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Help Does Google Maps only work when GPS is on?
- Thread starter hal1
- Start date
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- Tags
- samsung galaxy s3
Funnyusername
Android Enthusiast
On my S3 I can use the Maps application when my 4G/3G/ Wifi is running when my GPS is turned OFF. If there is no data or wifi the application will not work. It requires it to work.
toptobottom
Android Enthusiast
Try doing this:
Settings>Location services>
You probably will just a check mark by default next to 'Standalone GPS services'. Play around by checking off one of the others or both. I haven't played with them enough to see if there is a substantial decrease in battery drain.
Settings>Location services>
You probably will just a check mark by default next to 'Standalone GPS services'. Play around by checking off one of the others or both. I haven't played with them enough to see if there is a substantial decrease in battery drain.
davoid
Android Expert
To use cell towers for location fixing, you have to check the option that allows google to track you at any time, using data in the background even when location apps are not running.
I thought this was a little intrusive of my privacy so declined the offer, and use GPS only.
I thought this was a little intrusive of my privacy so declined the offer, and use GPS only.
sherlock5545
Android Expert
Location can also be locked by using phone network signal, although it isn't always accurate. GPS is better for navigation.
Google location services seems to turn on the g p s. You should be able to get an approximate mass without gps turned on, I just don't know how.
Where do I set this? I only saw Google location services (along with VZW location services), which turns on the GPS, which is what I am trying to avoid. So like you said I am trying to use cell towers for location fixing, not GPS.
Funnyusername
Android Enthusiast
I can use "maps" without having GPS. Google location on. 4G on. Simple as that.
When you go to Location services, there should be three choices:
- "VZW location services" (if you're on Verizon)
- "Standalone GPS services"
- "Google location services"
options 1 and 3 cause the GPS Icon to come on. On my Rezound you could leave everything off and still get location approximation. That's what I'm saying is not happening here.
Are you referring to the icon in the notification bar that is directly to the left of the 4G indicator, about in the middle of the bar? Or to the GPS symbol on the far left of the notification bar that comes on when GPS is activated and an app is opened that can use GPS (like Google Maps)?
Funnyusername
Android Enthusiast
I think the OP is confusing the location Icon with the GPS icon. The icon that appears when the VZW location is on or Google IS NOT GPS. The GPS on the S3 has like color in it. If you leave the GPS NOT checked,you have nothing to worry about.
I'm referring to the 4 curved lights that eminate from the target icon. These appear when I check either the Standalone GPS Services or the google location services. Am I wrong? Aren't these the GPS symbol?
Once again, the phone should be abled give an approximate location without the gps (google or standalone) on, like when you jit the 'my location' icon in Google Maps
Funnyusername
Android Enthusiast
The icon in the red circle is when GPS is on (my attachment) . The icon you circled in your picture is location services. Which is what we have been trying to tell you is NOT GPS the entire time. When those are on I have not been able to prove any less battery performance. However if GPS was on you would definitely decrease battery life. You won't be able use maps unless that icon is the way it is on your attachment. Bottom line. I am sorry you think its GPS. Its not. And yes I understand it comes on when you check standalone gps as well.
Attachments
Funnyusername
Android Enthusiast
Yea if an app or you is not requiring a location then the Google location service is not going to use power. The standalone GPS is really best used in determining your exact location faster. Otherwise I think you could navigate with a data connection and Google's "maps" application. I always use the blue "navigation" application that uses GPS though. I have a car charger so my battery doesn't go down.
Doit2it
Android Expert
From the Verizon i535 SIII manual
"VZW location services" - Uses cell tower triangulation to estimate a location.
"Standalone GPS services" - Uses the GPS radio and satellites to provide a location.
"Google location services" - Uses area WiFi locations to estimate a location.
I personally have VZV and Google on all the time. I use standalone only when an app requires it.
If you cannot get an approximate location with VZV and Google services on there is something wrong with the phone.
Yes of course actual GPS is best for navigation but I don't like leaving it on due to battery use. usually just want general location on so that I can search maps for nearby businesses or whatever.
Yes, I can get approximate location with VZV and Google services on, I just thought that it was turning on the GPS (as we saw earlier in this thread that just I couldn't get it through my head)