My old phone could not run GPS without a data connection and that sucked, massively when I was overseas.
Does anyone know if the Nexus 4 is the same way, or if there is a way to run GPS without a data connection?
Thanks!
I've never heard of a phone that didn't have a separate GPS radio. If like you say your old phone needed a data connection then that wouldn't have been true GPS and was probably using triangulation between cell towers for location and that's a different beast all together. On every android device I've owned since 2010, including the Nexus 4, GPS is a standalone feature.
Your question is confusing. If you're asking if you can use all GPS features without data, in other words navigation/etc the answer is yes. However, Google Maps does not support those features without an active connection, you will need to purchase or obtain a standalone GPS application for Android (Garmin for example has one).
GPS will return location data, but Google requires a data connection for directions. You can download maps for offline use in My Places, but you will still need data for routes and directions. You can buy offline Nav apps for total offline use (CoPilot is one of them).
You might want to check into Backcountry Pro if you're looking for 'offline' GPS support that also has to support things like topographic maps and way points (primarily for backpacking, hiking, and camping). You should check into something like Garmin's app if you need directions and road maps offline.
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Hey guys, can someone confirm that when using the GPS function it does or does not use data plan? I know some phones such as the iPhone and Blackberry uses data for GPS, and I know the Touch HD is not required as it has the GPS receiver in the device. If someone can confirm this that would be appreciated.
Thanks
Hi!
No the phone has built in GPS Receiver
Awesome, I'm glad that they don't use data for the GPS function, that would be such a killer on data. Thanks for clarifying.
A GPS by definition must not use data. There are other methods of determining location besides GPS, but they are definitely not called GPS. Note that your device, though equipped with a GPS can ALSO use the cell network for finding its location.
So in the case of the iPhone 3g, what would you call that? My dad uses his "GPS" quite a bit but of course uses the data to download the maps. I'm assuming that the HTC Magic has the maps downloaded on the phone already therefore not needing data. Also when the cellphone uses the cell network to triangulate your position, that is not using data correct? I appreciate all the responses and clarification.
Thanks!
I have no knowledge or interest in apple junk.
However, you seem to be confusing the GPS with *what you do with* the data from the GPS. In your example, to me it sounds like it probably has a normal GPS that does NOT use data. GPS does NOT provide maps, pictures, or anything of the sort. GPS provides locational information by comparing the signals from several satellites to generate information like latitude, longitude, altitude, and bearing. This is all a bunch of numbers that the typical user won't be able to make much use of, so along with the GPS itself, you have some program that *does something* with the data. If you use google maps, then your phone will pull appropriate information from google's servers based on the information retrieved from the GPS. Another program that you could use, for example, is "gps status" (available on the market, use "gps status 2" for android 1.5 equipped devices), this will display the GPS information (and accelerometer) withOUT the maps/pictures/etc., and thus will NOT use any data from your data plan.
Regarding the cell tower location method... it doesn't use any data plan data, however, that does not mean that it is free.... check with your provider for specifics. Generally, cell tower location is crude whereas GPS is fine.
Does that help to clarify things?
Yes it does, thanks for your reply.
Other questions... CAn I use GPS software without Internet connection? Or I need all time internet to magic downlaod maps and info? It is any program Tomtom style for android? Thanks.
if someone has, or does release an application that contains its own map tiles, it will be entirely free to use, but will probably cost a fair amount to buy (the map tiles don't come cheap to the developers). Also I would expect such an app to be fairly large, and (if it does even fit) would eat up most or all of the 512 MB you can store your software in.
thinking about it, they could always give you an sd card with the maps and only have a fairly small app in the phone memory. although that's another matter
As long as an app uses google maps (or other online map resources), it will cost you data to use it.
For AT&T does using GPS cost money? From my understanding it only uses data to download maps but retrieving my coordinates is free. Do I understand correctly or have I been misled? (I do not remember where I read that.)
Also if it is true, then is there any GPS program that I can use that I can just download a map of a single city to my phone. That way I can just use Wifi at home to retrieve the map, then I can use it in my city for free.
Thirdly, assuming it true. Apps that tell me how fast I am going and how far I have traveled, would they cost me money. I think not because all they use is my coordinates, right?
GPS is free of charge, because it uses a satellite and no internet service.
There are a bunch of navigation softwares out there, but as far as I know, they all cost money. I, for example, use TomTom Navigator in Germany. You can buy it for around $100 with a detailed map of Germany and major roads of western europe. You can also purchase extra maps, for other countries. Dont know if you can buy a single city or state with at TomTom USA.
TomTom tells you how fast you are going at the moment you are using it. But there are a range of Tracking Apps, that can monitor the distance you do (Like TrackME). There is one program (forgot the name), that tracks your location like every 5 minutes and safes the coordinates in a format "Google Earth" is capable to read. So you can import the date and import it into Google Earth and then see the route you took.
