Database Users

Yahoo Go! 2.0 for WM5

So Yahoo Go! seems to have come out today for devices running Windows Mobile. I downloaded and installed it immediately.
The first time I ran it I noticed it was VERY slow, and eventually crashed during initialization. I had to reset my 8525 to get it to run again. The second time around it ran (again, very slow). It deos require you to log in to your Yahoo account.
The UI is different and bit interesting. The front screen looks like it's intended to replace your home screen with today's date and links to calendar and contacts, as well as a box for searching. A mac-like dock down at the bottom rotates between the different features with a little animation.
There are sections for photos (flickr?) where you can upload your own and share your photos - weather, something called watchlists (I'm guessing RSS or something), stock reports, sports reports, news, and maps & directions. Each item gives you a preview before you actually run it.
I tried uploading a photo and the program crashed while changing the description. The interface looked pretty nice though - I'm assuming the photos end up on your flickr page. This may be a good reason to start photoblogging!
The maps function is pretty cool - probably a bit better than the google maps application for windows mobile. It also includes sat view, traffic, find nearby whatever, etc. It also gives you the option of connecting a GPS, but I don't have one handy although I'd love to see the directions function work with it.
The whole UI is an improvement on usual Windows Mobile standards, and once loaded the software runs reasonably fast and without hiccup. I think it is intended to be run all the time.
I'd like to hear everyone else's impressions.

i tried it but don't really like it.

The biggest disappointment for me is that ver 2.0 no longer syncs calendar info.
If you want to view your calendar, you now have to log onto yahoo before you can view it.

If you use yahoo for everything (email, calendar, etc.), this is a pretty nice thing to have. I'd call it essential in this case.
Otherwise, I think Livesearch is much more useful for looking up businesses in your area and getting driving directions and/or phone numbers to them.

Live search is pretty much useless unless you are in a major city.

I am really disappointed in it. Has good intentions and functionality, but the software seems extremely buggy and slow. I had to soft reset my phone a majority of the times trying the software out. Google Maps and Live Search seems much smoother. Hopefully they fix out all the bugs.

..........

New Windows Live Search Mobile

MS released a new version of live search mobile a week or two ago. I hadn't seen any discussion here about it yet.
They included a few new features, including one that I had discussed with their development team.
In navigation mode, it will now beep as you come upon a new direction. So if you have roughly .1 mile before a turn, you'll hear a beep. You'll get another alert as you reach the instruction, and one after it has completed successfully.
I would also like the mention that the wls mobile team is very responsive about feedback. They must be operating rouge at Microsoft because they actually hear, respond to, and implement user feedback.
Like I said, I discussed the navigation alerts with them and they implemented and released a new version within something like two weeks.
To get the new version point your mobile browser to:
wls.live.com/
Unfortunately they seem somewhat quiet when new versions come out. You kind of have to find the features on your own. I think they share a msdn blog with the windows live search team, which is a shame they don't have their own.
http://blogs.msdn.com/livesearch/default.aspx

New Live Search beats Google Maps
I much prefer Live Search Mobile over Google Maps for driving around town. I couldn't figure out how to get Google Maps to auto scroll--Live Search has the option to Center on GPS, so your arrow stays in the center of the screen and it magically moves the maps. Also like how it caches maps so its not always sucking down data--I was getting a bunch of connection errors with GoogMaps on my Sprint Mogul.
Good tip with the audible notification about an upcoming turn. Maybe have a config option to choose the sound? I want something louder and more annoying, or maybe I just need to turn down my radio.
One feature I'd like to see is the ability to not have to store my Current GPS position when using the Directions--just use wherever I am and get on with it instead of asking me to save, then asking me to overwrite existing. Its a few extra steps I may not want to do while driving...err, when I stop at a red light.

Newest Version #?
I have always prefered WLS over Google Maps mobile. I would say that WLS really is a huge part of what makes WM rock.
Does anyone know the version # of the most recent release.
My Version Shows:
2.5.2908.31943
pretty sure that is the newest, but just wanted to confirm.

