Google Maps lack of compass - Hero, G2 Touch Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

How can the developer of Google Maps not have a compass and auto rotation of maps on the Hero version when other apps are able to provide one ?
Anyone know why as its a pain.

Not sure, but if you are using street view withing Google Maps, then you can enable the compass. I really like that. It should be available with the normal maps.
What other map application uses the compass?

This was a big disappointment for me as well. Compass was the main reason for switching to a low resolution device from HD.
Having compass on the map would help a lot with pedestrian navigation. The compass in streetview in my opinion is only a gimmick and not really needed more than a few minutes when you first got the device.
However, in the map view if you had a compass on one corner, then you would work out which direction to walk. Even with low accuracy, it would certainly help. The map points north and therefore, seeing which direction is north would give you idea rather than walking around fast to see your direction from GPS.
HereIm Map Helper sort of does the job but you still need two applications.
Also it is interesting to see, Google staff's replies to this issue.
http://www.google.com/support/forum/p/Google+Mobile/thread?tid=6b2c0d5872df9ab2&hl=en
It seems, they are not really using the products they are developing.
I still like the device and no regrets. but I could not give up HD yet mainly due to proper exhange support. Now that I am using sony ebook reader, resolution is also not a big deal anymore.

clobber said:
What other map application uses the compass?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
RMaps, Location Scout to name but two...

When I use google map theres a little blue arrow showing which direction I'm facing...if I turn the phone around, the arrow turns too so its using the compass. I Guess you want the map to turn?

Ah... thats the direction arrow, not the compass. It will only turn if it detects you walking.
If standing still it won't generally face the way you are until you move forwards.
A compass would point north and rotate the map with you as you turn... like on iPhone...

Related

[Q] Anybody know what is the best Offline GPS app for Hiking?

I have looked through google and parts of this forum but haven't really had any luck on finding an app that will show coordinates when you're offline. I know there are apps where you can download a map and store it on your SD card, but I like to hike in Eastern Oregon and Western Idaho where there aren't really any options to get the maps digitally.
I was wondering if anyone knew of an app that allowed you to enter coordinates to navigate there or to have it save your current coordinates so you could return there.
Thanks,
Justin
Did you check out Locus and Maverick from the Android Apps and Games forum? If they are good, maybe come back and do a mini-review? I'd be interested in setting up something similar on my phone.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=907430
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1524092
OSMAnd might also be useful - if your hiking trails are in OSM.
However OSMAnd doesn't do offline terrain/topo.
Entropy512 said:
OSMAnd might also be useful - if your hiking trails are in OSM.
However OSMAnd doesn't do offline terrain/topo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, IDK I'll have a physical topo map so I don't necessarily need topo, I'll check it out. I'm more concerned about the Lat/Long Coordinates to make sure I can get back to my car...It's hours away from even remote towns and I don't want to get lost!
stone_ship said:
Did you check out Locus and Maverick from the Android Apps and Games forum? If they are good, maybe come back and do a mini-review? I'd be interested in setting up something similar on my phone.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=907430
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1524092
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll check them out and post back if I find useful, I did download maverick and it looks like it allows you to navigate to coordinates. I also downloaded the free version of backpacker GPS Trails and it's pretty good as well, It even has a map which includes one of the hikes I'm interested in. I'll update in a few weeks after I've had some time to try them out around town...
Thanks guys.
Gaia GPS is nice. You can predownload maps and record and save your hikes, then post them with google maps.
techjeep said:
Gaia GPS is nice. You can predownload maps and record and save your hikes, then post them with google maps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool Thanks, I'll mess around with the map making first then I might have to check Gaia out..you think it's worth the $10?
There's AllTrails, Backpacker GPS Trails Lite, and MyTracks too!
justinblaine23 said:
Cool Thanks, I'll mess around with the map making first then I might have to check Gaia out..you think it's worth the $10?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
VerticalCobra said:
There's AllTrails, Backpacker GPS Trails Lite, and MyTracks too!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've used My Tracks to record bike rides, and the only issue I've had with it is that I always seem to start off about 200-400 ft below sea level. I can usually get GPS Test app to settle down to something close to actual altitude, but My Tracks never does even if I let it sit for 5 minutes outside with a clear view of the sky before I start recording the ride. According to the GPS Status app web site, this is the way the GPS works on Android.
I swear by Locus Pro, personally. There's a "map tweak" add-on available that allows you to view and download from Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc. plus they have up-to-date My Topo maps. Whenever I'm heading out, I download the entire area down to the highest zoom level, in Google terrain maps and My Topo maps, and maybe satellite if I'm feeling like I might want it (though those tiles are a lot larger than the rest). It even interfaces with My Tracks if you want to use that to record your route instead of the built-in tracker.
I've used Gaia GPS several times in the past hiking around the Rockies and it's been great. No issues at all. I'm not sure that it's the best, but it's worked well for me.
My fav is Oruxmaps. You can use mobile atlas creator to create offline maps from either windows/mac/linux. It's java based.
baggar11 said:
My fav is Oruxmaps. You can use mobile atlas creator to create offline maps from either windows/mac/linux. It's java based.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK thanks
Sent from my SGH-I777 using XDA
In the default Google maps app, hit the menu button and go into settings, then labs. Enable "pre-cache map area". Then go back to the map, and long-press on the area you'll be hiking. Tap on the location detail, then down at the bottom you should see "pre-cache map area". That will save the area within 10 miles of the location for use when there is no data service.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using XDA
justinblaine23 said:
Thanks, IDK I'll have a physical topo map so I don't necessarily need topo, I'll check it out. I'm more concerned about the Lat/Long Coordinates to make sure I can get back to my car...It's hours away from even remote towns and I don't want to get lost!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Osmand has a car parking plugin that not only records to use as destination the location where you left you car, but also the time you must return to it. You can also show the current location, create a POI for it and do whatever you like with it.
Try Spyglass, it's by far my favourite nav app. It works extremely well when offline with just gps signal and top-notch for off-road navigation, hiking and camping. It's crammed with all that necessary data like gps coordinates, current azimuth, altitude, speed, potential arrival time to your target and much more. You can also save locations to return to them later and share locations with your friends.

