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Google Maps Navigation

Will the HTC Magic be automatically updated to version 2.0 and so get the new Maps Nav app?

And how do I tell what version of android I currently even have on the phone...?

G.
 
Google Maps looks sweeeeeeettttt!

I still think it would be nice to have a maps app that stores maps on the device for when there is no connection. This way, even if the GPS isn't working, I'll have a map that I can use like I did in the pre-GPS days.
 
If you guys ever lose cell coverage and can't get the navigation to run you can always do what people used to do and ask somebody. I know, it is a completely horrible option and I should probably be stoned to death for even bringing it up, but it is an option. ;)
 
bluenik25 said:
As long as you have data coverage when you start your route you are OK. The phone downloads the entire route. It may get hairy if you get into a detour situation with no coverage.

I would be willing to bet that some developer will come out with stored map tiles that will work with the turn by turn in the future.
Click to expand...

Ceiborg is one of the applications I tested for ADC2 and it solved the problem. If data coverage is not available it brings up a map of the area; although it is not possible to zoom in/out in the version I evaluated, you can see where you are on the map. That Ceiborg application is very impressive.
 
OfTheDamned said:
If you guys ever lose cell coverage and can't get the navigation to run you can always do what people used to do and ask somebody. I know, it is a completely horrible option and I should probably be stoned to death for even bringing it up, but it is an option. ;)
Click to expand...

Judging by your avatar, you're a woman, men can't do that! ;)

I was using the Garmin software on my BB Storm and went out of coverage in the boonies on the way to Watkins Glen NY. Phone went into SOS mode. No more directions. Thankfully I had an idea of the direction of the track and I picked up coverage occasionally to keep me on track.

This will be a definite issue until they cache the route or store the maps entirely on the phone. This should easily be doable since map ugrades from TomTom, etc. fit onto a small SD.
 
shaggymatt said:
Judging by your avatar, you're a woman, men can't do that! ;)

I was using the Garmin software on my BB Storm and went out of coverage in the boonies on the way to Watkins Glen NY. Phone went into SOS mode. No more directions. Thankfully I had an idea of the direction of the track and I picked up coverage occasionally to keep me on track.

This will be a definite issue until they cache the route or store the maps entirely on the phone. This should easily be doable since map ugrades from TomTom, etc. fit onto a small SD.
Click to expand...

This is not an issue with Google Maps. If you have service when you start, the entire route is cached on your phone, so even if you lose service, you'll have directions all the way there.

However, if your destination has no service, and your trying to get to some point C, then you're SOL. That's why I think an app that just stores a map on the phone would be a nice backup.
 
I just think it's totally brilliant.

It's cutting edge
it's google (so it's native to our handsets)
IT'S FREE!!!!!!!!

Bolt in some augmented reality, and.....................................bang!

I just imploded!
 
rawness said:
This is not an issue with Google Maps. If you have service when you start, the entire route is cached on your phone, so even if you lose service, you'll have directions all the way there.
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Actually this was a shortcoming of the Garmin software. It literally FROZE on the BB Storm, I only noticed when the distance to go wasn't counting down. I got a full refund of the Garmin software, there were other shortcomings!

VZ Navigator does cache the route, with no roads pictured, you turn in mid-air. Of course if you go off route, you're screwed as well.
 
My Garmin XT on the Omnia has more options than my stand alone Gamin Nuvi 760 does. My problem is it takes five to ten minutes to find a satellite signal and if your moving forget it.
 
deryn said:
@NSXLA I was talking about Google's Nav Map Coverage. It may or may not be as up to date as VZ Nav

@makryger It's never "FREE" but it is included in the Premium Plan, which is $10 less than a smartphone plan. I know because I'm a sales manager for Verizon
Click to expand...

Ummm, I just got off the phone with Vz and This is what I was told in the initial phases when talknig to a 'Sean" (AT VZW DOT COM) but every conversation I have had today regarding my plan to get 2 Storm2s and then swapping one for a Droid has said the same thing - the Premium plan does not cover data / email for PDAs, SmartPhones and Blackberry's.

Every.

Single.

One.

Basically, I want the 2 Storm2s so I can get one free, then return one of them and get the Droid - giving me the ultimate savings (~$240 for both phones). However, using the Upgrade is charging me for both Storm2s, and if I try to start a new contract, it doesn't allow me to add a third line (which will be a basic non-web enabled cell phone) but does give me the second Blackberry free. However, if I do it that way I lose my $50 credit....

This is getting frustrating....
 
I've been using Google Maps Navigation for a few days now. The interface is pretty neat. The text-to-speech is dead on. Since it's a Google app, finding businesses and points of interest is easy.

Another great feature is the Layers integration. We're all accustomed to traffic and satellite views. With the new version you can also overlay any of your Google My Maps, Wikipedia info, public transit lines and any of your previous searches. This is a big feature for me. I'm an avid My Maps user. Before, I'd have to open the My Maps Editor app, find a point of interest then 'open with...' to get directions in the Google Maps app. Now I just load a My Map as a new layer and all of the info is there to see and navigate to.

There are alternatives. CoPilot Live stores map data on the SD card. It's a $35 app. But if you don't use GPS that often, it's certainly cheaper than a $200 nav unit. Keep an eye out for a full review soon ;)

There is also Sprint Navigation. However, that's only available Hero (maybe the Moment when it comes out)
 
Step 1 complete. 2 Storm2s and a Razzle used as upgrades.

Next comes returning the primary Storm2 and getting the Droid in a week.

Life is good again :p

Also, from what I have been told, the folks at VZW are confirming what is in here - as long as you have a live data connection, the Google Maps should work without a hitch.
 
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