activity/41487967
Zoom in and you can see how it's jumping around all over the place. It makes it seem as though I am running faster and a longer distance. The first link is a 10k, but it reported it as 7.15 miles. I thought was kicking butt!
I have not taken any OTAs. I hope this is fixed sometime soon. I wonder why this hasn't been reported more.
Forget all the hype on GPS issues... I've been traveling between PA and NY without any other means of navigation help for the past 3 days...relying solely on my GS2 to get me to and fro many destinations and is yet to fail me... I know, pretty risky and I myself even doubted it's reliability considering we've all been stuck on "searching for satellite " at one point or another, but I'm pleased to say that this device performed well above expectation.... Running Unnamed 1.3.1.... share your thoughts on whether or not you'd put road trip on the hands of this beast.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using XDA App
I would definitely rely on my gs2 for navigation. I already have used it a bunch and its been completely flawless. Its so smooth and fast and pretty accurate. My only complaint would be that if you get in an area where theres no data, you might be in trouble. Other than that, it works really well and I would trust it without question.
I can say from my captivate that thing was not reliable however my gs2 has never let me down once!
Hth,
Charlie
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using Tapatalk
I have replaced my GPS with my GS2.
The Infuse had almost replaced it but it was semi-"meh", but the GS2 is rock solid.
My only worry is the data dependency - but I've got a Wilson amp in my car and the end result is incredible. I get 3-4 bars of 3G in rural areas I used to barely get 1 bar of EDGE in.
I wouldn't hesitate to use it for travel. It's rock solid compared to the Captivate it replaced. The GS2 locks fasts and stays locked.
If I trusted my 3gs for years I can definitely trust this one which I have ever since I got it.
I am actually in love with the navigation on this device.
My GPS has worked great. When I'm not using navigation, I use it as a speedometer
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using Tapatalk
i wrote a speedo app that shows my speed in the notification bar while i'm navigating. Any interest in that? I'm thinking about publishing it on the market.
Bob
The only thing I don't like is that it clearly has static navigation enabled, which makes it suck for geocaching.
Gonna have to figure out where I put my Oregon 300...
Entropy512 said:
but I've got a Wilson amp in my car and the end result is incredible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which amp? Using an external antenna?
I'm kind of rural myself, and with all the hills around me, there are quite a few RF nulls. My only problem is that I'm not sure I could attach another antenna to my car without interfering with each other. Perhaps their "low profile" antenna (that seems to stay inside the car) would work.
Gary
Entropy, now you've got my mind going on a signal booster... any specific type you recommend??? Don't mean to go off topic here, but this is a game changer in my books..
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
Good GPS
SGS2 GPS has been pretty good for me except in a couple of places where ATT signal has been bad.
Same here. Running unnamed and drove from DC to NYC. The GPS worked grrrrrrreat!
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0011GI94Q is the amp I use.
I have the outer antenna near the rear of the roof of my Subaru, with the inner antenna velcroed to my dash. I have my Samsung car dock set up so the phone is RIGHT above the inner antenna.
People with sunroofs may have issues with the inner and outer antenna coupling to each other.
It really works best when the phone is within a foot or so of the antenna (esp. within a few inches)- any farther and the gains are not nearly as great. Putting in a higher-gain amp would ease this limitation - but in many vehicles would be even more likely to start oscillating due to feedback.
I'll try to take some pictures and post them this weekend - if I don't freeze while taking them.
It's pretty good so far.
Still evaluating the advantages/disadvantages and comparing with other portable GPS devices.
I've replace my GPS and my camera with my sgs2. This thing never seizes to amaze me.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium
GPS - yes.
Camera - no... No way it'll ever replace my K-5. Every time I've used the camera I've been sorely disappointed. It's better than any other mobile phone camera I've used before - but that's not saying much.
My GPS has saved me many many times. GS2 GPS for the win!
My phone has stock 2.3.6 with root. Other than that, it is totally stock. I use my phone in my job to provide GPS coordinates for natural gas tie-ins. Quite often when I open GPS test or GPS Status to get the coordinates, the GPS will locate 7 to 10 sats but will not lock on and give me my location. Re-booting the phone will solve the problem. Google Maps also does the same thing. I believe the phone was doing this before the update.
I don't know if it happens to you guys or not but me, yes, as soon as I reported "GPS works great so far", it let me down right away.