[Q] Nokia Maps - no compass to show what way im pointing?

Hey,
Ive just updated my android to a windows phone 8 Lumia 920 and I used google maps navigation a lot on my old android.
Im trying to use Nokia maps for walking navigation, but it never seems to show what way im pointing, which makes it very hard to understand and use....on more than one occasion ive walked the wrong way before realising im doing so
Does Nokia maps not have a compass feature???? Nokia City lens has it, so they know how to use the feature!! but city lets wont let me do walking navigation between 2 points so its useless to me there
Unfortunately Nokia Maps don't have this feature...
I hope Nokia will implement it soon in the next versions...
The biggest problem is as you said to start to walk in the right direction, sometime it's helpful to look around and read the street names to understand in which direction you should start walking...
If you like Google maps better you can use gMaps from the Microsoft Store...
It also has a compass feature...
Thanks for your reply
Im actually quite amazed that an app which has a major feature such as a 'walking directions' doesnt have a compass. Nokia seems to have it all backwards
Thanks for the gmap tip! Ill try using that for a bit but may end up switching back to my android purely for their Google maps navigation software (as driving includes traffic too, unlike Nokia Drive )
It comes all down to personal preferences i like Nokia drive better than Google Maps navigation... But I don't use ether of them...
For me right now Navigon is the best Navigation Software an Windows Phone...
I like it more than the Android version...
Anyway can you suggest me a full blown navigation software on Android??
I tried Navigon but I'm not really satisfied.. I don't like the UI at all...
I pretty much swear by Google maps navigation on android. Its never done me wrong in terms of driving or walking navigation (and it uses the compass feature!!!)
Additionally it gives you a good traffic overview which is constantly updated.
Only negative is that its pretty much online only, although you can now download small parts of your map for offline navigation (but we are talking up to around 5-10 mile radius)
I like Google maps for walking navigation but i really don't like it for car navigation...
It seems i have to search and test a little bit more...
I agree there are better driving nav systems out there, but the traffic assistance and ability to reroute to absolutely anything in the Google maps system is really useful to me! For free I'm not sure there's anything out there close to it, but if you find something better I'd be very interested to try it out
Ikkari said:
It comes all down to personal preferences i like Nokia drive better than Google Maps navigation... But I don't use ether of them...
For me right now Navigon is the best Navigation Software an Windows Phone...
I like it more than the Android version...
Anyway can you suggest me a full blown navigation software on Android??
I tried Navigon but I'm not really satisfied.. I don't like the UI at all...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought Sygic on Android and it works fine. They update maps often and you get no problem changing device. Speed limits are not correct. for example, all around Geneva it is indicated 120 km/h for highway and it should be 100km/h. Nokia drive is more precise, but their maps are older (more than two years traffic changes not updated near home. I'm sure it will come soon.

