GPS - Always on?

[A1Dan]

Sorry, misleading thread title actually. Anyway...

I've noticed that, unlike my previous HTC (Android 2.1), it seems that my S2 only switches GPS on when it's needed - is that right?
Eg, if I have GPS enable, no symbol is in the notification bar until I open either Google Maps or the GPS status app. As soon as I come out, GPS apparently goes off.
Not a problem (good for battery life actually, I guess), other than I just downloaded the OS Map app, and it doesn't seem to be able to turn the GPS on... any advice?

 

[Snazzy]

That is standard Android behaviour, the GPS is only turned on as needed. Think of the toggle more of a disable than on/off.

 

[heshanj]

so the GPS is off, even though u've turned it on, right? when its not open using an app like google maps or foursquare? coz i tried to cut down battery by turning off GPS, that hasnt helped at all, n just takes more time for me to lock a location when i turn it on

 

[Snazzy]

so the GPS is off, even though u've turned it on, right? when its not open using an app like google maps or foursquare? coz i tried to cut down battery by turning off GPS, that hasnt helped at all, n just takes more time for me to lock a location when i turn it on

Thats right. GPS radio is only turned on by an application like Maps, Foursquare or Waze etc. Leaving the GPS toggled "on" or enabled does not drain the battery, using GPS applications will.

 

[A1Dan]

OK - pretty sure my HTC Hero (upgraded to 2.1) didn't do that though - once you enable GPS, the icon would show.

As it happens the OS Map app worked fine today...