On my way home in the evening, turn H+ on, turn GPS on. While talking on the phone, I opened Maps and navigate home. Sitting in the car for 5', no sat. locked. Started driving until half way home, still not locked. Stopped in the parking lot, wait for signal again, 10' later, still not locked. Very frustrated! Grrrr
Yes it locks on instantly and to a lot of satellites, but from there it goes to hell. I just completed my first run using this phone. The route i take is 5.5 miles but the phone said i only did 5.0. The app i use is called MyTracks and it overlays your path with Google maps. Normally with my old phone it lines up nearly perfectly, showing my path as being on the sidewalk. Well with the note it shows my path as running through front yards and houses, which of course i didn't do. All of that cutting through yards and houses is why my path appears to be half a mile less.
Fyi it is a sunny clear sky so no issues that way.
Has anyone else taken their Note running and experienced similar or opposite issues?
Using Navigon on both S2 and Note. Very accurate except my maps a bit old. So it shows to one way street sometimes. The Note lock within 3 seconds. Don't have your issue
EvoXOhio said:
Yes it locks on instantly and to a lot of satellites, but from there it goes to hell. I just completed my first run using this phone. The route i take is 5.5 miles but the phone said i only did 5.0. The app i use is called MyTracks and it overlays your path with Google maps. Normally with my old phone it lines up nearly perfectly, showing my path as being on the sidewalk. Well with the note it shows my path as running through front yards and houses, which of course i didn't do. All of that cutting through yards and houses is why my path appears to be half a mile less.
Fyi it is a sunny clear sky so no issues that way.
Has anyone else taken their Note running and experienced similar or opposite issues?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've taken my note in my car, and I can tell you that I've never seen a smartphone's GPS perform as well as the Note does. I get a lock in 5 seconds or less, and I've seen as many as 25 satellite locks, with a position as accurate as 5 feet for a long duration.
Do you keep your Note in your pocket while you're running, or is it exposed/attached to your body somewhere?
MyTracks and Navigon differ in that Navigon locks to streets, eliminating spurious off-path tracks while MyTracks saves every position report if you have it set to do so.
I used to use MyTracks to diagnose GPS issues w/captivate etc.
So far, I haven't seen any of those issues with the GPS in this phone, however, it is always spot on for me. Actually the best GPS i've used in a phone yet.
I am leaning more towards a faulty unit than a design issue..
The note is in my pocket at all times. I did The same with my old phone. The issue could be that, or maybe it just can't track slow speeds very well but it works fine at higher speeds like when driving. I am going to take it in the car later and drive that same path with it exposed and then again with it in my pocket and see what happens.
Da_G said:
MyTracks and Navigon differ in that Navigon locks to streets, eliminating spurious off-path tracks while MyTracks saves every position report if you have it set to do so.
I used to use MyTracks to diagnose GPS issues w/captivate etc.
So far, I haven't seen any of those issues with the GPS in this phone, however, it is always spot on for me. Actually the best GPS i've used in a phone yet.
I am leaning more towards a faulty unit than a design issue..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe i need to change a setting in MyTracks since this gps is supposedly so accurate? I use all the default settings other than setting an audible alert for every 5 minutes.
EvoXOhio said:
Maybe i need to change a setting in MyTracks since this gps is supposedly so accurate? I use all the default settings other than setting an audible alert for every 5 minutes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ya man. Something, whether a setting or hardware issue, is definitely buggered. My GPS is hardcore accurate. I've done 2 runs with mine using MyTracks and its dead-on accurate.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
I used it with telenav from NJ to NY and it worked great!
No problems with GPS at all here. I've had 10+ satellites locked on inside a building with lots of glass. It was able to pinpoint my exact location within the building.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA App
I'm getting absolutely amazing GPS performance here gets a lock almost instantly and is very accurate. Maybe try turning off mobile networks and just using the satellites. I did that and still get a lock just as fast and is far more accurate at least for me.
worked beautifully for me today in the car
Err0xx said:
Ya man. Something, whether a setting or hardware issue, is definitely buggered. My GPS is hardcore accurate. I've done 2 runs with mine using MyTracks and its dead-on accurate.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you changed any settings in mytracks or do you use the defaults? Is your phone in your pocket or out in your hand?
I did turn off wiring before my run, maybe there's a bug when you do that?
Just got mine yesterday. I had a Galaxy Tablet, used it with WAZE for navigation of sorts. The SGT would always show me not on the exit ramp at a particular exit, difference distance was 100 feet.
