I have several questions about the built in GPS on the Motorola Atrix.
1. Do I need to have a data plan for the GPS to work?
2. Why is that the navigation doesn't work outside the US?
3. Is there any way to use the phone like a regular GPS?
Thanks!
1. Yes. You need a data plan for the phone anyways to work on your phone's network.
2. Google Navigation
3. Yes. Google Maps (or any other third party gps app)
Is there any workaround on the data plan? Like preloading the maps or anything like it?
you can get an app that has maps already on the phone, like sygic or sygic aura 2, i saw that tom tom is going to release an app for android really soon too
i think mapquest has a 3rd party apk as well with gps
There are quite a few apps already out with downloadable maps which you can use to avoid data usage, (Navigon is a decent one, but my map download in Massachusetts was 1.6GB, so you'll need WiFi for that). If you download the maps you need, you should be fine just turning off data and using GPS. If you do not download maps, you will use data to download positions on the fly, and also if there is no clear "line of sight" to a satellite, your GPS system can use data to triangulate your position off cell towers.
CaelanT said:
There are quite a few apps already out with downloadable maps which you can use to avoid data usage, (Navigon is a decent one, but my map download in Massachusetts was 1.6GB, so you'll need WiFi for that). If you download the maps you need, you should be fine just turning off data and using GPS. If you do not download maps, you will use data to download positions on the fly, and also if there is no clear "line of sight" to a satellite, your GPS system can use data to triangulate your position off cell towers.
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I agree and can confirm Navigon has pre-loaded maps and works great but you have to shell out some preety pennies for the app unless you know your way around that ;p and is a very big file and takes awhile to download...but works like a champ!!!
facetubespam said:
1. Yes. You need a data plan for the phone anyways to work on your phone's network.
2. Google Navigation
3. Yes. Google Maps (or any other third party gps app)
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Click to collapse
DATA is required if your using google navigation but if you use something like copilot that has the maps preloaded on sdcard ...copilot uses data when downloading the directions for you
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
Related
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The GPS signal is free. There are plenty of free gps apps too, so it's all free as the breeze.
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Ummmm the best option would be to download a offline gps navigation app because you dont have 3g. Do a google search for something along the lines of 'best offline gps app for tablets'. Some of the apps cost though but its not very much
It depends on your needs. Navigation I take it? Google Maps is the best I've found but you do need a net connection for the navigation part. I have a Nook Color (no 3g either) and use a mobile wifi modem. You can also tether your phone for internet access I believe.
If you have no internet and don't need navigation, ie: you're happy to just see your point moving along maps which you've stored on the device, Google Maps lets you cache map areas and do this to some degree. Locus is worth a try too.
And yasin covered the "no internet but do want navigation" angle. I haven't tried any of those.
Hope that makes sense!
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I've used OSMand a couple of times and while they offer a paid version now, the free version still works very well. It lets you download maps for offline use while you're connected via Wifi. Only problem: Routing doesn't work while you're offline.
I have seen people talking about going on wifi and caching google maps so that you can navigate on the road without using a data connection (for those of us with a limited data plan). Can we do that with the version of google maps that came on our AT&T SGS2?
I see Menu - More - Cache settings but then what? I'm on the stock ROM (at least for now). Thanks.
Not sure bout the version, but if you can do it, then press and hold an area on google maps, then click the location box pop up, the click pre cache ;-) you can repeat up to 10 times.
crit71 said:
Not sure bout the version, but if you can do it, then press and hold an area on google maps, then click the location box pop up, the click pre cache ;-) you can repeat up to 10 times.
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After I press and hold, an address pops up and then I click that box and I see a bunch of stuff (map, direcdtions, call, street view, what's near, search near, share, report) but nothing about a cache.
Thanks for trying to help crit71!
Turn on pre-cache under Labs.
shilob said:
Turn on pre-cache under Labs.
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Finally - I guess I kept missing a step somehow - it works - I thank you guys
Pre-cache gives you Google Map features without data connection but won't give you navigation. Navigation routing is still caculated on the server side. So you have to have the data connection to start the navigation. Once you started navigation, the route information and the map data around the route is automatically cached. So, all you have to do is start navigation while you have internet connection. Once the navigation started and you keep the nav app open, you no longer need data connection (of course you will loss traffic info and satellite images). You don't need pre-cache.
