Related
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.
Hi all,
I was wondering if anyone is using Google Navigator, especially version 4.3. They claim that you can mark an area off google maps and download it locally. It may not be as fancy as other software but it's based on google and it's cheaper too.
Any opinions that you can share??
I am evaluating v. 4.3 now.
I just tried the latest 4.6 version, and I really think it looks like something that was designed in kindergarten!
Menu acces lies in top of the screen. The text-marking of a selected menu is some weird sort of hollow text. The on-screen help texts when working with the program, are full of misspells.
... and they still charge you 60 USD for a full version.
For me, that puts a thick line under a part of the distributors name: pdafun.net
hello guys,
i stumbled over an app called navdroyd in the market. it promises 100% offline turn by turn routing and tts with osm and android tts voice (sdk >1.6). does anybody has some experience with this app? it sounds really promising so I tried the free mapdroyd app from same developer.
navdroyd $6.49/€4.99: http://www.androidpit.com/en/android/market/apps/app/com.osa.android.navdroyd/NavDroyd
mapdroyd free: http://www.androidpit.com/en/android/market/apps/app/com.osa.android.mapdroyd/MapDroyd
mapdroyd works like a charm. you can download worldwide mapcontent via wifi an store them on sd but i'm missing the ability to search and set pois, which navdroyd provides. I think this would be a really awesome alternative to navigon or motonav for people without a dataplan. but before I purchase this app, maybe somebody can share his experience!?
hi there..
i've try both apps on my phone and yes navdroyd is much better than mapdroyd. actually both interfaces and appearance are quite similar but the diff is u get "cruise mode" on navdroyd which provides you 3d navigation =)
ahm ... yeah, that was already clear for me ... just like its named navdroyd and their homepages mapdroyd.com and navdroyd.com discribe: mapdroyd shows map and navdroyd navigates you ... i wanted to know how good this works, not which abilities each program has
e.g ... i'm interested if navdroyd announces only directions or also streetnames via text to speech and if navigation continues if the display is turned off (for motorcycle navigation)... etc
Why dont you simply buy the app, you have 24 hours to ask for a refund! Navdroyd has a simulate route feature, which gives a nice demo of the software.
I have used navdroyd now a couple of times for actual car navigation. It does work pretty well, announces instructions in time, also reads out road names (with comical results when the names are not english), recalculates routes if you miss a turn and so on....
It feels a bit rough still in some places, given its still a very early version. The search function is too basic for my liking, and the routing has a tendency of generating too many keep left/right messages when in fact you simply need to keep driving ahead on the same road.
I only used it in the car, and the display is kept on all the time, so dont know about switching the display off, or even switching to a different app ?
Given it uses OSM data, there still can be data gaps, but hey you can just go to openstreetmap and add the road!
Finally, the developers are very responsive and I have submitted some bug/missing features reports, hopeful this will all be added soon. Just email them if you still feel you have questions.
Anyone care to review this app?
were my brief comments not enough ?
does it have offline routing?
i was wondering how it does it considering it uses OSM maps (yes i know you pre download them).
cheers,
Cool but realistically MotoNav is just as easy. 1 State file and bam.
I wish Google Nav would have something like this. Where I have problems with Google Nav is when I get out of Airports and trying to pull data whilst in a concrete parking garage isn't fun.
Google Maps is worth its weight in gold but I can't get into the Navigator. I use Google Maps to search and navigate mosty and use MotoNav as a backup.
you cant actually go to specific addresses like someones house
Yes its 100% offline routing and maps ... so no need for a data connection once you have downloaded the maps initially. they are pretty small, the whole of the uk for example is 103mb.
because its based on OSM, it doesn't have that many addresses at the moment, but I find that street name in general is more than enough to get where you want to go. You can also search for junctions between two streets which might help as well.
HA
petzlux said:
were my brief comments not enough ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HA!.....................
sorry for bumping this old thread but I had a question:
After paying for the app, do you have to pay for each map you download or is all that free?