The Note shows me on the exit ramp every time, it is much better GPS
So driving down the road with the Note in my vent-attached phone holder, the GPS works flawlessly. When I put it in my pocket, it started getting inaccurate again. I'm not sure why this is the case since my old phone worked in my pocket just fine. I am hesitant to carry the phone in my hands for the 5-6 miles I run, in fear of dropping it. If others report that MyTracks works flawlessly with the Note in their pocket, I may return mine and try another.
18 sat LOCKS indoors. 3m accuracy instantly.
Best GPS performance out of any phone.
I think it's just your app.
Maroon Mushroom said:
18 sat LOCKS indoors. 3m accuracy instantly.
Best GPS performance out of any phone.
I think it's just your app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have Runkeeper Pro and Edmondo so I'm going to try one of those next time. I don't like those apps as much because they don't let me see a granular breakdown of my speed throughout the run. Meaning, I can see a chart of exactly how fast I was running all throughout my run. With these other 2 apps it just shows you a total speed at the end of the run, Maybe I can find another app that does what I want.
I use my GPS quite often and I will say there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with this GPS. Best phone GPS I have ever had.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
I've narrowed down the issue to it only occurring while in my pocket. I am going to try some other apps or buy an armholder.
What do you have in your pockets?????!!!!!!
er....Never mind
In case you didn't know, the Note can use GLONASS instead of GPS (Click on the words to read more).
People use GPS like "Xerox", "Coke", or "Kleenex"... but nevermind that.
What is your GPS/GLONASS lock time with A.GPS (Assisted GPS (network location)) and sensor aid on??
Please describe whether you are outside or inside. I am also particularly interested the lock time from a fresh boot or if you're using GPS from a new location.
IMPORTANT: Please note (excuse the pun) down, when you launch Maps or Nav and the arrow shows up almost instantaneously, I would like to know IF *sometimes* the GPS reticle on the status bar continues to flash/blink for a while.
Why do I ask? My Note takes anywhere from 3-12 seconds to lock when GPS is "hot" and takes 10-25 seconds to lock from a reboot in doors while stationary.
Compared to my Sprint Evo 3D, GSM Galaxy Nexus, or the iPhone4s that I never use, that is slow. When I powered up the Galaxy Nexus for the first time, it locked under 5 seconds! My Evo 3D would lock from a boot in under 5 seconds. The 4s is super fast also. The Note, with GLONASS, is supposed to be faster and more accurate...
Thanks.
Edit: Interesting discovery today--the slow lock and low precision in my car may be because of my car--but it may also be revealing limitations in GLONASS:
Every piece of glass on my car is double-paned (twice as thick as the typical car glass), sandwiched with a polymer layer, along with an IR rejecting coating. This is designed to keep the interior very quiet, makes the glass theft resistant, and the IR coating reduces the heat that enters the cabin (heat travels in the form of infrared). The IR coating, unfortunately, also rejects other radio frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum. That, along with metallic particularized tint, causes a reduced radio performance for any device that is in the interior of the vehicle.
I usually don't have any problems with the GSM/UMTS or CDMA phones, and GPS has no problems either (although I notice a reduced s/n ratio). As I indicated before, other GPS-based phones lock fine, and the GPS+GLONASS iPhone works fine also.
As I was driving home today, I tried opening the window. I noticed that every time I opened, the phone would get a quick and solid lock. Every time I closed, the uncertainty circle appears.
Is it possible that GLONASS, operating at 1.6Ghz, using FDMA is less able to penetrate certain objects than GPS operating at 1.57Ghz using CDMA? I presume civilians are still only using the coarse channels so that doesn't help. It is interesting to see that GPS have no problems in my car while GLONASS does. I will drive another car tomorrow and see if there is a difference.
My Note locked within 2 seconds this morning, on my way to work. I was outside in my car.
When opening google maps, I get a lock before the app is fully open, ie. I'm already locked by the time I can do anything in the app even. Compared to my Captivate and Infuse, the lock times on my Note are godly.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk
I lock before apps load that can use it such as maps/nav. I came from a Vibrant that even after numerous "fixes" it still could take a couple minutes to lock.
Wow... That is what I expected from my phone. Are you guys all using the stock ROM? If not, what ROM are you using and who is your carrier?
