Wally World
Android Expert
Is there a way or app that will automatically turn on gps when I open google maps or navigation then turn it off when I exit?
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What do I need to do this?
- Thread starter Wally World
- Start date
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- Tags
- motorola droid x
redifrogger
Well-Known Member
Now I rarely complain about this phone, but this is something that should happen automatically. Of course we want the gps on when we are using maps or navigation and usually we would want it off if not using either of those 2. I have to $6 to automate this process via Tasker? Lame.
Wally World
Android Expert
Yeah seems like a no brainer for google maps to turn it on and off when in use or have the option to turn that option on.
nj02vette
Android Expert
I think everyone here is DRASTICALLY over emphesizing the situation.
The GPS function, when enabled, does not go active unless a program makes a call towards it. Exactly as you want it.
In other words, the GPS radio doesn't actively try and obtain a signal (no power) until a program activates it. Only when Google maps or navigation goes active, does the gps satellite show up in the notification bar and does it get a GPS location fix. As soon as you exit that application, the GPS function turns off.
Now, to do this, under your settings>location and security, all three checkboxes for GPS should be checked.
Use Wireless networks: Should be cheked. For quick location based services where accuracy is not important (eg Weather, Pictures, etc). Uses cell tower triangulation. If not checked, or not available, uses GPS if enabled.
Use GPS Satellites: This uses the GPS radio in the phone for a more exact fix. Should only go active in certain programs that require accurate positioning.
Enable Assisted GPS: Uses various inputs to improve GPS lock on time. Just an improvement to GPS lock on time, nothing more.
So everything by default should work just the way you want it too. If you have your GPS satellite active in your notification bar for any other reason, then you have something configured wrong.
The GPS function, when enabled, does not go active unless a program makes a call towards it. Exactly as you want it.
In other words, the GPS radio doesn't actively try and obtain a signal (no power) until a program activates it. Only when Google maps or navigation goes active, does the gps satellite show up in the notification bar and does it get a GPS location fix. As soon as you exit that application, the GPS function turns off.
Now, to do this, under your settings>location and security, all three checkboxes for GPS should be checked.
Use Wireless networks: Should be cheked. For quick location based services where accuracy is not important (eg Weather, Pictures, etc). Uses cell tower triangulation. If not checked, or not available, uses GPS if enabled.
Use GPS Satellites: This uses the GPS radio in the phone for a more exact fix. Should only go active in certain programs that require accurate positioning.
Enable Assisted GPS: Uses various inputs to improve GPS lock on time. Just an improvement to GPS lock on time, nothing more.
So everything by default should work just the way you want it too. If you have your GPS satellite active in your notification bar for any other reason, then you have something configured wrong.
eraursls1984
Android Expert
Problem with that is a lot of average users don't know how to close a program (hit back instead of hoke) so its not running in the background, and that would waste a lot of battery with the gps on. Also, if it turned on when a program requested it, then it would turn on a lot while browsing due to all the ads, Google and other sites trying to get your location
BookLover
Android Expert
That's not true.
I have GPS enabled all the time.
The GPS icon doesn't show in the notification bar for any ads.
On my phone, there are only two non-Map-apps that seem to call on GPS, ShopSavvy (whenever I reboot my phone) and Weather Channel (every 3 hours to check location before updating).
Only the GPS apps, like Maps, Navigation, Latitude, Places, (and a few others) -- activate the GPS radio.
D
Deleted User
Guest
This is incorrect.
Maps and virtually all other apps that I've ever seen do not keep open your GPS positioning when you just hit home, it quits using it immediately. Sites don't request your GPS location to display ads, they geotarget based on IP addresses. Google is the only mainstream site that tries to fetch your GPS position and you have to grant access specifically, it doesn't just allow it, and it stops using it after it has a fix and has stored your location.
People, LEAVE YOUR GPS ON. Don't turn it off. It does exactly what you are asking it to do above: turn on when it needs to be, turn off when it doesn't. It doesn't use battery life unless the GPS icon is flashing in the taskbar. This "lame" and "no brainer" functionality is built in. The GPS is "off" unless something makes a call to it.
Frankly, I don't want maps or anything else turning it on when I specifically turn it off. If I turn it off, it's because I don't want anything making calls to it. You're not really turning it off, you're disabling the GPS radio completely.