GPS navigation: Awesome but major design flaw!

I absolutely love, love, love the Google satellite view in the Navigational GPS app. The whole app really is awesome. I'll probably never use my Tomtom again.
BUT! Unlike my Tomtom which can calculate a set of directions locally on the device the S4 appears to have Google do the calculation on their servers and transmit the info via Internet connection. That's a real problem when you're in an area that has poor service. Navigation becomes totally nonfunctional.
The GPS navigation will work through an area of no service if you start in an area with service so the app can download a set of directions. The problems come if you need to start your journey in an area with no service, or do like I did and exit the navigation app to do other things like make a phone call from a backwoods gas station. When I tried to restart the navigation app it kept waiting to download the directions set from google which wasn't going to happen out there. Lucky for me I remembered enough to get me back to an area with 3G where the service restored functionality to the navigation app. Lesson learned.
0reo said:
I absolutely love, love, love the Google satellite view in the Navigational GPS app. The whole app really is awesome. I'll probably never use my Tomtom again.
BUT! Unlike my Tomtom which can calculate a set of directions locally on the device the S4 appears to have Google do the calculation on their servers and transmit the info via Internet connection. That's a real problem when you're in an area that has poor service. Navigation becomes totally nonfunctional.
The GPS navigation will work through an area of no service if you start in an area with service so the app can download a set of directions. The problems come if you need to start your journey in an area with no service, or do like I did and exit the navigation app to do other things like make a phone call from a backwoods gas station. When I tried to restart the navigation app it kept waiting to download the directions set from google which wasn't going to happen out there. Lucky for me I remembered enough to get me back to an area with 3G where the service restored functionality to the navigation app. Lesson learned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A preplanned area where you will be navigating can be cached.
It caches the map and directions so you can navigate through an area of no service but it loses the cached data when you exit the app. There is no cached data when starting a trip from an area of no service.
If I'm missing something please do tell. I'd love to know.
0reo said:
It caches the map and directions so you can navigate through an area of no service but it loses the cached data when you exit the app. There is no cached data when starting a trip from an area of no service.
If I'm missing something please do tell. I'd love to know.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google Maps > Menu Key > Make available offline
Google Maps app =/= Navigation app.
Although you do offer a good way to at least have a map on hand.
This is why I also have CoPilot navigation. Completely offline!
Sent from my Galaxy S4
This behavior is not unique to the Galaxy S4, nor is it new. Google Navigation has always been (and almost certainly will remain) a client-server type app that does the "heavy lifting" back at Google HQ. That's not a design flaw, it's a design choice--this approach perfectly serves the needs of some huge fraction of users some huge percentage of the time, without unduly consuming the resources of the phone.
In today's world, if you're in a car in the US, you're almost always within range of a cell tower with data service. Of course, if you're not within range of a cell tower, you're probably far from civilization and that's when it'd be most helpful to have some navigational assistance...
So there's still a place for the self-contained navigators like a TomTom or similar. That market niche is simply much smaller than it was about 5 years ago before Google Maps / Navigation was ubiquitous.
MysticCobra said:
This behavior is not unique to the Galaxy S4, nor is it new. Google Navigation has always been (and almost certainly will remain) a client-server type app that does the "heavy lifting" back at Google HQ. That's not a design flaw, it's a design choice--this approach perfectly serves the needs of some huge fraction of users some huge percentage of the time, without unduly consuming the resources of the phone.
In today's world, if you're in a car in the US, you're almost always within range of a cell tower with data service. Of course, if you're not within range of a cell tower, you're probably far from civilization and that's when it'd be most helpful to have some navigational assistance...
So there's still a place for the self-contained navigators like a TomTom or similar. That market niche is simply much smaller than it was about 5 years ago before Google Maps / Navigation was ubiquitous.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I understand its not unique or new but I certainly hope the route calculation becomes a client side option soon. It made sense to do it server side a couple phone generations ago when device processing power was limited but not so anymore. My S4 will run circles around any tomtom or garmin both in processing power as well as gps accuracy not to mention never having to do manual gps fix updates and map updates. The standalone navigational gps is going to go the way of the point and shoot camera. Its just a matter of time.
What you're calling a design choice may have been choice two years ago. Today it is a horrible flaw. There are vast areas of well traveled road that get no service around here (eg. anywhere in the mountains.) Google needs to pull their head out and recognize (or someone else will do it [be]for[e] them.) Sooner the better for them and us.
0reo said:
I understand its not unique or new but I certainly hope the route calculation becomes a client side option soon. It made sense to do it server side a couple phone generations ago when device processing power was limited but not so anymore. My S4 will run circles around any tomtom or garmin both in processing power as well as gps accuracy not to mention never having to do manual gps fix updates and map updates. The standalone navigational gps is going to go the way of the point and shoot camera. Its just a matter of time.