Thanks.
welchertc said:
When opening google maps, I get a lock before the app is fully open, ie. I'm already locked by the time I can do anything in the app even. Compared to my Captivate and Infuse, the lock times on my Note are godly.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same experience here,running stock
No, not stock. I'm highly modified. I installed a screen protector that I suspect is giving me increased GPS/glonass capabilities.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk
Chief Geek said:
No, not stock. I'm highly modified. I installed a screen protector that I suspect is giving me increased GPS/glonass capabilities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm... maybe it's *my* screen protector that is killing the GPS...
A follow up to those who responded:
Please note (excuse the pun) down, when you launch Maps or Nav and the arrow shows up almost instantaneously, I would like to know IF *sometimes* the GPS reticle on the status bar continues to flash/blink for a while.
Thanks for the information.
I was excited for the GPS capabilities in this phone before I bought it, but my experiences have been far worse than everyone elses. Google Maps is loaded for about 5 seconds before it even STARTS trying to acquire a position. And even then, while indoors it takes a good 20 seconds to lock on. My iPhone 4 locks on indoors in about 3-5 seconds.
With the note, many apps think I'm 10-15 miles away while indoors. Especially with weather apps that just want a quick location fix but don't leave the GPS on during use. At first glance everything thinks I'm far away. Chat apps that only use GPS when sending a message have the same problem. Navigation apps that leave the GPS on during use are accurate. It's annoying. Never had an issue like that on my old phone.
Outside though, the Note seems to lock on nice and quick, within about 2-3 seconds upon starting acquisition, and my accuracy is generally at 3 meters or less. Even my $650 handheld GPSr doesn't have that level of accuracy.
EDIT: The notification bar icon DOES continue to blink for several seconds after achieving a lock.
johnus said:
I was excited for the GPS capabilities in this phone before I bought it, but my experiences have been far worse than everyone elses. Google Maps is loaded for about 5 seconds before it even STARTS trying to acquire a position. And even then, while indoors it takes a good 20 seconds to lock on. My iPhone 4 locks on indoors in about 3-5 seconds.
With the note, many apps think I'm 10-15 miles away while indoors. Especially with weather apps that just want a quick location fix but don't leave the GPS on during use. At first glance everything thinks I'm far away. Chat apps that only use GPS when sending a message have the same problem. Navigation apps that leave the GPS on during use are accurate. It's annoying. Never had an issue like that on my old phone.
Outside though, the Note seems to lock on nice and quick, within about 2-3 seconds upon starting acquisition, and my accuracy is generally at 3 meters or less. Even my $650 handheld GPSr doesn't have that level of accuracy.
EDIT: The notification bar icon DOES continue to blink for several seconds after achieving a lock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As for accuracy, this is a function of the number of satilites that you have locked onto. I believe all you need are 2, possibly 3 for accurate elevation, however the more you lock onto the more acurate you are. This is why "quick" on and off checks are rarely very accurate. however, with weather, the phone grabs your location and then queries the closest whether center, which is very rarely in your neighborhood. Typically it's your closest airport or military base, so this will atleast be 20-30 miles away, but often in same or neighboring zip codes.
For the indoor, thing, I never expect (nor really use) reliable GPS signal indoords. Just because you get a lock doesn't mean it'll be enough locks to do much. I rarely get lost going from my kitchen to the latrine anyways, but I suppose with enough beer it could happen. I would suggest (and you probably already have) check to make sure you make use of "use sensor aiding" option.
If all else fails, I will loan you my vibrant and you can experience a man-tantrum in your car when the fking thing wont lock after 5 minutes and your lost as **** and late as hell and google maps keeps freezing and FCing. That'll make you want to wine and dine your other devices for treating you so well.
Chief Geek said:
As for accuracy, this is a function of the number of satilites that you have locked onto. I believe all you need are 2, possibly 3 for accurate elevation,
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe you need at least 3 for triangulation (location) and 4th to give elevation.
Another interesting thing I noticed about my Note--even if it locks quickly while I am stationary, it looses lock when I am moving (driving). I had my Sprint Evo 3D, Verizon Galaxy Nexus, Sprint Galaxy S Epic 4G, GSM Galaxy Nexus, and the Note side-by-side on the dash. The only phone that keeps losing and reacquiring the lock the the Note (especially while traveling at freeway speeds).
my note locks on really fast
under 10 seconds for sure.
If im out side its within 5 seconds.