Best Nav software?

Any opinions on the best navigation software for our phones (that DOESN'T) require a monthly subscription? I looked at the TomTom software but they apparently don't have any maps available for the United States that I can find. I have Bing and Google Maps but those both require a data connection. They also don't provide turn by turn voice guidance or follow along with you very well or dynamically reroute you.

shouldnt all turn-by-turn apps have data usage since it needs to track u...
otherwise from that, garmin is really nice. turn by turn, though i notice it does lag behind a LITTLE bit, but it still works quite nicely.

xredjokerx said:
shouldnt all turn-by-turn apps have data usage since it needs to track u...
otherwise from that, garmin is really nice. turn by turn, though i notice it does lag behind a LITTLE bit, but it still works quite nicely.
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No, not all turn-by-turn apps have data usage, for example Tomtom does not use data.
Have you considered CoPilot 8?

There are plenty of different software packages you can use; just to mention TomTom, iGO8 etc.

CoPilot 8 is a very good package, especially given its low cost. It includes all maps for North America, and doesn't require a data connection while running (but can use one if you choose the Live services add-on to get traffic/gas price updates).

Data usage is used in two ways.
To update the maps as you move along (google etc), or to give live info (traffic reports etc)
MOST of the purchased gps software will include the full maps to the location you buy it, and will only need data if you want live traffic etc.
Some of the more common gps apps are, TomTom, Garmin, iGo8, CoPilot 8
i personally use iGo8 in europe and love it.

Copilot is great
I have used copilot before on both Windows Mobile and Android. Right now its only $20 on their site and that includes the maps so you don't have to have a data connection. I have tried a bunch of nav solutions and this one is probably the best for overall functionality and price.

I recommend TOMTOM. I used CoPilot 8 for a few months and it works well but sometimes the directions it gives are weird specially when I traveled to another state I was getting confused with the directions it was giving me compared to TOMTOM which are faster and more direct.

I'm happy with Copilot, routing is fast and accurate.
However voice warnings are terrible. They are slow, and usually late. I miss Garmin on that front.

I like just google maps............. however i also have tom tom installed............. install this, then during install you will be automaticly promted to download your 1 free city during the install...... yeah, i cant find anything online from them either. Well, I couldn't attach it here, guess it was too big. It's on here somewhere the file name is... QM_TomTom_Navigator_7.916.9189.1_VGA

intothevoid said:
I recommend TOMTOM. I used CoPilot 8 for a few months and it works well but sometimes the directions it gives are weird specially when I traveled to another state I was getting confused with the directions it was giving me compared to TOMTOM which are faster and more direct.
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Thanks.
To clarify, I don't mind if it uses data, I have unlimited data, I just don't want data to be REQUIRED for it to work. Actually, I wouldn't even care so much about that, AT&T's data coverage is okay if you will accept EDGE. I just want the voice turn by turn directions.
One other caveat, it has to be able to run from my existing microSD card. I don't care if I have to hack it or whatever, I just need it to run from my existing card with my music, etc on it. I looked at the Garmin, but you had to use only their card apparently. :-/

i use google maps for finding places and stuff. but it still doesnt have turn by turn. if it did i would probably use that. but for that i use garmin. been using it for quite some time. its the best looking and probably the most user friendly of the nav software. the gas prices feature is fantastic. but if you dont have the money you could go for something like copiolot. i havent used it though.

I have tried TomTom, Copilot and iGo in the past and have landed on iGo as my firm favorite

I am a Garmin fan. I have used various garmin devices on my motorcycles for many years. For my PDA, years ago I got a bundle with a bluetooth GPS and TomTom. Hated it. Recently, I got achance to try the Garmin XT software. Didn't care for it either.
I would like a chance to try out the iGo software. It can't be any worse, and can be found fairly cheap.
For now I use Google or Bing most of the time. I don't need the voice prompts.

Does anyone here have the navipanel from the leo?

