Doubts about gps, google maps, google navigation,local - Nexus 4 Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I keep reading everywhere that i should keep my gps off because it drains the battery very quick but im a little confused, if it turn it off then doing stuff like sharing my location on facebook, twitter, foursquare wouldnt work? if i make a check in foursquare for example it wont work if i have my gps off? or they use internet to track my location? can these applications turn on the gps by themselves or i have to turn it on by myself everytime?
In reality how much battery would be drained if i leave the gps on all the time?
Also i'm confused by google services i think they're a little redundant: Google navigation and google maps? can't you do the same "navigation" with google maps ? you can get into google navigation inside google maps but there's still a shortcut for navigation What's the difference?
Also you have local but it uses google maps and then you have latitude and earth which is basically the same but with a wrold map .
Can anyone enlighten me?

Chad_Petree said:
I keep reading everywhere that i should keep my gps off because it drains the battery very quick but im a little confused, if it turn it off then doing stuff like sharing my location on facebook, twitter, foursquare wouldnt work? if i make a check in foursquare for example it wont work if i have my gps off? or they use internet to track my location? can these applications turn on the gps by themselves or i have to turn it on by myself everytime?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Locations can be determined from networks (either cell towers or wifi networks), just not as accurately or quickly.
Chad_Petree said:
Also i'm confused by google services i think they're a little redundant: Google navigation and google maps? can't you do the same "navigation" with google maps ? you can get into google navigation inside google maps but there's still a shortcut for navigation What's the difference?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Navigation navigates. Sounds obvious, but it is different than just maps. Navigate gives turn-by-turn navigation. Maps is just maps. It finds stuff... including your location. And can show you a path from point A to point B.
Chad_Petree said:
Also you have local but it uses google maps and then you have latitude and earth which is basically the same but with a wrold map .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I thought latitude was more of a social check-in app.
I am no expert and am new to android, so someone may be better at explaining things.
Chris

Apps can't turn GPS on without asking you first / sending you to the settings to enable it. Like cmalinowski said, it still has ways of figuring out your general location.
Latitude is a social thing. I'm pretty sure about four people use it, all Google employees.

For navigation I use waze, and I used to use Foursquare instead of latitude.
Regarding your question, you must have the location services ON, in order to have all the features.

cmalinowski said:
Locations can be determined from networks (either cell towers or wifi networks), just not as accurately or quickly.
Navigation navigates. Sounds obvious, but it is different than just maps. Navigate gives turn-by-turn navigation. Maps is just maps. It finds stuff... including your location. And can show you a path from point A to point B.
I thought latitude was more of a social check-in app.
I am no expert and am new to android, so someone may be better at explaining things.
Chris
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah for sure the location when i use just 3g is not very accurate, it says i'm in places like 2 km away
Navigations works only by car and by foot, no bus or subway directions right?
So a good example of how to use google services is use the maps to get the directions: lets say you take the subway and when you get off and start walking you switch to navigation so you know in which street/alley should you cross, right?
Ok so latitude is sort of a foursquare then?
calanizzle said:
For navigation I use waze, and I used to use Foursquare instead of latitude.
Regarding your question, you must have the location services ON, in order to have all the features.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes i have the location services on but its kinda worthless because if you have the gps off they dont work at all or just work poorly

Ajfink said:
Apps can't turn GPS on without asking you first / sending you to the settings to enable it. Like cmalinowski said, it still has ways of figuring out your general location.
Latitude is a social thing. I'm pretty sure about four people use it, all Google employees.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Poor google, its a shame , just like google+, very pretty but no one uses it

i never turn my gps off. the big savings in battery is keeping the screen brightness down. the screen is so good that i can keep mine almost all the way down and it is still pretty bright.

I honestly don't think you have to worry about gps on off or other options... I have everything enabled, and i mean everything, all the time - and my battery easily lasts a day under moderate usage.
when im heavy using it, I admit i throw it on the usb charger to pc at work. but if i dont it will be around 6-10% by the evening.
it's irrelevant for me because i do charge it every night. ultra small price to pay for vast functionality that the phone offers.

they designed it in a way that if an app is not calling it then GPS is turned off automatically. there is really no reason (now) to keep GPS off. just leave it on and let Android decide if it is needed.
and the battery drain from Navigating with public transportation would leave the phone dead in an hour.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

wngmv said:
they designed it in a way that if an app is not calling it then GPS is turned off automatically. there is really no reason (now) to keep GPS off. just leave it on and let Android decide if it is needed.
and the battery drain from Navigating with public transportation would leave the phone dead in an hour.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok i will keep my gps on then , yeah the battery MELTS with maps and/or navigation :crying:

Related

X10 gps question

Hello guys, yesterday i used the maps and it said i need to turn my 3g on i usually have it off. And when i press navigate it said i need to enable gps and i did. So my question is doesnt gps run without 3g or internet on other phones? And also i wana know does it use data?
because google maps requires an internet connection...
I all depends on which application you use for navigation.
Short answer:
Check with the software instrucions / help files to see how it behaves and works.
Long answer:
Some map software's have all the map data you need for your region already packed with it.
Advantage: No data need to be downloaded within the region, fast, works offline.
Disadvantage: Tricky to update the maps and often charge you for additional regions. Takes up space on the device.
Other apps download maps on the go as you navigate.
Advantage: Always the latest maps as you navigate. Takes less space on the device. Disadvantage: slow or even non-functional with poor or no data connection.
Google maps and Google navigation are of the latter one. They downloads maps as you navigate. therefor it is a good idea to have a data-plan with your provider so no additional expenses comes to.
They are free to use, so if you already have a data-plan with your provider, it's practically free.
On the X10, there are one application included by Sony Ericsson on most X10 sold out there: Wisepilot.
Wisepilot are the kind where you buy maps and download them into your phone, once this is done, it will use little or none of your data-connection.
I'm not sure, but I think Wisepilot are the kind that can be used offline once maps are bought and downloaded.
It can use the data-connection to download additional information such as "speed limit cameras", "spots of interest" and so on.
Try Mapdroid
This app downloads the MAP files when internet is available and can be used offline also with GPS activated..... try this, this is da best app
To US and Canadian Users
hey, when you use google navigation, will you be able to use the voice guidance??? I am having troubles to use the voice guidance...not sure how to activate it....
Having to buy the maps and such for wisepilot.. I wish there was a better solution for GPS on the x10. I wouldn't mind using it, but not necessary.
You can use GPS without 3G. I can even get a lock with my phone in airport mode and inside a cement building. When I say cement I mean cement, the floor, walls, and ceiling are all cement (hurricane proof). It is the third (top) floor however.
GPS software on x10
Currently I installed Navigon, Ndrive, MotoNave and Copilot 8 on my x10i with various world maps and all fully functional without 3g or network connection, direct data from satellite in orbit with the phone inbuild GPS receiver. Why you may ask? Because I can. How you may ask? The answers is out there! I am giving you the knowledge , now go and find your answers.
X10 is an Awsome device.
Another solution is to use the Brut Google Maps mod. It allows you to view previously viewed maps from the SD card. It saves the Google maps cache to your SD, but the only downside is that you have to view all of the places you want to travel on at all zoom levels.
If anyone needs it, I have the majority of Menorca done at all zoom levels......
I tend to use google navigation, the best bit of this is when you have your route downloaded and the voice guidance starts, you can then switch off your 3g and it still routes you. Obviously if you take a wrong turn it won't be able to download a new route until you switch 3g back on, but hey
Sent from my X10i using XDA App
Wow really.. so I can use my phone's gps rather than my car's and I DON"T need 3g?? that's sweet..
Only too bad I don't know how to install any other GPS on my phone... I'm such a noob. Back to my magellans GPS .. ool
Anyone willing to go through the process with me ? haha
twentybenson said:
I tend to use google navigation, the best bit of this is when you have your route downloaded and the voice guidance starts, you can then switch off your 3g and it still routes you. Obviously if you take a wrong turn it won't be able to download a new route until you switch 3g back on, but hey
Sent from my X10i using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
do you mind to share how you activate the voice guidance??? I am having troubles activating this in my google navigation....
Sighx said:
Wow really.. so I can use my phone's gps rather than my car's and I DON"T need 3g?? that's sweet..
Only too bad I don't know how to install any other GPS on my phone... I'm such a noob. Back to my magellans GPS .. ool
Anyone willing to go through the process with me ? haha
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use Google, i have Sygic with France, Spain, Andorra and Portugal maps up to date, included shops, hotels, restaurants, radars...
I repeat, use google and you will find out
oXunknownXo said:
Use Google, i have Sygic with France, Spain, Andorra and Portugal maps up to date, included shops, hotels, restaurants, radars...
I repeat, use google and you will find out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have searched Google. I live in Canada so I would need North American maps.. ha.. but however, I still don't get the installation process. I am not very computer literate as many of you guys are ):
njfpolyr6 said:
To US and Canadian Users
hey, when you use google navigation, will you be able to use the voice guidance??? I am having troubles to use the voice guidance...not sure how to activate it....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It automatically did it on mine. On google map, tap on Direction. When you enter direction it will ask you to activate GPS (if not already activated).
RumpleStealthSkin said:
It automatically did it on mine. On google map, tap on Direction. When you enter direction it will ask you to activate GPS (if not already activated).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the google navigation works fine, just there is no voice guidance... It only has the "beep" sound when it is about to change in direction (like make left/right turn, stay in the lane, or heading out to the exit) So I am wondering how to make it with turn by turn with voice guidance turn on...
iHim said:
Currently I installed Navigon, Ndrive, MotoNave and Copilot 8 on my x10i with various world maps and all fully functional without 3g or network connection, direct data from satellite in orbit with the phone inbuild GPS receiver. Why you may ask? Because I can. How you may ask? The answers is out there! I am giving you the knowledge , now go and find your answers.
X10 is an Awsome device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what nav app did u like the most out of those? i currently have motonav, its great but button presses are somewhat laggy. what do u reccomend?
Sent from my X10a using XDA App
njfpolyr6 said:
the google navigation works fine, just there is no voice guidance... It only has the "beep" sound when it is about to change in direction (like make left/right turn, stay in the lane, or heading out to the exit) So I am wondering how to make it with turn by turn with voice guidance turn on...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try going to your phone Settings/Speech Synthesis/Install voice data...
If that doesn't work the I've no idea
Good luck!
Sent from my X10i using XDA App
I like em all but the one I find myself using the most is Copilot 8 and yes you are right, button presses are laggy on Motonav. I travel all over the world with my job so these GPA apps are very handy to have on a single device.
Best device for my needs. Great apps, awesome GPS, great camera, storage space (16GB), 3G & wifi and movies.
twentybenson said:
Try going to your phone Settings/Speech Synthesis/Install voice data...
If that doesn't work the I've no idea
Good luck!
Sent from my X10i using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks like i am out of luck. the "install voice data" optioned was dimmed out, and i wont be able to install it.....

