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According to msmobiles.com (see http://msmobiles.com/news.php/6898.html) a new version of Google Maps was released on November 16th. I have DLd it, but haven't yet installed it.
From reading about it, I am not too sure how much has changed. Here is the list the site speaks to:
Real-time traffic conditions
See where the congestion is, and estimate delays in over 30 major US metropolitan areas.
Favorite places and routes
Save time (and avoid sore thumbs) by keeping a list of residential or business locations, and driving routes.
Insta-KB-o-meter
Monitor your data consumption in real-time — just look to the top right portion of your phone screen while using Google Maps.
Enhanced business info
After selecting a particular business, select the "Details" tab for hours of operation, hotel amenities, and more.
BlackBerry support
Just visit www.google.com/gmm on your BlackBerry's web browser, and you're all set to go.
The update can be found here: http://www.google.com/gmm/GoogleMaps.CAB
Enjoy,
-pvs
thanks for the post, wouldn't have known about it otherwise
Yeah, appreciate the heads up!
thanks for the link
Sweet thanks for the headsup! I installed it, and it works better than ever over HSDPA and with my bt gps!
How does this compare to LiveSearch?
sook said:
How does this compare to LiveSearch?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not really sure. LiveSearch was the best for a short while (IMO), until Google Maps came out with an executable version. I dropped LS back then, and have not looked back.
Google Maps has many nice features:
1) Look up any of your Contacts for whom you have Address Information
2) Drag-scroll around the map, in map or satellite view
3) Shows real-time traffic conditions
4) Zoom-in and out quickly and easily
5) Provides directions from point A to point B
6) Integration with GPS devices (I haven't used this, but imagine it works ok)
7) Find info on searched-for businesses and easily saving it into Contacts
Some "features" I'd like to see are:
1) Storing data in user-defined locations on the device
2) Management of that data ... selectively deleting old location searches
3) Tilting of the map aka Google Earth
Again, I don't really know how well LiveSearch has developed, so I really can't compare. But maybe you can judge for yourself from what I show above for GM.
-pvs
I'll install it and play around with it, but from what you describe it sounds much the same. LiveSearch also has something called community search that will show you events, movies, and todos in your area, along with traffic and local gas prices.
If I read you correctly, the only thing on your list LiveSearch doesn't have is an easy way to look up contact addresses.
I will report back this weekend, either bumping this one or starting a new thread. I'm quite attached to LS, but if I can find something even better, well, right on.
ER... just in case anyone is having a blond moment like me
the link is CAsE SenSitivE!!
nice find.
has it got rid of those anoying no data warning messages that you had to keep clicking OK to in order to continue?
I was originally using (the previous version of) Google Earth. So far, I like Microsoft Live. The addressing and directions are a LOT more accurate. When I look up addresses, google doesn't even find most of them. Live also does a lot better with one way streets and stuff like that too.
Yes, Live is much, much better, even the diectory is better. Map loading seems a little quicker also.
I wish google showed on the page what version it was up to, so I can know when they've updated it.
I love google maps mobile.
Wow, judging by sook's and Braingears' comments, it sounds like Live Search has come a long way in the past year. Might be time to give it another shot.
And yes, frenchglen, wouldn't it be nice? I guess they have some reason to want to keep the version number a secret, eh?
-pvs
On my Palm Pre it was possible to enable network-based or network-assisted location without using Google services and without agreeing to let Google collect information about you and your device in the background. On the Shift, this doesn't appear to be the case: apparently, you can have pure GPS satellite location only *or* you can enable network assistance, but to do the latter you have to use Google's services and agree to Google's terms.
So I was wondering whether this is something that developers of custom ROMS and mods are able to do anything about. Would it be possible to tinker with the framework, or whatever part of the firmware controls such things, to allow for more finely-grained control over location services for the end user? Ideally, you would be able to choose:
1) GPS satellites only
2) GPS/aGPS (assisted location or rough triangulation)
3) The above, plus Google's network/Wi-Fi based location services (and agree to whatever terms Google requires for the use of same)
Interestingly, the Galaxy Tab already seems to have the sort of control that I'm talking about.
If I'm misunderstanding something about the way our EVO Shift devices handle location services, please let me know...e.g., could it be the case that selecting only "use GPS satellites" already enables aGPS? If so, you couldn't prove it by me. None of my applications, including Google Maps, seem to be able to use rough network location when I have only "GPS satellites" enabled, although the device itself clearly knows what tower it's registered with at any given time.
Anyway, I just thought I would bring this up to see whether there is any developer interest in tweaking this stuff, and also whether there are other users who are also interested.
BTW, I am aware that this is a "Google phone." No need to point it out. I just want to be able to use the same kind of network-assisted location services that I was able to use on my other, non-Google phones on Sprint.