For the life of me, I can't understand all the love for CoPilot. I bought it on Christmas day for $19. I feel swindled.
1. The primary function of navigation software is 'navigation'. This is pretty much impossible when you're working with anchient maps. I live in a city of 2+ million and my neighborhood is 7-8 years old. My neighborhood is not in CoPilot's maps...
2. The app is buggy. If I do an online update through the app, I get an error that tells me that the POI database does not match the online database. THey have POI's that don't have corresponding streets. If you tell it to create a route between to streetless POI's it draws a straight line, which is laughable...
3. The Copilot central app is extremely buggy and the gui is terrible. First, it doesn't support netbook resolution of 1024x600. Second, the application update function doesn't work. I know there is a more current version of the app out there (I have 8.0.0.346), but CoPilot central will not show me the update. Third, the map update dated Dec 29 hangs the app upon launch. All of this is from a stock t-mo rom after hard reset and format of SD card.
4. SUpport from ALK is somthing that you would expect from a company 7-8 years ago. there is no forum or searchable knowledgebase. You can submit trouble tickets, but I have yet to receive an acknowledgment of my map update request. Apparently they will add my address in 45 days, but I have serious doubts this will happen because of all of the missing roads in my neighborhood.
5. Features advertised on ALK's website are not present in my version of the app.
I could go on an on. To sum up... CoPilot is a POS, and I encourage everyone to stay away!!!

Copilot Live
I have recently switched to copilot live 8 from OCN 8.3. I find that the maps on Copilot 8 are current in my area (roads finished last year are included). I can confirm that the Copilot central software does not work on a netbook but is fine on other machines.
I have not run into the bugs mentioned above but I will update if I do. As far as the features go the software is a couple of months old. I consider it a bonus that I can purchase for $20 and upgrade only thoes features I care about.
When it comes down to it my switch was for 2 reasons. I can use my own SD card and I can get live traffic updates. OCN does not support traffic in the US and is limited to an 8 gb card.

tomtom is the simplest and the easiest to use.. there are maps for the usa.... i am currently using one that is the usa and canada together.. tomtom pics some crazy routes sometimes... but its easy to pick another..
garmin is ok... but not very customizable... hope you like the way it looks, cuz youre pretty much stuck with it... the way you add the maps is cool... you pick the states you want... so you dont have to fill up your card with stuff you dont want... im not inpressed with the way you have to enter address in this one..
igo in my opinion is the best... if you get tts voices for it, it will say the street names.. it shows the buildings if youre in a big enough city... and the 3d effect is pretty nice... it also lets you know what lane to be in on the highway and it shows you the signs you will see on the road.. the biggest drawback for this one for me is the load time...
i have never tried copilot so i cannot rank that one... hope that helps

Is this how you get iGO for north america and/or United States:
http://www.oncoursenavigator.com/
I googled iGO, but all I found was a European product...

sixsevenco said:
Is this how you get iGO for north america and/or United States:
http://www.oncoursenavigator.com/
I googled iGO, but all I found was a European product...
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according to http://www.navngo.com/pages/global/eng/where_to_buy you are correct.

Best GPS For US TMobile Users

I've search around but would like to get specific responses/results from TMO US users on the HD2. What is the best navigation you guys/gals are using?
I am coming from the Nexus One and spoiled by the Google Navigation Beta, I am looking for something similar. I heard that bing has navigation now? Any reviews on that? I have a GPS system in my car but love the flexibility of having something on my phone (for those instances you aren't in YOUR car).
Price is also a factor for me. I am looking to go for the free to low cost route.
I appreciate any responses, and do apologize if this has been discussed in depth (please link the thread, and I will request this one to be deleted).

