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Question about GSP nav aps
- Thread starter darkcyber
- Start date
As Goodspike mentioned, Google Maps is pretty solid. Also check out Waze (which was recently acquired by Google anyhoo).
If you're looking for offline navigation (that is, something that stores the maps on your device rather than requiring a network connection), I've been pleased with Copilot.
If you're looking for offline navigation (that is, something that stores the maps on your device rather than requiring a network connection), I've been pleased with Copilot.
Digital Controller
The Real Bass Creator
As far as I know Google still offers offline maps, but it's pretty crazy on how big the downloads are for a small area of map.
You're also limited on how large a section of maps you can download. It's probably fine for getting around in your hometown, but you'll likely be screwed if your journey takes you more than 30 mi away.
darkcyber
Android Expert
Well, I have had a Garmin Nuvi (can't remember the model) for years. One of the ones that cost like $1,000 years ago and I have noticed these newer models that come with lifetime maps and traffic for about $130.00...which is not bad. I really don't like having to stick my phone on my windshield and use it as a GPS...makes it difficult to use it as a phone,,,lol! Anyway, just looking at different options.
Mainly looking for something with free real-time traffic and free map updates.
Mainly looking for something with free real-time traffic and free map updates.
1. There are dash mounts. I haven't used a windshield mount for years.
2. You should have a hands free device for the phone, so having the phone mounted on your dash makes it easier to answer the phone (assuming you can't just do it from your car's steering wheel with a BT connection).
3. GPS devices are so cheap now that theft probably isn't as much of a concern, but having it in your phone which you take with you will eliminate the chance of your GPS being stolen.
With Verizon I've never been any place that hasn't had signal, and I go to many different places in the three counties surrounding Seattle. Some are pretty remote.
That said, I am planning a trip to Yellowstone next year and will have a backup system just in case I get off the Interstate (hopefully) and can't get a signal.
itsallgood
Android Expert
Goodspike;[URL="tel:6289983" said:
Having a back up offline GPS is a must. About 3 yrs ago, me and my wife traveled from Chicago to Door Cty, Wisconsin using Google maps. We got to our destination with no problem. (Google maps caches the entire route.) Once there, I had no data signal and was on edge only. So no Google maps navigation. This was my first time using Copilot and it was a God send. We was still able to explore, and I was comfortable driving at night. (I thought you could get a data signal everywhere.)
Anyway, I'm still using Google Maps Nav.'s older version before the recent changes. I still Use CoPilot which is very reliable with its free maps updates, but pay $10 a yrs. for traffic.
darkcyber
Android Expert
Two more things.
My wife has poor eyesight and back before the S4 mainly used the verbal blathering of the GPS device to navigate. So technically you don't need to see it if you not mind allowing the program to say things (I keep mine muted).
The biggest reason to use Google Maps prior to buying a dedicated GPS is you already have it on your phone and it's free!
My wife has poor eyesight and back before the S4 mainly used the verbal blathering of the GPS device to navigate. So technically you don't need to see it if you not mind allowing the program to say things (I keep mine muted).
The biggest reason to use Google Maps prior to buying a dedicated GPS is you already have it on your phone and it's free!
darkcyber
Android Expert
Two more things.
My wife has poor eyesight and back before the S4 mainly used the verbal blathering of the GPS device to navigate. So technically you don't need to see it if you not mind allowing the program to say things (I keep mine muted).
The biggest reason to use Google Maps prior to buying a dedicated GPS is you already have it on your phone and it's free!
Yeah, all good points. I guess I have just gotten spoiled having a GSP stuck on the windshield and being able to see real time how much longer you have to go. The downside to using your phone as your GPS, in my case at least, is I use it mainly when you are going on family trips and using a hands free device like a speaker type device like my Gear doesn't always work well with everyone in the car.
Digital Controller
The Real Bass Creator
Remember, as well, that Google Maps has traffic options too, you can turn them on in the settings to even show traffic updates while you're in Navigation mode.