What you're calling a design choice may have been choice two years ago. Today it is a horrible flaw. There are vast areas of well traveled road that get no service around here (eg. anywhere in the mountains.) Google needs to pull their head out and recognize (or someone else will do it [be]for[e] them.) Sooner the better for them and us.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like someone said before, you can download the maps offline for whatever area you need that won't have service.
Google isn't stupid. This is why they introduced this feature. It's not that the phone doesn't have the processing power; having the entire country stored on your phone would take up tons of storage.
There are other GPS applications (in the Play Store) that do this I'm pretty sure, and that is also why standalone GPS units exist. Google doesn't have to worry about losing anything to anyone. For a huge majority of users, Google Maps works perfectly fine.
trebb said:
Like someone said before, you can download the maps offline for whatever area you need that won't have service.
Google isn't stupid. This is why they introduced this feature. It's not that the phone doesn't have the processing power; having the entire country stored on your phone would take up tons of storage.
There are other GPS applications (in the Play Store) that do this I'm pretty sure, and that is also why standalone GPS units exist. Google doesn't have to worry about losing anything to anyone. For a huge majority of users, Google Maps works perfectly fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On my tomtom the map of the entire US (just roads, not sat images) is about one GB. Not prohibitive by any stretch.
And unless I'm still missing something you can't save maps in Navigation app. Only in Google Maps app which is different and not nearly as good for use while driving.
0reo said:
On my tomtom the map of the entire US (just roads, not sat images) is about one GB. Not prohibitive by any stretch.
And unless I'm still missing something you can't save maps in Navigation app. Only in Google Maps app which is different and not nearly as good for use while driving.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm almost 100% positive that the Navigation app and Google Maps are the same application. Just like the other app whose name I can't recall that helps you find restaurants, etc. It's all run through Google Maps. The initial interface may be different, but they're the same thing.
I always just search my destination in Maps, then hit navigate. That takes you to the same exact thing the Navigation shortcut will eventually bring you to. I have never really used the offline feature nor do I use the Navigation shortcut, so I can't really instruct you on how to do it through either method. I remember reading the reviews when Google introduced the feature, though, so it definitely works.
Sent from my Verizon Galaxy S4 using Tapatalk 4.
Next time, just leave Navigation running in the background while you make your call. When you hang up, pull down the status bar and tap the Navigation icon & continue on your way.
0reo said:
Google Maps app =/= Navigation app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except they are. Exact same apk file. Uninstall maps... Navigation disappears.
The navigation icon is basically a maps shortcut.
Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Whatever is happening in the back end, I just don't see the functionality in the front end. I'll play with it more today and see if I'm missing a way.
Surprised no one mentioned the Sygic app in this thread yet -- I tried it a while back and it was pretty decent for a standalone navigation app that you can download maps to your SD card and have the app use those. It is relatively expensive since I last looked though.
I used to have a Garmin Navigation app on my Blackberry Storm. It looked and worked just like my actual Garmin GPS. All map and routing data was on the phone (<2GB) and it worked even with no cell or data signal at all.
I don't know why they don't offer the same thing as an Android app. The full City Navigator North America database is less than 2GB.
stuartv said:
I used to have a Garmin Navigation app on my Blackberry Storm. It looked and worked just like my actual Garmin GPS. All map and routing data was on the phone (<2GB) and it worked even with no cell or data signal at all.
I don't know why they don't offer the same thing as an Android app. The full City Navigator North America database is less than 2GB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think they decided to not kill their company. They are trying to stay out of the race to zero. Google could kill off every other navigation company in one swoop if they wanted to by offering a free full blown offline maps for android and ios...I think they just don't want the regulatory scrutiny. And they wouldn't be able to collect data on your habits as easily, lol. NSA might get pissed.
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda premium
SuzakuTheKnight said:
Google Maps > Menu Key > Make available offline
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does anyone know of a way to make the caching of maps cache a much bigger area than it currently does?
Sent from my SCH-I545 using xda app-developers app
i understand the op's concern. the main issue being when there is no connection to the internet you cannot get directions. even if you cache a map offline the navigation still won't provide you directions, you can only browse the map area and see where you currently are on that cached map. the reason it works this way is because when you choose directions or navigation in maps google calculates the directions from your location to the point selected. it's not something done within the application, but dynamically via google's servers.
this is almost never an issue for me, except in the rare occasion when i've been traveling and in a tunnel or some remote location where internet connection isn't available. in those cases your best bet is to calculate your directions ahead of time and email them to yourself. you can also cache a map of that area so you can at least browse it offline.
if google ever offers offline navigation/directions then every other mapping service can kiss their company goodbye.
Google built the best. I'd pay for the ability to calculate a route offline.