AnalogXDA said:
On my Palm Pre it was possible to enable network-based or network-assisted location without using Google services and without agreeing to let Google collect information about you and your device in the background. On the Shift, this doesn't appear to be the case: apparently, you can have pure GPS satellite location only *or* you can enable network assistance, but to do the latter you have to use Google's services and agree to Google's terms.
So I was wondering whether this is something that developers of custom ROMS and mods are able to do anything about. Would it be possible to tinker with the framework, or whatever part of the firmware controls such things, to allow for more finely-grained control over location services for the end user? Ideally, you would be able to choose:
1) GPS satellites only
2) GPS/aGPS (assisted location or rough triangulation)
3) The above, plus Google's network/Wi-Fi based location services (and agree to whatever terms Google requires for the use of same)
Interestingly, the Galaxy Tab already seems to have the sort of control that I'm talking about.
If I'm misunderstanding something about the way our EVO Shift devices handle location services, please let me know...e.g., could it be the case that selecting only "use GPS satellites" already enables aGPS? If so, you couldn't prove it by me. None of my applications, including Google Maps, seem to be able to use rough network location when I have only "GPS satellites" enabled, although the device itself clearly knows what tower it's registered with at any given time.
Anyway, I just thought I would bring this up to see whether there is any developer interest in tweaking this stuff, and also whether there are other users who are also interested.
BTW, I am aware that this is a "Google phone." No need to point it out. I just want to be able to use the same kind of network-assisted location services that I was able to use on my other, non-Google phones on Sprint.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not much of a help, most likely.
All i know gps wise is theres a couple of ## codes for the dialer in Sense roms. I think one is ##gpsresetx#
There are gps apps too, which GREATLY help lock and accuracy. Check the market.
Hope somebody knows more than me
Sent from my HTC Speedy (Gonzalez)
Well, although I started the topic in the hopes of starting discussion about how to use network location without being locked down by Google...now that you mention it, it would also be cool if Speedy ROM developers could find a way to fix the cycle of "acquire fix, lose fix, acquire fix, lose fix" that is all too common with these devices...
Sent from my PG06100 using XDA App
With it's just-right display size, the SGTab is particularly well-suited for navigation on the road. Setup is straightforward:
Either install Navit from the market or get the latest nightly build from http{:}//download.navit-project.org/navit/android_armv5te/svn/ (sorry, can't post links yet)
Download maps for desired area
Edit config file for map and preference data
Download voice for turn-by-turn audible instructions
Works amazingly well, no data connection required while driving, and even snaps to nearest mapped location when on roads that are not on the map.
After using for awhile, its greatest need becomes clear:
The ability to set route waypoints. Fortunately, there's a patch that adds this feature - http{:}//trac.navit-project.org/ticket/46 - but it's not committed to trunk yet so the only way to get such a version is to download the source, apply the patch, and compile.
Here's where it gets wonky. As mentioned in the documentation (http{:}//wiki.navit-project.org/index.php/Navit_on_Android), cross-compiling for Android is sketchy. After trying unsuccessfully to build on an x86_64 machine, I've given up.
So the burning question: Any gurus out there want to give this a go and post the resulting .apk for 'testing'?
That is a nice app.
I and several others a work use WAZE.
It is free on the market.
Lets us know where the cops are hidding, and a plus it has navigation.
I was surprised when it was connected via bluetooth to my car radio, and a female voice announced. Police ahead 500 feet.
So dodge that ticket.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using xda premium
@StarLog, thanks for the tip, which made me take a better look at Waze. It IS totally cool. BUT, like Google Maps, it requires a data connection to grab map tiles and calculate routes. This is fine for those who only drive in areas with signal coverage and who have good data plan$. For them, Waze could eventually be superior to GMaps. (Might even be now, don't know.)
Navit, on the other hand, is completely self-contained (no data connection required). When started, it turns the device into a configurable navigator with full access to all onboard maps. Under battery power, no connections of any kind are needed. And I especially appreciate the "configurable" part, which lets me choose data and controls displayed, sizes and colors, and where shown on screen.
Of course, this less dynamic map model makes updates more cumbersome, and there's no provision for real-time input to the database. Two different approaches, two different products.
Hello all, I've been searching the forums for a similar thread but didn't find anything, so I'm going ahead and posting my advice, hope it can be useful to HD2 fellow owners. I came into possession of an euro HD2 one month ago (my mom didn't use it, it's practically new, lucky me), installed straight away an Android ROM, Tytung's "NexusHD2-JellyBean-4.1.2-CM10 V1.3a" (at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1930240).
Cool stuff, I was only pretty disappointed with the GPS fix times.