My Skyrocket usually locked in around 10-15 seconds
my inspire....30 seconds.
my nav in the car....30 sec
this may be useful to you to get a little more info on what your gadget is doing with its unearthly beacons
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...wsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5lY2xpcHNpbS5ncHNzdGF0dXMyIl0.
Chief Geek said:
this may be useful to you to get a little more info on what your gadget is doing with its unearthly beacons
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...wsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5lY2xpcHNpbS5ncHNzdGF0dXMyIl0.
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Click to collapse
Very useful tool. In addition to that one, I also use GPS Test, GPS Essentials, and GPS Status. Each brings something different to the party.
snovvman said:
Very useful tool. In addition to that one, I also use GPS Test, GPS Essentials, and GPS Status. Each brings something different to the party.
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Sounds like you need "Kick GPS - The 12 Step Program"
Really? Your complaining about 12 seconds to a gps lock? (regarding the OP)
Give me a break...
My DEDICATED GPS Tomtom unit takes over 2 minutes to get a lock, I consider it a blessing that my phone locks faster than a dedicated gps.
Good Lord...
My guess is you are one of those that complain about your browser taking more than 2 seconds to load as well.
Regarding gps stability, there are a couple of different things to try, namely one of the more rare things is calibrating the compass. There are many videos on Youtube, just search 'smart phone calibrate compass'. You'll find 3-4 different methods, any will likely work. And yes, the compass does affect the gps keeping a lock in speeds higher than 20 mph.
Another thing to try is downloading the latest gps satellite data. There are several apps available on the market that can do this (GPS Test, GPS Essentials, and GPS Status all do this).
littlewierdo said:
Really? Your complaining about 12 seconds to a gps lock? (regarding the OP)
Give me a break...
My DEDICATED GPS Tomtom unit takes over 2 minutes to get a lock, I consider it a blessing that my phone locks faster than a dedicated gps.
Good Lord...
My guess is you are one of those that complain about your browser taking more than 2 seconds to load as well.
Regarding gps stability, there are a couple of different things to try, namely one of the more rare things is calibrating the compass. There are many videos on Youtube, just search 'smart phone calibrate compass'. You'll find 3-4 different methods, any will likely work. And yes, the compass does affect the gps keeping a lock in speeds higher than 20 mph.
Another thing to try is downloading the latest gps satellite data. There are several apps available on the market that can do this (GPS Test, GPS Essentials, and GPS Status all do this).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why so excitable and quick to judge? "Give me a break..."? "Good Lord..."? Really?
Your TomTom uses GPS, not GLONASS and does not have Assisted GPS. GLONASS and A.GPS should allow a faster fix. With these new and additional technologies, the phone SHOULD get a much faster fix than your TomTom. You're comparing apples and oranges.
My Evo 3D, Galaxy Nexus, and other phones I metioned, with GPS (no GLONASS) and A.GPS will almost ALWAYS get a fix in 2-5 seconds. If enough research is done here at XDA, you will find that many newer devices, if working properly, *should* get a lock in under ten seconds. Your "DEDICATED GPS Tomtom" [sic] is a different and arguably less advanced animal.
Another example--the built-in GPS in my two vehicles lock IMMEDIATELY when the car is on. Why? Because they remember the last location, use brake sensors, steering angle sensors, and accelerometers to determine location. If they do not lock immediately, something is wrong.
If you re-read my original post--I am trying to figure out if others have the same problem, and attempting to understand what others are experiencing. At the same time, I provided information on GLONASS, in case other owners didn't know they had it.
For a just-released, $650 device, I expected mine to perform on-par with other phones. Perhaps mine is defective? I wanted to find out if I need a replacement. Last checked, this forum is about people asking questions, sharing information, and learning something. To that end, I am puzzled at your comments--it seems like *you're* the one who is complaining...
So yes, really!
littlewierdo said:
My guess is you are one of those that complain about your browser taking more than 2 seconds to load as well.
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Click to collapse
Really? Really?!
Chief Geek said:
Sounds like you need "Kick GPS - The 12 Step Program"
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Click to collapse
Yes, I suppose...
While I'm her--there is also F GPS (fake GPS, provides coordinate of your choice to the location manager), GPS to MMS (allows you to send a text/MMS with your current coordinates), and GPS Speedo (a nice GPS-based speedometer).
See the edited OP. I made an interesting observation today. It seems like GLONASS signals are less able to penetrate objects...
My Note's GPS performance is flawless and is my most loved feature of the device. Superquick and very accurate.
