Okay, maybe it’s unfair to call out Google Maps Navigation for this error. After all, every GPS can give you faulty directions, no matter what database they are using for road data. But I’ve never seen this type of error on a unit using NAVTEQ or TeleAtlas maps. Fail!
Google Maps Navigation to use onboard maps?
June 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment
According to All About Phones, a Dutch website, Google Maps Navigation will soon have a full-blown offline mode. Late last year, with the introduction of Google Maps 5.0 for Android, GMN moved to vector graphics and improved route caching. But this new capability would allow you to plug in a destination while outside of cell range, which means that some maps and associated data would always be cached on your device.
Preserving cellphone battery life in the backcountry
May 24, 2011 By 4 Comments
I imagine that a lot of our readers are trying out their smartphones in the backcountry, using mapping applications for navigation. One of the problems with this (and there are several), is that few things will drain your battery faster than your phone searching for a signal where there is none, or where reception is marginal.
Will Magellan enter the tablet wars?
March 1, 2011 By 6 Comments
Magellan has had quite a bit of success with their 7” models; I’m currently testing the RoadMate 9055 and “tablet” popped into my head when I first held it. My second thought was, how are they going to compete against tablets? Sure, price is one way, but I suspect that we will quickly see Android tablet prices plummet. What then?
Navigon MobileNavigator for Android comes to US
October 27, 2010 By 23 Comments
Wow, how much can the mobile navigation market change in just a couple of days? Following Garmin’s announcement yesterday that they will develop navigation apps for multiple platforms, Navigon reveals that they are bringing MobileNavigator to the US Android marketplace. I thought perhaps that TomTom had decided to take on the free Google Maps Navigation juggernaut last week, but (as suspected) it turns out that they are only providing maps for HTC, and not navigation. So Navigon becomes the first top-tier navigation app maker to go mano-a-mano with Google, to see if folks will pony up or settle for what the search giant gives us for free.
TomTom comes to Android; battles free navigation
October 20, 2010 By 7 Comments
TomTom is attempting to crack the free navigation roadblock thrown up by Google, sealing a deal to provide maps to HTC, one of the most popular manufacturers of Android phones. Initially available on the HTC Desire HD (shown at left) and Desire Z in Europe and Asia, HTC promises to extend the partnership to “a wide variety of future smartphones and geographies.”
The TomTom / Tele Atlas brand distinction has become more muddled lately, and it is unclear whether HTC owners will be getting just Tele Atlas maps or the option to add TomTom navigation. The maps will be included in HTC’s Locations interface, “while turn-by-turn navigation can be purchased and downloaded through HTC Locations or HTC Sync.” The image at left could be dated, and not indicative of what users will see, though it is currently on the official HTC Desire HD web page.
CoPilot Live USA for Android launches at $4.99
October 15, 2010 By Leave a Comment
ALK Technologies has announced CoPilot Live USA for Android for $4.99. I would say it will test whether consumers are willing to pay for an alternative to Google Maps Navigation, but it is currently ranked #48 in iPhone navigation apps with an average three star review, far below much pricier apps.
T-Mobile Garminfone review
June 28, 2010 By 28 Comments
Hands on with the T-Mobile Garminfone
The T-Moble Garminfone is Garmin’s first Android smartphone released in North America. Produced by the Garmin-Asus partnership, it includes many of the goodies you would find on a nuvi, including North American maps, junction view, lane assist, Where am I?, tracklogs and multi-destination routing.
My Tracks for Android
May 17, 2010 By 13 Comments
My Tracks is a free Android app that allows you to record and share GPS tracks. Incredibly easy to use, it layers your track onto Google Maps or satellite view (as shown above). Getting the track off your phone is as simple as saving the track, selecting the drop down More button and then Share with Friends, which gives you the options shown below at right. The GPX and KML options attach the file to an email; I love how easy it is to send a track to my computer this way. You can also create waypoints (“markers”) with the app. My Tracks is not a navigation app, but it is a great way to share locations and check the GPS accuracy of your Android phone. I’ve included the QR code below, so you can use a bar code scanner to download the app.
Coming to the US (eventually)
April 28, 2010 By Leave a Comment
There were a couple of major announcements made yesterday by TomTom and Garmin-Asus; unfortunately they didn’t involve products for the US, at least not yet. I do expect that all will be making it to our shores eventually. The Garmin-Asus team will need to romance a carrier first, while TomTom just seems to have a Europe-first attitude. Here’s what we they got…
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