[Q] looking for gps app.......

I do alot of off road where there is no wifi or 3g/4g. I need a nice app where I can download sat images and maybe even layer them with terrain. I won't be able to download on the road nor the trail. I tryed to use "maps". But I couldn't seem to get the maps. I always know where in goin(area) the next day. So I can download them ahead of time... I tried a couple diff apps. But most where paved roads. Nothing with sat. Memory space is not a problem. Planing on doing a seperate SD card just for this. Any help will be great. Thank you.
You looking for something like this?
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.crittermap.backcountrynavigator.license&hl=en. They do have a demo version
Sent from my A500 using xda premium
i played with that one before. Its nice for sure. But I can't get it to give me roads too. I want Google maps to work offline. That would be great.
You should be able to cache Google Maps offline. I believe it is a Beta labs feature for maps where you can designate an area for offline use while you are still connected to a data network.
beta labs?
I think there are several off line GPS programs, including Waze and something called ZANavi. I think there are others as well, but if you search for offline GPS, there are quite a few, including Google's June 2011 announcement of offline maps, which has not apparently come to fruition yet.
good luck.
dcohio said:
You should be able to cache Google Maps offline. I believe it is a Beta labs feature for maps where you can designate an area for offline use while you are still connected to a data network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont think you can pre-cache the terrain or satellite overlay though. At least it doesnt work on mine.
bytemehard said:
I dont think you can pre-cache the terrain or satellite overlay though. At least it doesnt work on mine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me too..... sucks cause I like "maps"
this is the only one i can find..
i tried it long long ago and did not work right with my tablet.. .Check Amazon app market for a trial downlaod.. it might be the solution ..if its now honeycomb/tablet supported
GOOD Luck
oops I forgot the link http://www.gaiagps.com/
you can load maps from many locations I got it from amazon asdi said above.. Just tried to load it and it comes up..but i have no maps d/loaded
tile cache for google maps
Ive been playing around with the google maps some more......even though the pre-cached maps with terrain overlays doesnt work well I did discover a way to do it.
First go to the grounds area you want cached and choose the layer that works best for you.
Next zoom to your desired scale and the view will slowly come to focus. When it does it seems to automatically cache that tile area. Problem is you will have to slowly scroll to each section of the landscape you want cached pausing until in focus. Hopefully its not too large of an area. It does seem to work and stores the info even after restart.
i have been caching tiles like you said all night.(in between my bf3 battles) It seems to keep them on there. i shut off wifi, and rebooted. still there. But for how long. I hope its there for good. i love that app.