I use the GPS all the time for backpacking, motorcycling, running and of course general finding all the stores my wife makes me take her shopping on the weekend.
Even better than my previous iPhone 4 and 3g.
My Samsung Infuse's GPS was a disaster taking forever getting a lock, loosing it, placing on the next road over, and not performing if sitting in the middle of my car...constant frustration so I REALLY am happy with my stock Notes GPS.
Sent from my Samsung Note via Tapatalk.
Just chime in and tell me how your WiFi/GPS is, and how your prime is operating.
If you don't have anything positive towards this thread GET OUT. I'm trying to get a better understanding of how everyone with a BCOKAS model is doing.
My wifi is decent/crap, I have to be within 10 feet of any router for a good connection. GPS is worthless
I'm waiting on "Gary Key" to come out with his amazing solution of fixing this. That's why I haven't RMAed or Unlocked yet.
Besides the WiFi, I LOVE THIS DEVICE. I could use the GPS on my phone.
Sooo hows your BCOKAS Prime ???
WIFI: Range is horrible
WIFI + BT: Recently tested this feature.... performs extremely poorly. Will do more test.
GPS: I can get few birds (including inside of the house) & few will lock with pathetic signal. However, everything disappears once it starts to move...
That's including aGPS... horrible.
Browser: Adequate once Chrome browser was deleted. However, still getting the "wait" pop-up window or force close on occasion.
Games: Don't really game on my Prime but it works well when I do (games look good as well).
Streaming Media from Network(movies): Due to poor WIFI range, it doesn't work well once I am 15+ ft away from the router.. however, if I am within 10ft range.. it works well. Also, if my Prime is idle for few mins. (5+).. & if I wake up my Prime... screen flickers & I see screen tear... & when I unlock it.. it'll freeze/lag & Prime will reboot. (This continues even after soft reset.. haven't done factory reset yet)
eReader: Probably the main reason why I continue to use Prime. MyLibrary from Asus is my fav. eReader app. Yes, I mainly use Prime for reading eBooks... (not exactly the reason why I purchased but it works well).
WIFI:
My wifi range is very similar to my GNex so it's not terrible. I just ran a Speed Test and was getting around 4-5D and 4-5U on the wireless here at my work which the signal strength is around -70dB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GPS:
2-3 birds outside, nothing inside and I never get a lock.
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BT:
I have a lot of trouble getting things to connect to it but it can be done. Performance with wifi on is poor.
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OS:
Been getting launcher crashes of late so I installed GO HD and that seems to have helped, but I will say that apps in general are not very stable.
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Other than that, I'm in the same boat David. Waiting to unlock based on what I hear from RMA's. I started a thread a couple weeks ago to try and gather info from those who RMA'd for BT/WIFI issues but at that point no one really had. Maybe we can get some results now...
My bcokas
I have had this one since late Feb or early March (my 2nd one).
Only one or two uncommanded reboots--I am not a heavy user--I do not know enough about it to be a serious user, YET.
I am pretty computer knowledgeable, though.
I just took my prime outside (Anchorage, Alaska at the International Airport)
I have a wireless G network at our office. It is on the second floor inside a wooden frame building-close to, but not visible through a window. I connected with the WiFi Analyzer using the speedometer style gauge and received -73 to -75 DB at approximately 300 feet away on our ramp (aircraft parking area). I did not attempt any downloads--pretty chilly outside today.
Next, I loaded the GPS test app from Chartcross, and while outside (completely wide open), got no birds. This did not surprise me. I have found that if no birds are visible, a complete shutdown & restart will usually bring the GPS back to life. IT DID!!
Within 30 seconds of starting the app (after the complete restart), I had 12-14 birds visible and 10-11 in use. Signal strength never exceeded 31 on the graph. The usability remains poor, even though numerous birds in view. The coverage drops off to none frequently but reconnects quickly. As a commercial pilot, I am very familiar with GPS usage. This one cannot be classified greater than "Very Poor". I have the Dual xgps150a that I use via Bluetooth and it works flawlessly.
I have not attempted to use Bluetooth & WiFi at the same time, and therefore cannot comment on that aspect.
Overall, I am not dissatisfied with the Prime. I had no expectations of using the built-in GPS when I purchased it. The WiFi could be a bit better; but I consider it to be usable.