Thanks for comments, foxbat121. We have lots of areas with no cell service near where I live so this is important to me. So if I start navigator and choose a route using cell service or wifi then head out, when I do not have a data connecton, it'll still work?
barbo said:
Thanks for comments, foxbat121. We have lots of areas with no cell service near where I live so this is important to me. So if I start navigator and choose a route using cell service or wifi then head out, when I do not have a data connecton, it'll still work?
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Yes. That feature has been there from day one. I tested back when I have Captivate (by turn on flight mode). The map cache in Google Maps is new and it is very useful when you travel to foreign countries where (1) Google Nav is not available (it is only availble in very limited number of countries unlike Google Maps) (2) You don't have any data connection (too expensive to use it). You have a electronic map in hand to let you find your way around or show it to cab drivers telling them where you want to go. But it won't let you navigate.
I'm looking forward to further 'off-line' development by Google in maps for this type of thing. They're headed in the right direction but more features like:
Switch to off-line mode to see all cached data
Cache directions plus selectable distance from route (.2/.5/1/5 mile bubble around path)
Track and record GPS data for further analysis, even without cell signal (useful for hiking/canoe type trips).
Anything else you guys would like to see?
I had CoPilot on my old phone (WinMo) and liked it very much. It was very easy to change the route from what the program suggested to something different. I am finding Google Navigator is sending me way out of my way and it is difficult to change that. So a better "alternate route" method would be on my list.
seanpr123 said:
Track and record GPS data for further analysis, even without cell signal (useful for hiking/canoe type trips).
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Try 'My Tracks' app by Google.
Any idea to download google maps cache and manually transfer to another phone (which has no data plan) for offline use?
drcrazy91 said:
Any idea to download google maps cache and manually transfer to another phone (which has no data plan) for offline use?
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I couldnt be sure but you might try copying the Android/data/com.google.android.apps.maps/cache folder (be sure to use the pre-cache map feature)
I would recommend just pre caching a bunch of stuff while on a wifi. I did this when I took my Aria to Tokyo. Worked like a champ
i777 Rockin Siyah 3.2.7.2 dual booting AOKP and Shostock... yet sent from my iPad using Forum Runner
Hello.
What is the best Navigation app for the Atrix.
I am looking for one that works without data connection, only with GPS and for USA & Canada.
How do you expect one to work with no data connection? Must transfer GPS data somehow.... lol
while we're in the topic, how do portable GPS devices work? do they use data as well?
if so, how well do they work in places where there's no data signal?
I mean data signal as compared to low reception on your phone.
jgc121 said:
How do you expect one to work with no data connection? Must transfer GPS data somehow.... lol
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Your laughing, but your wrong
ifalldownalot said:
while we're in the topic, how do portable GPS devices work? do they use data as well?
if so, how well do they work in places where there's no data signal?
I mean data signal as compared to low reception on your phone.
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I use CoPilot live. Bought it when I had a tablet (no data connection). Now I use it so I don't have to use data to download the maps and for when I'm in areas without cell service.
edit: GPS tells you where you are (latitude and longitude). Maps saved on your GPS device or in my case my phone let me know where that actually is in relation to streets and such. I also mountain bike and theres no signal in a lot of those places. I can record the track and it looks like nothing at the time but once its transposed (if thats the right term) onto a map then it does.
rquinn19 said:
Your laughing, but your wrong
I use CoPilot live. Bought it when I had a tablet (no data connection). Now I use it so I don't have to use data to download the maps and for when I'm in areas without cell service.
edit: GPS tells you where you are (latitude and longitude). Maps saved on your GPS device or in my case my phone let me know where that actually is in relation to streets and such. I also mountain bike and theres no signal in a lot of those places. I can record the track and it looks like nothing at the time but once its transposed (if thats the right term) onto a map then it does.
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ooo nice.
do you use Copilot live or Copilot live premium?
wish they had a trial. :\
ifalldownalot said:
ooo nice.
do you use Copilot live or Copilot live premium?
wish they had a trial. :\
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Click to collapse
It's called CoPilot Live USA in the market I believe.
Backcountry Navigator Pro works good.
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
I use iGo8 on all my standalone GPS units, so I tried it on my Atrix. I was less than impressed when comparing it to its GPS cousins, but it is better than AT&T navigator. Even though all the data is local to the phone, I still tend to use Google Navigate instead on a regular basis (I haven't been anyplace where a data connection is a problem). iGo8 just didn't intgegrate well into the Android environment and experience from my point of view.