If you have GPS in your phone, coordinates comes from satellites and is free. This is the signal that most of the non-map GPS apps use, so indeed free.
However, Assisted-GPS, which helps your GPS finding a signal faster, downloads a few kilobytes from the network, so costs very little, but is not free.
Maps are different. If you want it for active routing, you either need to buy and preload (TomTom, Garmin, and the likes), or you need an online service (Google) and you will need to pay data traffic for that
If you want the maps just for reference, not for active routing, and preload them at home, than there are a few nice programs, this one is very nice for the non-demanding user
Why does the edge symbol say its connected?
Don-Carlo said:
GPS is free of charge, because it uses a satellite and no internet service.
There are a bunch of navigation softwares out there, but as far as I know, they all cost money. I, for example, use TomTom Navigator in Germany. You can buy it for around $100 with a detailed map of Germany and major roads of western europe. You can also purchase extra maps, for other countries. Dont know if you can buy a single city or state with at TomTom USA.
TomTom tells you how fast you are going at the moment you are using it. But there are a range of Tracking Apps, that can monitor the distance you do (Like TrackME). There is one program (forgot the name), that tracks your location like every 5 minutes and safes the coordinates in a format "Google Earth" is capable to read. So you can import the date and import it into Google Earth and then see the route you took.
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The E will pop up while the phone asks the network for the co-ordinates of the local masts your are connected to. This can happen not just to get the original lock and your postition but if you are indoors it will stay on untill it picks up enough sats to navigate on its own.
Can I tell it to use Wifi for that instead of the Edge network? Will it only need to use this once?
anarchyuk said:
The E will pop up while the phone asks the network for the co-ordinates of the local masts your are connected to. This can happen not just to get the original lock and your postition but if you are indoors it will stay on untill it picks up enough sats to navigate on its own.
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If you are that worried about data connections, just disable AGPS. You can do that with Advanced Config tools 3.3. And/Or disable the data connections themselves, so *no* program can use data, also possible with Adv Cfg 3.3, but easier with Modaco NoData. Search the board for these utilities.
After disabling AGPS, you can still use QuickGPS when connected to WiFi to pre-download satellite positions, otherwise getting a fix takes several minutes. Search the forum for more info, all of your questions have been asked and answered before.
Thank you very much. I did search, however I must not have used the right keywords as I could only find programs that used GPS.
cybermaus said:
If you are that worried about data connections, just disable AGPS. You can do that with Advanced Config tools 3.3. And/Or disable the data connections themselves, so *no* program can use data, also possible with Adv Cfg 3.3, but easier with Modaco NoData. Search the board for these utilities.
After disabling AGPS, you can still use QuickGPS when connected to WiFi to pre-download satellite positions, otherwise getting a fix takes several minutes. Search the forum for more info, all of your questions have been asked and answered before.
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Does both Rogers and AT&T Samsung Focus have a built in GPS (don't need a data plan)? Ever site I've looked at for the specs gives conflicting information.
fastmhc said:
Does both Rogers and AT&T Samsung Focus have a built in GPS (don't need a data plan)? Ever site I've looked at for the specs gives conflicting information.
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As I understand, my focus at&t has built in GPS that can be used with and without a data plan. It just depends what GPS software you are using for instance any GPS software that uses realtime updates or online maps requires data to be used while GPS is enabled...some 3rd party software use stored on device offline maps that would not require a data plan. As for specific programs that use online and offline maps I don't know. I use a data plan so I don't have to worry about that stuff.
This is my understanding so if anyone has better insight be my guest
All WP7 phones have a GPS, just like they all have a camera, three front buttons, a gravity sensor, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor and a compass. There are free GPS apps that are on the Marketplace that will allow you to see the GPS does work.
In time, there will be standalone gps navigation apps for sale on the Marketplace, it just takes a little patience.
I just don't want assisted GPS (A-GPS). I want an integrated GPS chip. All phones dont' have a built in GPS (I think older iphones). I currently have a Samsung i8910 and it has an integrated GPS. I bought Garmin software to use the GPS maps and when I am overseas I just need to buy the maps for that region to access the maps. If you have A-GPS you have to buy a data plan from that country's carrier and using their network, you access the internet (google maps) to get your maps. I hope that is clear??
You totally misunderstood what A-GPS is.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Maybe I don't? this is a quote for the wiki page for GPS navigation for phones
" Some phones with GPS capability work by assisted GPS (A-GPS) only, and do not function when out of range of their carrier's cell towers. "
WP7's have A-GPS. They use both radio towers and satellites to obtain a fix on your location.
So yes, once a proper mapping application is released, you can travel to other countries without needing a data plan.
