Probably going to buy a HD2 within a few months, and I am wondering whether there is any information available about the support for the hardware compass in any navigation software like iGO8, iGO Amigo, Google Maps (which are my personal favorites).
Google Maps Update:
The new 3.3.1 update for Google Maps (permanent link to most recent Google Maps, at the time of writing 3.3.1) adds hardware compass support for the HD2! When in the 'my location' mode, it will show you the direction you are facing by means of the blue my location dot changing into a blue arrow. You may have to walk and turn around a little bit to somewhat trigger the use of the compass. Note that this doesn't work when 'my location' is off (which makes sense). What makes less sense is that it won't work in combination with GPS either. With GPS, the arrow will still be there but will always face north. Maybe a bug?
I didn't find a way to let Google Maps rotate the map on the screen, depending on the direction you are facing.
I've double checked, and this feature is not available in the stock 3.2.1 (#16) Google Maps on the HD2.
Google Maps Update (13 Dec 2009):
This can work when using GPS as well. In Google Maps, apparently it works when you set your GPS settings to manual.
For example, set your baud rate to 57600 (Options -> GPS Settings -> Set Manually: COM4, Baud 57600).
Get compass navigation support in your GPS navigation software! (28 Dec 2009):
Have been working with Mach2003 to enable support for the compass in potentially *all* GPS navigation software!
Get GpsModDriver 1.50beta: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=5233994&postcount=583
barty22 said:
Probably going to buy a HD2 within a few months, and I am wondering whether there is any information available about the support for the hardware compass in any navigation software like iGO8, iGO Amigo, Google Maps (which are my personal favorites).
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Not unless HTC releases SDK for HD2
There are three possibilities:
1. Yes, some apps such as those listed will (perhaps not immediately, but eventually) be able to access the compass.
2. Yes, but the compass is mainly there for WM7 compatibility so until a WM7 upgrade comes, most apps won't be able to access the compass.
3. No, the compass is there just for the HTC Compass app, which would be really pointless and stupid.
hmota78 said:
Not unless HTC releases SDK for HD2
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This is something I really don't understand about windows mobile devices.
The OEM's make such powerful phones with excellent hardware but they don't release the SDK to that developers can use these hardware feature and create good apps for the devices.
What's the point then?
I know Samsung recently starting releasing SDK's for their devices, I think HTC should follow if they want to keep people buying their devices.
i think that the compass will be used by some programs like igo and yes, google map, but not much more.
we will see in 2 weeks
As far as I know HTC hasn't released SDKs for their current sensors but it doesn't prevent programs from using them they were reverse engineered very quickly.
Dark Fire said:
There are three possibilities:
1. Yes, some apps such as those listed will (perhaps not immediately, but eventually) be able to access the compass.
2. Yes, but the compass is mainly there for WM7 compatibility so until a WM7 upgrade comes, most apps won't be able to access the compass.
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Click to collapse
Hm, don't know which one I'd prefer =)
I don't think they'd just put a simple compass app on the device and NOT release a SDK just to get people excited for WM7. So I'm pretty sure the compass will be used in some way, either on preinstalled apps or via SDK.
kersh said:
i think that the compass will be used by some programs like igo and yes, google map, but not much more.
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Click to collapse
I, for one being a Muslim, would want an application telling directions to Mecca for prayer purposes... This "would" be definitely a big plus for Muslim HD2 adopters. I know some people have similar app on iPhone, but it takes direction from internet and as a result is highly inaccurate ...
now thatleo's arrived, anyone know of a rotatey map program?
Wooohoo, some new development.
An API has been developed by MilaCzeque. Check here!!
Next step is for some developer to somehow let Google Maps and our favourite navigation software use the API.
Updated first post with information about compass support in Google Maps
barty22 said:
Updated first post with information about compass support in Google Maps
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Really good news.. Thanks barty22
Trying now..
can't get the arrow to respond to phone turns when standing still, which I would expect. But the location is incredibly more precise in the new version 3.3.1
czbird said:
can't get the arrow to respond to phone turns when standing still, which I would expect. But the location is incredibly more precise in the new version 3.3.1
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On my device the arrow even rotates when I am sitting down and just rotating my phone!
Sorry, guys, but it's just the GPS tracking the direction it thinks you're moving.... No Compass-support in Google Maps I'm afraid.
Compass-support would be for instance rotating the map according to the direction the compass is pointing...
yngvebn said:
Sorry, guys, but it's just the GPS tracking the direction it thinks you're moving.... No Compass-support in Google Maps I'm afraid.
Compass-support would be for instance rotating the map according to the direction the compass is pointing...
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You're wrong. It (only) works when GPS is disabled. And it does rotate according to the direction you are facing. It just doesn't rotate the map, but the arrow. It works when you rotate the phone (or when you rotate yourself while you're holding the phone ) when sitting down/standing still/not using gps...
barty22 said:
You're wrong. It (only) works when GPS is disabled. And it does rotate according to the direction you are facing. It just doesn't rotate the map, but the arrow. It works when you rotate the phone (or when you rotate yourself while you're holding the phone ) when sitting down/standing still/not using gps...
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On my Touch Pro2 I get this arrow on Google Maps version 3.2.1, and that phone doesn't even have a compass so I think it's safe to say that the arrow is not compass-based. The fact that it doesn't work unless you're moving is also a dead give-away.
Only works with GPS over here, and doesnt rotate, doesnt look like it supports the compass yet.
I can't get it to work for me. Do I have to enable it somehow, or should it "just work" ?
It worked indoor for me, without GPS, and very accurately.
I disabled GPS, hit the blue dot in the corner and waited for
a minute before it started.
Sorry guys, had a search but to no luck.
Does anyone know if Google maps can or is planning to release a maps version that rotates as can be seen on the iphone, a guy I work with shown me his new 3gs and the way the maps spin to your direction was mighty impressive. I figure with the hd2 having built in compass, then why cant we have that too.
Again apologies if this has been covered, even google searches were not bringing up a great deal.
Thanks, Rick.
Actually nobody knows. Ask on google mobile forums. Not that anyone will answer.
With the latest version of Google Maps (mine is 3.3.1) the blue circle that shows your position is now an arrow that works with the compass - but the map doesn't rotate.
Yeah I have noticed the arrow detects your direction, but the maps themselves rotating would be great. I shall have a mooch on the google forums.
Cheers.
I'm requesting a short video, where the Nexus S gyroscope would be seen in action.
For example the Google Maps application 5.0 would be nice to see working with gyroscope. What should be shown, would be the 'direction / compass assisted with gyroscope' and the street view in compass / gyroscope mode.
The same kind of video from Iphone 4 would also be appreciated.
Thanks
Still wanted.
rkantos said:
I'm requesting a short video, where the Nexus S gyroscope would be seen in action.
For example the Google Maps application 5.0 would be nice to see working with gyroscope. What should be shown, would be the 'direction / compass assisted with gyroscope' and the street view in compass / gyroscope mode.
The same kind of video from Iphone 4 would also be appreciated.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't found any game on android market that uses gyroscope to its fullest.
Here a video of gyroscope on Google Street View using ShootMe app to record it (quality is not the best but you get the idea)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91SlPn9Ekfg
Still would like to see how the compass mode on the map works in google maps with a gyroscope.
Thanks for the streetview vid.
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I think I found a bug in the latest version CM7 with combination the latest version of Google maps.
When I go on google maps, the sensors of the device (accelerometer) freeze until i restart the device.
Other GPS aplications work fine (e.g NDRIVE).
Anyone confirm?
Correction:
Only happens in google latitude
Same situation for me!
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