Then I learned about the gps.conf file, went on to open it, and was very surprised to find out that in this ROM it is very basic and short. I don't know about the situation with other ROMs and other Android versions, but the problem could possibly concern many HD2 users.
So I went for a search on XDA and on the general internet, got educated a bit on the matter, then I started experimenting and finally put together a file that's working very well for me - I'm getting cold fixes in under a minute, and warm fixes in seconds flat (all of this indoors, standing by a window). It was a long trial-and error work.
Hint: gps.conf is to be found in /system/etc directory. You'll need a rooted device to access it, and possibly to change permissions to the file to be able to modify it, I don't even remember if I did the latter :laugh:
Here's my take on the code:
#NTP_SERVER=ru.pool.ntp.org
NTP_SERVER=0.ru.pool.ntp.org
NTP_SERVER=1.ru.pool.ntp.org
NTP_SERVER=2.ru.pool.ntp.org
#NTP_SERVER=3.ru.pool.ntp.org
#NTP_SERVER=europe.pool.ntp.org
NTP_SERVER=0.europe.pool.ntp.org
NTP_SERVER=1.europe.pool.ntp.org
#NTP_SERVER=2.europe.pool.ntp.org
#NTP_SERVER=3.europe.pool.ntp.org
XTRA_SERVER_1=http://xtra1.gpsonextra.net/xtra.bin
XTRA_SERVER_2=http://xtra2.gpsonextra.net/xtra.bin
XTRA_SERVER_3=http://xtra3.gpsonextra.net/xtra.bin
DEFAULT_USER_PLANE=TRUE
DISABLE_AGPS_WHEN_ROAMING=true
REPORT_POSITION_USE_SUPL_REFLOC=1
AssistMethodType=1
AgpsUse=1
AgpsMtConf=0
AgpsMtResponseType=1
AgpsServerType=1
AgpsServerIp=3232235555
DEFAULT_SSL_ENABLE=FALSE
INTERMEDIATE_POS=1
QOS_ACCURACY=60
QOS_TIME_OUT_AGPS=120
QOS_TIME_OUT_STANDALONE=180
SUPL_HOST=supl.google.com
SUPL_PORT=7276
SUPL_SECURE_PORT=7275
SUPL_NO_SECURE_PORT=3425
CURRENT_CARRIER=common
ENABLE_WIPER=1
I'll explain a little: NTP URLs are for getting the precise time from a special server, this is necessary for the A-GPS because location is tracked by estimating the time to reception of the satellite's signal (I'm no expert but I shouldn't be much off the mark). So you want to download the time with the shortest network ping (delay) or it will not be accurate, and in order to do this you need to choose a NTP server as close to you as possible. In fact, of all the code I posted, the only part you should personalize to your needs is the lines regarding the NTP servers. I live in Russia, so I have the letters "ru" in the domains. To find the active servers closest to you, go to:
http://www.pool.ntp.org/en/
Also, I added the European servers as a backup (because they are not too far away from Russia), as some people suggest, and I verified that in some cases they get used by my device, possibly because of an excessive delay in receiving an answer from the earlier-listed addresses.
So why did I comment out some of the servers in the code? Well, looks like a failure in receiving an answer from a server can lead to a waste of time because of longish timeouts. In any case, I found out that by using only three servers from my area (and a couple from Europe, not more) I'm getting better fix times. So I left out the others but did not erase them for good, in order to stress the fact that I found a difference from those who suggest to add some eight NTP addresses or more.
So to recap, say you're from Japan, you could use:
NTP_SERVER=0.jp.pool.ntp.org
NTP_SERVER=1.jp.pool.ntp.org
NTP_SERVER=2.jp.pool.ntp.org
and immediately below (optional):
NTP_SERVER=0.asia.pool.ntp.org
NTP_SERVER=1.asia.pool.ntp.org
Then there's the Xtra servers needed to get the satellites' updated position in a format recognized by our Qualcomm chip. One size fits for all, no need to change anything here. The Agps engine relies on them, or in case of necessity falls back on the SUPL hosts (in this case, google.com).
I found out that the SUPL TLS hosts are useless for me, so I erased the following lines, that some people included and some others say are malformed:
SUPL_TLS_HOST=FQDN
SUPL_TLS_CERT=/etc/SuplRootCert
Also, the much advertised C2K host, and the following lines of code, did not work for me:
C2K_HOST=c2k.pde.com
C2K_PORT=1234
The last line,
ENABLE_WIPER=1
determines the persistence of the (AGPS?) position established by WIFI. It is not clear to me,though, if this is related to the AGPS data unloaded by WIFI, or the geographic position extrapolated by Google from a WIFI networks database (the fix you get when your WIFI is on even without GPS of AGPS). Anyway, 0 stands for inactive, as expected, and 1 for active. I believe modifying this line should not have any negative influence, make your tests.