Which is the main reason I use Google Maps. I use Google Maps Navigation even when I know where I'm going, just for the traffic. It's also one of the many reasons I don't like the new version as well. In Navigation it doesn't show the traffic as well as the old version.
My dedicated GPS information is out of date by almost 3 years (when I started with Android), but neither Garmin or TomTom had as good of traffic info as Google. Magellan just sucked as a GPS, so I'm not sure how their traffic information was.
Stuntman
Android Expert
Get a second (cheaper) phone or a small tablet and use that as a GPS.
You can use a BT headset for phone calls instead of the in-car speaker phone. That should allow you to talk on the phone in a noisy car. I'm assuming you have limited influence in quieting everyone when you receive a call.
Is there any way to get the navigation view in Google Maps without having to enter a destination? Sometimes, I just like going on a drive with no destination in mind. Also, even if I have a destination, when I reach it, the navigation view shuts down. I regularly use Waze and when I decided to try out Google Maps, I got really annoyed at not being able to check traffic as I drive without having to enter a destination.
If you just enter the maps portion of Google Maps, and then pull up the menu from the left, there is a selection to show traffic on the map. You can zoom in/out to show as much detail/area as you wish.
One of the changes I don't like to the new version is when you hit on the little icon at the bottom right to center the screen, it also zooms you in. Before it would just center you and then you'd be kept centered as you moved. Not sure exactly how the new version works because I do typically use Navigation to a destination.
One of the changes I don't like to the new version is when you hit on the little icon at the bottom right to center the screen, it also zooms you in. Before it would just center you and then you'd be kept centered as you moved. Not sure exactly how the new version works because I do typically use Navigation to a destination.
Digital Controller
The Real Bass Creator
Completely agree. Just this past summer I was using Google Maps and as I was approaching a wreck it told me on my phone, so I could take a detour lol.
Otherwise I also love the light sensor it has so it changes themes when it's light and dark out.
darkcyber
Android Expert
It is not so much getting everyone quiet as it is everyone hearing my conversation. i.e. if I get a call from the office, I really don't want everyone hearing that and they don't want to hear it either...lol!
I'm not really following what this has to do with using the phone as a GPS device, but perhaps that's because I keep the navigation program muted.
Stuntman
Android Expert
I cannot use it while I'm driving because the screen turns off after a minute. With the navigation display, the screen stays on. With Waze, I can use the navigation display without a destination. With Google Maps, I cannot.
For that particular problem I use a program called Delayed Lock and have it set so that when connected to my car's Bluetooth just hitting the home button a swype brings back the map (no password). It doesn't change the screen going blank, but it does make it easier to get the map back.
But avoiding that problem is why I also often use Navigation even if I know where I'm going. Using the split screen feature I can keep a Google Music and Google Navigation open, and always see the music program.
Stuntman
Android Expert
That doesn't solve the problem. I would prefer to not have to periodically touch my phone while driving. It is illegal to do that where I live.
The problem with that is you have to know where you are going. My wife likes going on drives and we may just drive around with no set destination in mind. The destination is actually our home and we would take a "scenic" route home that is out of the way.
I decided to give Maps a try, but I've quickly switched back to Waze, my regular mapping app. I just like Waze more and after several months, I found that Google Maps have gotten a lot worse since I last used it.
What I used to do before Device Lock was have a NFC tag in the car. The first tap would turn off the automatic screen lock so that the screen would stay on, and the second tap would turn things back to normal (pin lock after 1 minute). I think that would work for you on your S3 (it has NFC, right?).
I didn't like it because of fear I'd forget to switch the phone back, and also Delayed Lock worked in the house when connected to my home wifi (or any other wifi I specified), so it served two purposes. But if you want it not to turn off, try an NFC tag. BTW, the NFC Task Launcher is probably better than Samsung's app.
Stuntman
Android Expert
Sounds like a lot of trouble. Anyway, I switched to Waze almost a year ago because I liked it better. I tried out Maps recently to see if it has improved. I found it was worse than when I stopped using it. It seemed, they tried to make Maps look better, but ended up making it less useful to me at least.