I have seen other "heavy" GPS programs in the market and mentioned on various GPS websites. Google around. That's assuming you are looking for navigation and not trails.
troycarpenter said:
I use iGo8 on all my standalone GPS units, so I tried it on my Atrix. I was less than impressed when comparing it to its GPS cousins, but it is better than AT&T navigator. Even though all the data is local to the phone, I still tend to use Google Navigate instead on a regular basis (I haven't been anyplace where a data connection is a problem). iGo8 just didn't intgegrate well into the Android environment and experience from my point of view.
I have seen other "heavy" GPS programs in the market and mentioned on various GPS websites. Google around. That's assuming you are looking for navigation and not trails.
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I agree with this for the most part. I use Google maps for the most part, but its nice to have downloaded maps there when you need it. I tend to use it on long trips as well. The interface could use some work though.
Copilot works, but the maps are old. Sygic works really well.
I'm just throwing this out there...
how about waze?
Looks interesting, but the OP requested a complete navigation package that includes maps, POIs and everything else local on the unit. Most navigation packages seem to use "live" maps where there is nothing on the phone and only what is needed for immediate navigation is downloaded OTA.
ifalldownalot said:
I'm just throwing this out there...
how about waze?
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Waze is definitely not going to work as a no-data solution.
Sygic is a good offline navigation software. navigon is also not bad, but they're having trouble since the last update.
Does the View GPS require a sprint data plan or will it work on the road like a regular GPS that does not require service fees? I'm wondering if its like my Garmin GPS that only required the $100 purchase fee but never any ongoing gps coverage/service fees.
no data plan is required
butterflygirl said:
no data plan is required
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which gps app do u use? my preloaded ones (Telenav, Navigation) seem to require wifi or Sprint to work.
R23PO said:
which gps app do u use? my preloaded ones (Telenav, Navigation) seem to require wifi or Sprint to work.
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I use Co-Pilot Live. I've used it for several years on different devices.
GPS is just the system that determines your present longitude, latitude, and approximate altitude, and does nothing more. It does so directly with the GPS satellites, and does not require data plan.
If you are talking about apps that display your position on maps, and give turn-by-turn directions, that is more than GPS, its a navigation app. People just call navigation units (like a stand-alone Garmin) or navigation apps "GPS" out of laziness, and its an incorrect and confusing term.
Whether a navigation app requires data depends on the app you are talking about. If the maps are streamed, then you need a data plan. If the maps are loaded to your SD card, then it shouldn't require data.
"Navigation" pre-loaded on the tablet is Google Maps. It "usually" requires data to work. But there is an option in Labs to manually download certain maps areas so you can use it offline. Or you can get an app that has all maps for your region or the whole country loaded to the SD card, like CoPilot recommended above (or plenty of other ones).
Your stand-alone Garmin unit has maps pre-loaded to it. So that is why there is no ongoing fee to operate it. But they keep bugging you to update the maps, for a fee.
Hey all,
I use one of my Rezounds as a Wi-Fi only "media device" for just movies, games, music, and internet access when WiFi is present.
So last night i was inputting some driving directions into Google Navigation, and since it doesn't have mobile data capabilities I just took a screen shot of the turn by turn directions screen.
So I get in my car, drive out of my driveway, and all of a sudden this WIFI ONLY no mobile data whatsoever phone start giving me turn-by-turn real time directions; just as if it was activated on Verizon's network!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Although, I cannot replicate it for the life of me now. Now all i hear from the phone is " Lost Data Communication"
My question is...since Garmin GPS's solely relay on satellite connectivity without having to pay a reoccurring fee like smartphone users for mobile internet. Is there anyway that the Rezound can imitate a Garmin??
I almost pissed myself it started working without a mobile network.
hope this made sense lol
Thanks
Can't you use the GPS alone anyway as long as you've navigated where you're going before?
I Am Marino said:
Can't you use the GPS alone anyway as long as you've navigated where you're going before?
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I never navigated there before that's what's trippin me out
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You should be able to precache the maps. Try looking for the precaching option in Maps, cache where you're going to drive, and see if it works.
I haven't tried this yet.