I recommend you to:
1 - verify that you successfully saved the modified gps.conf file.
2 - reboot the phone (some say one should even turn it off, remove the battery and leave it off for minutes, in order to clean the cache) then use the app "GPS Status" to flush the Agps data and reload said data (and of course wait 1-2 min. the first time). Only then will the effects be visibile.
3 - needless to say, check that your data connection is active.
Also I recommend you not to use programs, like FasterGPS, that work by overwriting the contents of the gps.conf file, or you will have to start anew.
That's it. Please let me know how is your mileage, thanks for your attention.
March 5 edit:
The edited file described above works well until the ephemerides expire (after 2-3 hours from a cold fix). After that, fix times tend to rise, until the 6th hour from the last AGPS data download, at which point (at least on my phone) fresh data get downloaded as per GPS Status app settings (under "download GPS data at start"). My feeling is, since the script does not provide for a routine for assessing data age, and this JB ROM does not include a gpsconfig.xml file, this routine must be missing for good - so the phone tries a warm GPS start using data that are not valid anymore, thence the longer fix times (I may be totally wrong in my diagnosis, so commentaries from more tecnically savvy users are very welcome). I'm going to try and use chunks of a gpsconfig.xml from some other ROM, and see if the newly included gpsconfig.xml file gets recognized at all, to try and include a routine for discerning old from fresh data. Going to update this post further in case of progress.
March 7 note: this problem may be overcome by modifying the already mentioned option "download GPS data at start" choosing the suboption "download if data are older than one hour" under settings in the "GPS Status" app.
This solution is not very elegant from a developing standpoint, plus it involves using the network (and to have it available) more often than the normal ephemerides' expiry term, plus it forces you to use an external app, so I'm looking for a better solution anyway.
March 7 edit: slight modifications to the code. Also, erased the sentence "Important: if you use the app "GPS Status", remember to choose "weak" or "no filter" under "Sensors filter" in the settings" (as this seems to exert little influence with the use of QoS in the code).
Great info
Thanks a bunch, Luther. This helped for me as well. need to see if my cold fix times increase as you mention at the end. Good luck with the xml file development. Hope it works.
gprash said:
Thanks a bunch, Luther. This helped for me as well. need to see if my cold fix times increase as you mention at the end. Good luck with the xml file development. Hope it works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're welcome, Sir. Please check out the latest amendment to the code.
Im a java programmer new to android. Im currently doing some research into geo location based services and privacy and want to develop an app that can counter the privacy concerns.
I want to develop a security app for a college project that can alter my gps co-ordinates on my device, thus fooling all other apps on my phone into thinking I’m somewhere else, may be another country or just a mile away.
I am aware that there are apps out there in the play store to do this, but I'm not sure how I could implement it myself.
I believe there are classes and methods that can be used. such as Location and setMockLocation. I could use some advice or a point in the right direction.
I believe these methods and classes are normally used for testing purposes but I wonder If I could use them to say fool a service into thinking I’m in my city, but not in my neighbourhood.
Any help, advice would be greatly appreciated
I know this is a late response but better late than never.
I'm sure your intent is benign, but this is precisely the sort of thing frowned upon by the community. Think about it. If an app is allowed to spoof a location, all sorts of fraud could take place. Also, i would assume that any classes provided by Java/crapdroid would be "read only" when it comes to GPS.
That being said, what you can try doing is manually switching off the GPS radio, and then hard-coding a location in your app. For example something like:
int main(void) {
SomeClass.setLocation("Seattle");
}
Normally this is bad practice, and inflexible.
The other thing you can do is sort out your location (city, state, country) based on IP address and adding logic in your app to use that info without ever touching the GPS.
I would also urge you to use GPS location sparingly for 4 primary reasons
1.) You are never guaranteed the user has a device with a GPS radio. Even if s/he has one, there is no guarantee that such radio is turned on in the first place
2.) We don't live in a perfect world. GPS location may not be accurate. For example it may say "Seattle" if you're in the Seattle metro area but that could mean anywhere from Tacoma to Bellingham (a pretty large area)
3.) GPS uses power. This may be a mute point somewhat, but its still valid.
4.) Location services are not always provided by a GPS radio. usually android settings allow for a "hybrid" location approach based in part on your GPS radio, and in part on cellular radio triangulation, and / or relying on your wifi and/or cellular data. This links to point 2 above as well.
Hope this helps in some way
Since my original post, I have pursued my objective, and successfully spoofed the location of my device, Android provides a number of possible ways to do this. I font think the intent is frowned upon at all. My app provides privacy. It cant really be used to commit fraud. Any good forensics investigator would still be able to determine if a location had been spoofed.
There are at least 50 similar apps available on google play store. You should try one