Which offline GPS navigation do you use?

So, Since the Nexus 7 has only WiFi, which offline navigation app do you use when out without WiFI?
I don't mind paying for app but it should come close to Google maps navigation in terms of accuracy.
And yes Google maps doesn't allow you to navigate offline, it does allow only caching of maps offline.
Sygic, it is the best so far that I have used. Worth the price.
marcos.lennis said:
Sygic, it is the best so far that I have used. Worth the price.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow that is good to know! Tho very expensive. How much memory do all the different maps take? I am going to Europe this fall and will definitely have need of a GPS.
My only concern is that google navigation will eventually work offline, so why pay the extra cash? Then again. I AM going to Europe and I don't think that navigation will work in Europe anyway.
I use a Garmin.
adamhlj said:
I AM going to Europe and I don't think that navigation will work in Europe anyway.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why shouldn't it work in Europe. There is no reason. My Nexus 7 is working here in Germany and so will yours, or any other Navigationsytem.
:victory:
adamhlj said:
My only concern is that google navigation will eventually work offline, so why pay the extra cash? T
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How will Google navigation work offline? Maps work but navigation you always need Wifi.
I use Google Maps cached. If I forgot to cache one, I use Navfree.
Cache your route on wifi, will work offline.
captkbf said:
Why shouldn't it work in Europe. There is no reason. My Nexus 7 is working here in Germany and so will yours, or any other Navigationsytem.
:victory:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OH, nice! I was under the impression that google navigation only worked in The US and canada. What I will probably do is get the 14 day trial version of Sygic and then see if i can use the european map.
sahshah said:
How will Google navigation work offline? Maps work but navigation you always need Wifi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do other GPS devices have a constant connection to the internet? I thought they just re-routed based on your known location using the computer on the device and the stored maps.
I bought Co pilot Live Premium USA yesterday, think it's on sale for 9.99. Haven't used it to navigate yet but downloaded the Midwest maps and played around with it a bit, seems like it will work pretty well. Unfortunately it's only USA maps so you'd have to buy a different version for Europe.
I got CoPilot Live Standard USA for 3.99. Not what the difference is between standard and premium, but all maps are offline. I started it up when I left to work one morning and went my normal direction to work, which was different from what the route said to go. When I didn't take a turn, it automatically adjusted the route for me. Supposed to get free map upgrades "for life".
Only problem is that it can be a rip-off if you want the extra features like 3d navigation, active traffic (12-month subscription), fuel prices (12-month subscription), personal routes (lets you do alternate routes, drag and drop routes, etc.). All of those cost at least 4.96 or more. Only one I'd really consider if personal routes to get alternate routes, but I can live without it for now. 3d navigation would be nice, but not at a cost of 14.99, that's just ridiculous since my eyes will be on the road 99.9% of the time...
I'm another big Sygic fan - and compared to the $100 or so I was paying every year to upgrade maps on a standalone it's very, very cheap. I've used it in Mexico, Arizona, and New Mexico, including in places where there's no cell signal at all and it's accurate and quick. It would be great for Europe, because you can navigate "walking" routes as well as driving. Buying the "package" deals makes the most sense. Have fun! - sheureka
I also use Sygic myself. Tried Co-Pilot and it didn't have some addresses like my house in Canada. Sygic on the other hand is just amazing.
sahshah said:
So, Since the Nexus 7 has only WiFi, which offline navigation app do you use when out without WiFI?
I don't mind paying for app but it should come close to Google maps navigation in terms of accuracy.
And yes Google maps doesn't allow you to navigate offline, it does allow only caching of maps offline.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
im pretty sure it has offline navigation. i think
see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUIZL_rvCIY
I use Navit and Navdroyd...works well to tell me where on Earth I am. completely offline.
Navit is clunky to use but the app and vector road maps of any land in the world are free to download. I like to walk in a foreign country until I am lost then start Navit to find where I am.
Androidftw1 said:
im pretty sure it has offline navigation. i think
see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUIZL_rvCIY
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google Maps uses GPS to show you where you are. Has nothing to do with WiFi if you cache the offline maps.
You can't do turn-by-turn, but if you are out hiking it is great for showing where you are.
Because Apple WiFi does not use GPS receivers, they like to make everyone think it does not work for Google either.