Heres a link of bing in action.
This actually looks pretty decent. I'll have to check it out and see how it performs.
http://www.gadgetvenue.com/bing-navigation-tested-htc-hd2-05130659/

tresanus said:
I've search around but would like to get specific responses/results from TMO US users on the HD2. What is the best navigation you guys/gals are using?
I am coming from the Nexus One and spoiled by the Google Navigation Beta, I am looking for something similar. I heard that bing has navigation now? Any reviews on that? I have a GPS system in my car but love the flexibility of having something on my phone (for those instances you aren't in YOUR car).
Price is also a factor for me. I am looking to go for the free to low cost route.
I appreciate any responses, and do apologize if this has been discussed in depth (please link the thread, and I will request this one to be deleted).
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Click to collapse
CoPilot Live 8 never let me down

BING is really poppin (as long as you are connected to data and GPS satellites). If you lose the signal you have to restart the app (it will freeze on the last position you had Sat access) but overall, it is a good Navi with just about every street name voiced in the turn by turn. I keep my Copilot 8 backup (USA) just in case I am in an area where the Sat isnt available for a few miles. (I take LONG trips) LOL.
OH yeah and Copilot 8 is only 29.99 with the US map but dont look for it to call out all your street names (if you enjoy that as I do)

I use TomTom without data, only GPS.

tresanus said:
Heres a link of bing in action.
This actually looks pretty decent. I'll have to check it out and see how it performs.
http://www.gadgetvenue.com/bing-navigation-tested-htc-hd2-05130659/
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Yes I think Bing is the closest free solution to what you're looking for. The most commonly-used paid options around here are TomTom, CoPilot Live, and iGo 8, you'll find many members who recommend one of those.

Bing is a good option if you have constant data connection, but I would never rely on a nav program that requires data connection for long or important trips. (even google nav on android) Im currently using Garmin XT on my HD2 and it works well. Needs about 3gb of storage for US and Canada maps. It does not call out street names as well.

Thanks all, I think Bing will work best for me.
Basically I only need to use it in a pinch (like in someone elses car and lost) since I have navigation in my car already.
And I do have unlimited data (and basically unlimited everything else) for super cheap

Crush KD said:
OH yeah and Copilot 8 is only 29.99 with the US map but dont look for it to call out all your street names (if you enjoy that as I do)
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Do you pay 29.99 every time a new map gets released?
----
Anyone know off the top of their head the breakdown in costs for tomtom and the garmin apps?

Stupid Question Alert....
What's wrong with the Google Maps GPS that is bundled with the phone? (stock 2.13)
Seems to work swimmingly for me, minus voice.

Nothings wrong with it, just doesn't provide turn by turn navigation.
Usually I use google maps, find what I'm looking for/check traffic, then input address into my car navigation system.
Although, if Bing works well enough, I might just sell off my Magellan! Maybe use the cash to buy one of the above suggested services as well (garmin tomtom iGo etc.)

tresanus said:
Nothings wrong with it, just doesn't provide turn by turn navigation.
Usually I use google maps, find what I'm looking for/check traffic, then input address into my car navigation system.
Although, if Bing works well enough, I might just sell off my Magellan! Maybe use the cash to buy one of the above suggested services as well (garmin tomtom iGo etc.)
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Bing is fine. I have Garmin and TomTom on my device and they both works fine and great..

Waze
There's a new navigation app in the Windows Marketplace called Waze which looks pretty cool. It offers turn-by-turn direction, traffic updates, and even user updates. I've only played around with it for a day, but so far it seems good. The best part is that it's free, so if you don't care for it, just delete it.

Latest version of Google Maps provides voice navigation(beta) in the latest Android version. I expect it to make it to the other phones before too long. Google doesn't want to give up the entire market to Bing.

Kellindinda said:
There's a new navigation app in the Windows Marketplace called Waze which looks pretty cool. It offers turn-by-turn direction, traffic updates, and even user updates. I've only played around with it for a day, but so far it seems good. The best part is that it's free, so if you don't care for it, just delete it.
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I'll have to check this out tonight. See how it compares to bing.
Phantoms said:
Latest version of Google Maps provides voice navigation(beta) in the latest Android version. I expect it to make it to the other phones before too long. Google doesn't want to give up the entire market to Bing.
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Yeah I figured this would come eventually, but the google navigation has been included with some android phones for a while now (mytouch, mytouch slide, nexus one.. but not on the cliq or g1, at least without rooting). So who knows the timeframe we should expect it to be included with google maps for all phones..