My biggest complaint with the Prime is not the hardware, it is the software. Specifically, the crappy browsers that I have tried (5 or 6). I absolutely hate "TABS" I refuse to use them on my PCs. I am not saying that they are bad, I just don't like them. The only browser that I even remotely can tolerate (thus far) is Dolphin. It still uses TABS, but at least it has a home button. Doing anything on a tablet browser (to me--so far) is like flying from Anchorage to Seattle via Tokyo, Manilla, and Santiago. I guess I am saying that I find all of them to be very user-unfriendly.
I guess I have whined enough.
Jerry In Anchorage, Alaska
Wifi is perfectly fine, no problems with it.
I've only gotten a lock with GPS once, and that was while I was sitting outside.
Haven't tried bt+wifi.
Have been getting some not responding messages with the browser occasionally when opening it.
I don't really game on it, but from the small amount of time I've used N64oid it certainly wasn't unacceptable.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA Premium.
I have had mine since mid January. No obvious issues with wi-fi and I'm able to stream music from my NAS drive to my bluetooth headphones while using the internet. I don't know if it's relevant but my broadband speed isn't exactly stellar (8mb max) whereas I notice that many of those with drop out issues when using bluetooth seem to to have a much higher speed normally.
GPS works in that satellites show indoors and out but the strength doesn't appear to be that great (I get locks but the values in GPS Test have never got near 30). Having said that, I probably would never use a tablet for satnav because of the size - it's far too big for my car whereas my Galaxy S2 phone is much more suitable and less distracting!
I've used most browsers but now mainly use either ICS+ Browser. I've (very) occasionally seen the 'wait' message but other than that everything is good and overall I'm (touch wood!) happy with my Prime.
Bcokas here. Wifi is fine and same as my old Droid charge and now my gnex. GPS got locks the one time I tried it months ago, been off since and never tried navigation with it so can't help with that. I've only tested bt with wifi using a sixaxis controller, seemed fine about 30 ft from router but didn't do a speed test to see if and how much it affected signal strength and speed.
I just got a BC0KAS TF201 back from RMA in Texas. My original complaint was black screen (nothing shows up on LCD), GPS nonexistent (ordered 12/28), and weak wifi. After all the parts replaced (GPS foil, conductive sponges, etc..), screen finally works but thats about it. No satellite locks still indoors or outdoors and still weak wifi.
junrider said:
I just got a BC0KAS TF201 back from RMA in Texas. My original complaint was black screen (nothing shows up on LCD), GPS nonexistent (ordered 12/18), and weak wifi. After all the parts replaced (GPS foil, conductive sponges, etc..), screen finally works but thats about it. No satellite locks still indoors or outdoors and still weak wifi.
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That's a lame story bro.
I'd RMA until they got it right. It sucks that you have to sit there and just take it, while Asus adds you to the satisfied Prime owner statistic.
Overall I have been happy with mine and would compare to some of the more favorable responses here.
Wifi: I initially thought that the .21 made a difference but have re-evaluated. At the furthest point in my house from the router (several walls, 1 floor, 40 ft) I get about 3-4 times slower speeds than other devices. It is still fast enough to surf, stream videos etc.
BT: don't use it much. Wifi speeds are the same whether it is on or off.
GPS: The patches in the dev section actually made some difference. I get a few sats inside with no lock. Outside, I get 11-12 with a lock. GPS test says the accuracy is 30 ft which I doubt would be enough to navigate, but who cares??
Regarding crashes when browsing and so on, I was getting a lot before I unlocked. In the end I just figured screw it, unlocked and installed a rom. I did that about 6 weeks ago and I could count the number of crashes on one hand. Maybe a factory reset would have had the same effect but where's the fun in that
skygunner27 said:
That's a lame story bro.
I'd RMA until they got it right. It sucks that you have to sit there and just take it, while Asus adds you to the satisfied Prime owner statistic.
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Click to collapse
Its not really mine. Its my friend's prime, but i used my creditcard to pay for it. Its his first tablet so hes pretty new to the game. As long as the prime works he can deal until there is a real fix for it, then Ill tell him. I have the receipt (ordered well before the GPS announcement) and all the paper work for the RMA (so there is history that I have complained about the GPS and weak wifi), so they cant deny me the GPS. Couldnt tell if the bluetooth+wifi works since I dont have any bluetooth headphones to test it. I wanna give it a few more months to see if there is any development in the prime.