Google real time traffic

Does anyone know the best way to provide google with realtime data from my Nexus S to help them update the realtime live traffic data?
Reason I ask is they say it is google maps which will provide them with details of my speed and location so they can work out the live traffic status but my problem is if I leave google maps open the phone goes to sleep and when you wake it the GPS has been turned to standby thus meaning it has lost my live location and stopping google from being able to use my location in the traffic.
http://mashable.com/2012/03/29/google-maps-traffic-data/
Help please :good
Prototypeuk said:
Does anyone know the best way to provide google with realtime data from my Nexus S to help them update the realtime live traffic data?
Reason I ask is they say it is google maps which will provide them with details of my speed and location so they can work out the live traffic status but my problem is if I leave google maps open the phone goes to sleep and when you wake it the GPS has been turned to standby thus meaning it has lost my live location and stopping google from being able to use my location in the traffic.
http://mashable.com/2012/03/29/google-maps-traffic-data/
Help please :good
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maps services always run in the background as needed. You do not need to run the Maps app to provide your location data. As long as you opted in location services it will provide Google your data in the background.
Sent from my Nexus S using xda premium
[email protected] said:
Maps services always run in the background as needed. You do not need to run the Maps app to provide your location data. As long as you opted in location services it will provide Google your data in the background.
Sent from my Nexus S using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How when it needs the GPS to provide an accurate location so it can tell what road I am on, You can tell my GPS hasn't locked for sometime because it takes ages to find satellites so it can't be using GPS?
Prototypeuk said:
How when it needs the GPS to provide an accurate location so it can tell what road I am on, You can tell my GPS hasn't locked for sometime because it takes ages to find satellites so it can't be using GPS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If GPS is not available, it uses the cell towers and triangulates your location along with other users. Not as accurate as GPS but Google aggregates the data from different users to provide more accurate traffic info.
Sent from my Nexus S using xda premium

why google maps use so much battery

View attachment 1600400
As attach,google maps use too much battery-----I had not use maps ..
Go into Google maps settings into location and uncheck all options in there and ensure that it isn't reporting your location.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium
much thanks,I'll try this
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
tsongwh said:
much thanks,I'll try this
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
press the thanks button instead report back with findings
If you don't use maps at all, freeze with TB
calanizzle said:
If you don't use maps at all, freeze with TB
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And when you do use maps.... it's a hassle. If you have maps set up properly, it shouldn't even be using any battery life at all unless you turn the app on and actually start using it.
With your theory, you should freeze all apps you don't use? Doesn't make any logical sense.
I've got a similar issue with my battery usage. Comparing the maps usages on my N4 to my Photon, and on my N4, the usage is 10%, keep awake is 40m and the gps is 6m, and CPU is 8m.
For my Photon, the usage is 2%, the keep awake is 2h and the cpu total is 2m.
I do have CM10 on my Photon and still stock on my N4, but the behavior does seem odd. The N4 has much more usage
for me, unchecking location reporting did not fully do the trick. what you need to do is make sure maps does not autostart and cause wakelocks which decrease your battery life substantially. to do this, download an app called "autostarts" from the play store and disable all maps autostarts by sorting the autostart processes by app. this will not allow maps to autostart and use increased battery, but you will still be able to open maps normally and use it to its full extent
Hi
zephiK said:
And when you do use maps.... it's a hassle. If you have maps set up properly, it shouldn't even be using any battery life at all unless you turn the app on and actually start using it.
With your theory, you should freeze all apps you don't use? Doesn't make any logical sense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly it doesn't make much sense.
The usual issue is Google will periodically use Maps to get a GPS fix and Wi-Fi list to update it's own Wi-Fi to Location database. Saves them driving around with cars all the time and getting complaints about privacy I suppose :cyclops: Often it is this background updating of Google Wi-Fi locations that continually pop Google Maps into the battery list even if we never use it between charges.
There is now an easy to use global setting to quickly disable Google Maps from doing this, this is under Settings - Accounts - Google - Location, flick the switch here to off, now Google applications can not poll for locations or do background updates, however other applications can still use GPS and request a location.
Regards
Phil
sorry for bumping this but quite recently my maps app has been consuming battery more than my wifi, it's comparable with OP's photo. Now here is the thing, I already had this problem before and I solved it by disabling location reporting and stuff, but a few days ago it suddenly began to consume battery as if i had reenabled the location reporting stuff. I have used a app called wakeup detector to try and find whats wrong and this is what I'm getting. I hope someone can help.
Download "Greenify" if you're rooted.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

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