Nav apps for HD-2. Navigon, Co-Pilot, Bing, TomTom
I am personally using Navigon and like it very much. The only problem is that it doesn't work with the car kit. Not a huge deal, I just set it not to launch automatically and start Navigon manually. It uses Google to find POI which is pretty neat and has a number of advanced features like lane guidance and a 3D mode that pops up expressway exit signs to show you exactly where to exit.
Also have Copilot installed, Text to speech is available with a free update and the correct voice. It works well, but I found it to pick some questionable routes.
I used TomTom on a Kaiser and found it worked well, but the basic program is behind others. No text to speech or lane guidance for example. And for this lack of advancement, TomTom charges a premium price. Often as much as dedicated GPS units with more advanced features.
Bing I've found to be iffy. If it doesn't know where your street is, it will just take you to the center of town which is pretty stupid. I'm sure it will get better with time, but right now I wouldn't rely on it. Navigon frequently goes on sale for about $40.00 and Copilot as mentioned is a bargain at $29.99.

I have been using Waze for the past week. It's okay considering it's free. The nicest part is you can edit the map yourself. If you're into wiki editing, it's for you. It apparantly adapts route to live traffic patterns, but that only works if lots of people in your area are using it. Considering that there's only 50,000 users worldwide, the likelihood that here is even 1 other person your area is slim. I'd say Bing is better for the time being.

BING! is freakn awesome i love it hasnt steered me wrong yet cant say the same for google maps its trash.

The new Google Maps & Nav supposedly blows Bing out of the water. It's only available for Android, though.

try NDrive, its pretty reliable and accurate.

How does CoPilot compare to tomtom

I've been using tomtom while I was on Windows mobile and I really liked it a lot. The one feature it was missing though was the voice over text, where street names will be spoken.
On the evo I used Sprint nav and Google maps. I like the Google maps interface a lot better. I like the fact its well integrated with the operating sustem, for example search for Starbucks and then navigate to it. One thing I didn't like about the Google maps is when a call came in and I took the call, I was still on the call screen where tomtom will automatically take you back to the nav after taking the call. Also the directions weren't muted while on a call instead they were announced on top of the callers voice.
So since tomtom is not available for android, what are your thoughts of copilot live? Also open to recommendations of other nav software u guys are using. Thank you.
Sent from my evo using XDA App

For ease of use I like the Google NAV
I run Co-Pilot and its pretty sweet. Much better than Sprint NAV. The only that I don't like is that when you are at a light the car icon turns into a circle. I like to know the direction I am facing and it's there when you are moving. Perhaps I had the early software release. I haven't updated since I changed ROM's.
TOMTOM - eh. I haven't been a fan in a while. Never really liked their interface.
I would rate Co-Pilot one of the top. I IGO as well. Still haven't released for Android US yet. Navigon is pretty good as well. TomTom to be honest was always down on my list of favorites.

copilot on android is very nicely done. lane assist is a big thumbs up.

The biggest problem with Copilot that I have found is that they use very outdated maps. Copilot is the ONLY app/map service that does not have my street, which has been around for 6 years now. I have had numerous instances of not being able to find addresses in Copilot, but I can find them in Sprint Nav or Google Maps. Otherwise I really like it, and I actually use all three on my business trips. I primarily use Google Nav, but I have had a lot of routing issues with it just recently. Like to my buddy's house, it brings me down the back roads and wants me to drive through his back yard. The hotel in San Antonio I was staying at, it had me in an endless right-turn loop and I could see the hotel not a quarter of a mile ahead. There was something else too, and that was all within a 3 week span, so I'm leary of it right now. Hopefully will be (has been?) fixed soon, but it makes me second-guess it all the time.

yea google maps always takes me to the back of restaurants and houses lol

so far so good with Google Nav