From wiki, sums it up pretty well i would say:
""Standalone" or "Autonomous" GPS operation use radio signals from satellites alone. A-GPS additionally uses network resources to locate and utilize the satellites faster as well as better in poor signal conditions."
Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assisted_GPS
fastmhc said:
Maybe I don't? this is a quote for the wiki page for GPS navigation for phones
" Some phones with GPS capability work by assisted GPS (A-GPS) only, and do not function when out of range of their carrier's cell towers. "
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Most of today's cell phone GPS chips can work either in standalone mode or Assited mode. A(ssited)-GPS helps to speed up your initial satellite lock by downloading satellite information from network. If you have no data connection, the chip will fall back to standalone mode. With A-GPS properly working, you can achive first lock within 10 seconds. Without it, you may have to wait for couple minutes for your first lock. After the initial lock these GPS chips work autonomously unless you use MS-Assited A-GPS mode. With the power of today's Smartphone, there is zero reason for using MS-Assisted mode unless you're using it in E911 situations.
It is ultimately the navigation software you choose determines whether or not you need cell data connection. Currently standalone navigation software on WP7 is quite limited or non-existent. If that is important to you, you may want to look for other Smartphones like iPhone or Android phones. Your old WM software won't work in WP7.
Question in title.. the other day, I went to the mountains and did not have any signal but my gps worked just fine. This leads the question, does using the gps use any mobile data at all?
I'd guess no, but I'd be more curious to see if an app like GPS Essentials works when you're in that situation. It pulls a lot of info from GPS.
There is an app that caches a large map file on your SD card so you can do basic map (not google) navigation without any data connection at all but the name of it escapes me at the moment. If that app is even possible then I'd guess GPS can function independently of data as long as it doesn't need anything beyond basic location info.
Today's Google Maps update in the market kinda deals with this. It adds caching options so that if you lose your data connection (which is required for things like driving navigation) you don't lose everything else too. It caches data so the phone can continue working for a few minutes even without a data signal.
The GPS has a function which access the internet to help it lock on for the first time. It looks up on the internet where the satellites might be. If you have a standalone GPS that you have not used for a while, it takes several minutes to lock on. Looking up where the satellites are on the sky through the internet speeds this up significantly. I believe that is what is called A-GPS. But I believe any GPS works standalone, without data.
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=819394
YES .......
Sorry if question seems stupid, but i'm still waiting my Ideos to come, so i cannot test it. In gsmarena writes it has built-in gps..but.. i think gps is not gps if it need help from wi-fi or carriers.
Does this phone support GPS just via satellites?
yes it does.
iakoboss7 said:
yes it does.
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Thanks...i'm just found the answer in other forum. Just quote here to other people, like me D
This is because ordinary GPS's have the maps loaded onto them and therefore there is no need to download the map.
Google Navigation is based on Google Maps which, to my knowledge, needs a data connection to render an image.
With the latest release of Google Maps you can turn on caching which allows you to store tiles of maps you use.
As to your second point.....
Yes, you can turn off the data connection once your router has been calculated and downloaded.
However, if you take a wrong turn, your phone will not be able to recalculate a route.
Finally, you can get GPS that download the maps to your phone and therefore make it like a normal GPS.
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Just to clarify here, there are 2 modes of operation when using GPS navigation - Integrated and Assisted GPS.
If you use apps like Sygic, Navigon etc, you don't need data traffic and that's working on Satellite signal only.
If you're using Google Maps or Brut, then you need data for the maps mainly. The advantage with Google Maps or Brut is that if your satellite coverage is poor or unavailable, it switches automatically to assisted GPS (if you've got the option on), which uses the data network to triangulate the position.
I'm using this more than regular navigation because the signal strength of satellite signal is poor within the car and Assisted GPS works better/faster, but I've got a good data plan.
katu2006 said:
Just to clarify here, there are 2 modes of operation when using GPS navigation - Integrated and Assisted GPS.
If you use apps like Sygic, Navigon etc, you don't need data traffic and that's working on Satellite signal only.
If you're using Google Maps or Brut, then you need data for the maps mainly. The advantage with Google Maps or Brut is that if your satellite coverage is poor or unavailable, it switches automatically to assisted GPS (if you've got the option on), which uses the data network to triangulate the position.
I'm using this more than regular navigation because the signal strength of satellite signal is poor within the car and Assisted GPS works better/faster, but I've got a good data plan.
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I knew all that i just did not now do this phone has built-in GPS processor. Anyway i prefer GPS, not using data because my country is small map is only 13MB of size in navigon, and data plans are kinda not cheap and i don't need it so i just was upset if this phone only had A-GPS
Maps has a new feature, you can preload up to 10 maps, each with a 16km/10miles radius. Then you do not need umts for google maps anymore. Of course the radius is not that big.