Thats why I refunded my money, I had few B0CKS and where all the same GPS and weak wifi. Im holding out for something that I can be happy with.
wifi works great. better than my Ipad & atrix phone as far as download speeds, reception strength, and signal stability goes.
wifi/BT works fine. I'm able to transfer big movie files from my phone to prime while prime is hooked up to wifi internet and streaming movie at same time. no slowdown of speeds and movie plays just fine streaming while BT in the background transferring big file.
Gps- never tested outdoors yet. plus I hook up my phone to prime through BT GPS. works great.
overall my early BC model from 12/22 has been performing great for me. no real issues what so ever to complain about really. I'd easily purchase this again if i had to do it over again. my Ipad has nothing on my prime. No comparison to Prime & Android experience. Very pleased with device and its performance. IMO, Asus did a great job on it as mines works as expected and more.
Thanks for the responding!
My wi-fi performance isn't stellar, but it isn't horrible either. I can get better signal than my, older, hp laptop in some areas of my house. I'm happy enough with it to not want to RMA.
I rely on my phone any time I need GPS so I have never actually tested it on my Prime. Seems like redundant use of technology for me. For the same reason, I haven't loaded any music onto my Prime--I have it all on my, more portable, phone.
I love ICS. Sure, I have some difficulty with the browser some times, but I expect Google will be continually making this better. I usually just check in with FB with it anyway. For any serious browsing I use a computer.
One of the things I love the best about my Prime is the dock. I've had zero issues with it and love the short-cut buttons. I'm currently writing a book, completely on my Prime, and it and Polaris Office have been wonderful.
I've been using my BC0KAS TF201 from Best Buy since mid January, and I'm pleased with it overall.
Wifi is nothing to be proud of, but acceptable. Downstairs is not a problem, but upstairs I get slower speeds, which is to be expected.
GPS is absent. I'm lucky to get a lock anywhere, and I've never seen more than 3 sats while driving.
I haven't used bluetooth much.
I use chrome browser and it works fine.
Battery life is somewhat of an issue for me; I keep it on about 50% brightness most of the time, and the battery goes down quite fast at times. Fast charging makes up for it though.
My wifi is usable. I even connected once to free mcdonalds wifi from the parking lot (slow, but checked my email which is what i needed to do). I will have a weak signal upstairs, but netflix worked fine.
Wifi + bt. Again, usable, but signal drops when i feed my stereo bt music and try to watch netflix (really real world?)
No reboots till two updates ago. Way better with .21
Gps is completely useless. I was one of the few who wanted this to replace my aging gps as a nice bonus. Tried all the gps patches from the thread, 1.0rc seems to make things more stable in gps test, but i no longer get locks whatsoever. Also, no skymap fun as its twitchy.
Screen goes through fits with tearing along the left side. Sometimes need to reboot to fix it. Minimal backlight bleeding, didnt even notice till the 3rd time i turned it on, and i was looking for it at that point.
I love this thing enough to have kept it since early jan (bb.com fiasco unit). Not unlocked. Still scared even though i reallllly want to...
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk
My WiFi slightly beats out the Galaxy Ace and Wildfire in terms of range and the DL/UL speeds are still pretty good at the furthest away point in my house.
GPS is non existant as far as I can tell, not really got the patience to test it properly though.
Never really use BT+WiFi together so can't comment on that.
My Rear camera doesn't work, just a green glitchy mess. Not sure if it's hardware or software though.
Gaming is good on it, got plenty of emulators working very well and games like Shadowgun run and look great.
Wifi-up to par with my Droid x
Wifi+Bluetooth- no issues
Gps - not so great, its picky about location and view of the sky
Sent from my DROIDX using xda premium
Wifi matches Droid X in speed and signal strength.
I don't use BT on my tablet.
GPS - outside, 10/10 lock/view, vs. droid x 10/16. Inside, maybe 1 in view, no lock. Droid X will get 6/8.
OS, no issues. I did have to wipe going from HC-->ICS, but I wasn't expecting apps to survive anyway,
*edit*
I had issues with triangles appearing on overlays and random bars on the edge of the screen, but those have gone away with the .21 update. The triangle tearing thing was always fixable by just swiping apps off the recent apps list.
Wifi is fine my E4200 version 1 is in the center of the house and I get a decent connection both on the front and back steps and I use the prime to watch network streamed tv show replays with no problems or stuttering in the house. Gps is good in the house at times and non working at other times same outside. Location and weather effect this I believe. My browser hasnt given me any problems to speak of, overall I'm pleased.