Also, does this offer POIs, such as Dunk n' Donuts, restaurants, or gas stations?
Thanks.
yeah, opnce you have bought the app, the maps are free.
2 things, and i hope the Navdroyd people read this, I have been fairly disappointed in the customer service ( i know, $5) but i offered to help with the maps in my local area, as at the moment they are VERY old and near on unusable. well actually, they are unusable as there are WAY too many unnamed streets, which are named in OSM...
secondly, the POIs seem a little limited, not sure about other areas (im in Perth, Western Australia)
well one more, they don't seem to update the maps too often (definately not every 6wks as they say). As a result there is no use updating OSM for your area as you don't see any changes.
Navdroyd people please read this! I would like to assist!!!
Palitu
i'm not very happy with navdroid, ended up driving totally wrong with the out-dated maps, heck, the street where i grew up isn't even on the map (im from belgium)
Wow... they tore down your street? bummer!
alloin said:
i'm not very happy with navdroid, ended up driving totally wrong with the out-dated maps, heck, the street where i grew up isn't even on the map (im from belgium)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
One option would be to contribute to the OpenStreetMap project and fix those problems you know of
wwwald said:
One option would be to contribute to the OpenStreetMap project and fix those problems you know of
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no, that wont work, i have gone through and updated this on OSM and there hasn't been any changes.
Not only that, the OSM has the streets alread named. Not sure why they don't cross over onto NavDroyd...
Is there a way to replace the maps from Navdroyd for other ones like google or something more updated?. The area where I live doesn't have the street names and has very limited POIs.
Ahkbal said:
Is there a way to replace the maps from Navdroyd for other ones like google or something more updated?. The area where I live doesn't have the street names and has very limited POIs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nope
you cannot... amking up the length of the message
Palitu said:
no, that wont work, i have gone through and updated this on OSM and there hasn't been any changes.
Not only that, the OSM has the streets alread named. Not sure why they don't cross over onto NavDroyd...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is with the update frequency of the NavDroyd maps. They use their own "micromap" format, so the OSM data have to be "compiled" into that format every once in a while.
It's actually in their FAQ, see questions "How often do you update NavDroyd's map database?" and "Can I download OSM maps and use them directly in NavDroyd?".
(sorry, I'm apparently not yet allowed to post external links)
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).
Click to expand...
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/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
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.
Whether you’re going for an urban hike or wandering from your hotel to find that restaurant you passed earlier, you won’t have to flag down a local if you’ve got Google Maps for mobile 4.5 on Android. Maps already had Navigation and walking directions, and today we’re happy to share the perfect marriage of the two: Walking Navigation (Beta). If you need help deciding where to walk (or drive), you can now also use Street View smart navigation or the new Google Maps search bar to guide your choice. - Read more
Download here.
Or just use market.
Still doesn't support Australia properly though
I wish google would open it up to more countries, before they worked on new features..
The Brut mod with the last version of the maps works brilliantly and allows all the navigation features that the US has had for ages
antz88c said:
Whether you’re going for an urban hike or wandering from your hotel to find that restaurant you passed earlier, you won’t have to flag down a local if you’ve got Google Maps for mobile 4.5 on Android. Maps already had Navigation and walking directions, and today we’re happy to share the perfect marriage of the two: Walking Navigation (Beta). If you need help deciding where to walk (or drive), you can now also use Street View smart navigation or the new Google Maps search bar to guide your choice. - Read more
Download here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
hope to see brut version release soon
I gave brut a try a long time and it was useless (it didn't work for me), but looks like it is indeed perfect now..
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=630887
Still.. I wish Google would open theirs up to other countries so that we don't need to use hacked copies. But mad respects to brut.all...
cheers for the heads up, ill have a play with that lol
Is this a WVGA version or is it useable on HVGA also? I'd like to try it on my Spica but don't want to download it via gprs.
Thanks!
Thanks for the apk, it was not available for the Desire on the market!