I know there are some apps in the Playstore that allow you to download maps to your SD card and then use that to navigate without a data connection. I used Navdroyd in Ireland, worked great.
xdadevnube said:
You should be able to precache the maps. Try looking for the precaching option in Maps, cache where you're going to drive, and see if it works.
I haven't tried this yet.
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Pretty much nailed it. If you look up directions on WiFi the app will cache the whole trip. It's a great feature.
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does the feature offer uninterrupted service like a regular garmin
phillybizzle said:
does the feature offer uninterrupted service like a regular garmin
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Yes, as long as it doesn't have to recalculate the route. Sometimes is can recalculate, sometimes it can't. Google added the larger cache a couple revisions back.
isdnmatt said:
Yes, as long as it doesn't have to recalculate the route. Sometimes is can recalculate, sometimes it can't. Google added the larger cache a couple revisions back.
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correct, if it has to look up new directions, it cant. As long as you don't recalculate it will work. Navigation apps that have whole maps should not rely on data. Therefore you should be able to use the device as a standalone gps without data.
johnwaynegacy said:
correct, if it has to look up new directions, it cant. As long as you don't recalculate it will work. Navigation apps that have whole maps should not rely on data. Therefore you should be able to use the device as a standalone gps without data.
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could my radio /h.boot versions be the problemwhy it keeps saying "no data connection"
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they added pre-downloaded navigation into Google Maps quite awhile back. Its very helpful, as I use a wifi-only tablet in much the same fashion. Unfortunately, it only caches the route you planned out, if you decide to try navigating around the map it won't pull new images until you get a connection again.
There is an app called MapDroyd I think, and its supposed to have fully cached offline maps.
a.mcdear said:
they added pre-downloaded navigation into Google Maps quite awhile back. Its very helpful, as I use a wifi-only tablet in much the same fashion. Unfortunately, it only caches the route you planned out, if you decide to try navigating around the map it won't pull new images until you get a connection again.
There is an app called MapDroyd I think, and its supposed to have fully cached offline maps.
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its not turn by turn
jawiler said:
I know there are some apps in the Playstore that allow you to download maps to your SD card and then use that to navigate without a data connection. I used Navdroyd in Ireland, worked great.
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NavFree in the Store seems to work really well and allows you (in the NavFree USA Edition) to download each states maps individually. This allows/turns your phone into a TRUE GPS, where no data connection required. Although, I have found that using the 'Google Search' option a better way to find certain addresses. But, once that address is found, you don't need any further data connection AND you can go off-track and not lose yourself as there are no map updates/refreshes necessary.
This app is not the worlds best, but for a free GPS app with downloadable maps, it's about as good as your typical GPS out there. Although, I will say that it's the 'best' NON-Data GPS app I've found to date.
-Cybie
the it leaves me with this question....what internally do the Garmins that we.don't
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phillybizzle said:
the it leaves me with this question....what internally do the Garmins that we.don't
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Nothing really. They just have a internal storage with all of the map data pre-loaded on it, where Google Maps only caches small bits of recently used data locally and relies on an internet connection for the actual map data and graphics.
In theory, Google Maps would run just fine off the device if you were able to download all the map data for an entire state or country onto your device... But Google is a "cloud" company and believes in connecting everything via the internet, so its unlikely they will have a fully offline version even if it is technically possible to do...
Google's approach does have the benefit of always having access to current maps, whereas Garmin/TomTom/etc systems need to be updated periodically or the map information may be out of date and no longer accurate.
Standalone
There are plenty of standalone GPS apps with turn by turn directions. I actually decided to make my Incredible into a dedicated GPS just that way; since it has no data plan.
jdmba said:
There are plenty of standalone GPS apps with turn by turn directions. I actually decided to make my Incredible into a dedicated GPS just that way; since it has no data plan.
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which stand alone Alps I've tried a lot of the popular ones and. I'm in need of some things that I need a something that ass is close to a garmin as possible. I definitely need the real time turn by turn directions. and something that has a reliable connection that it won't lose signal on me when I'm in the middle of nowhere
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Sell this extra Rezound you have, use the money to buy a real GPS and use the rest for gas money. All problems solved.
bump anybody else have any advice on stand aloneapps
Sent from my HTC Rezound. (4.0.3)
coming from the iphone 4s, the iphone can use gps w/o being activated so im sure there is a way to use gps on the rezound, especially since the rezound is better