[App Request] Gyroscope Emulator/Virtual Gyroscope

I recently bought a cardboard. But cant taste many apps because my Android smartphone doesn't have a Gyroscope sensor. So i searched for an app that can mimic the gyroscope functionality by pressing keys or something.
I got these...
1. https://github.com/memsindustrygroup/Open-Source-Sensor-Fusion/wiki/Virtual Gyro
2. http://www.mcubemems.com/products/igyro/
These aren't any app, but proof that Virtual Gyroscope exists. Some lenoveo phones(Like K3 note) use them. So plz let me know, is there any app that can do the same effect in any android device with Accelerometer & Compass sensor. Or, any app that can mimic the effect pressing volume/headphone key.
only look left/right action is required , Accelerometer does look up/down.
Yes by this i wont get a head tracking experience, but at least I can look around and select files to watch videos. Developers can make app(if doesn't exist already) following this idea. I think, it will help many.
Thanks in advance
Hi, I'm also looking for some app that fakes gyro sensor as I have the same problem. In theory a dev could interpret those algorithms from that Github repo and make an emulator, unfortunately this is out of my knowledge.
So I hope someone could help us poor ungyroscoped people.
Yeah, it's big problem with most phones to use VR apps/games that require gyroscope. I have the same problem.
Google should think about gyro pseudo emulation with accelerometers in their Cardboard API or at least implement there something like this lib: https://code.google.com/p/openintents/wiki/SensorSimulator
so anyone could use different phone (with gyro) as remote gyro for phone in cardboard glasses or write gyro emulators much more easily (as this lib can open TCP port for remote sensors data).
Technically, yes, it should be possible, using Xposed.
I am working on a module that eliminate the jitter in unreliable phone's gyroscopes. It does so by hooking to the function that distpaches the various sensors' data to every apps that require them, and it fakes the values before these data get sent.
Since you can easily access any sensor's data, you can do any sensor fusion you want by using the accelerometer and magnetometer, or even just the touch screen, and then fake the gyroscope's values.
If you are interested, here is the Xposed module I'm working on, which shows how to hook to the gyroscope and fake the values:
On github: lrq3000/JitteryGyroFixForCardboard
And to implement sensor fusion, you can either use the new virtual sensors of Android 4, or code it yourself, there's a very good open source app that shows it all here:
On github: KEOpenSource/GyroscopeExplorer
Hey thank you for that info! I'll be taking a look at that as soon as I can, although I'm not an avid dev I hope we can get something for our phones.
shafiaszad said:
I recently bought a cardboard. But cant taste many apps because my Android smartphone doesn't have a Gyroscope sensor. So i searched for an app that can mimic the gyroscope functionality by pressing keys or something.
I got these...
1. https://github.com/memsindustrygroup/Open-Source-Sensor-Fusion/wiki/Virtual Gyro
2. http://www.mcubemems.com/products/igyro/
These aren't any app, but proof that Virtual Gyroscope exists. Some lenoveo phones(Like K3 note) use them. So plz let me know, is there any app that can do the same effect in any android device with Accelerometer & Compass sensor. Or, any app that can mimic the effect pressing volume/headphone key.
only look left/right action is required , Accelerometer does look up/down.
Yes by this i wont get a head tracking experience, but at least I can look around and select files to watch videos. Developers can make app(if doesn't exist already) following this idea. I think, it will help many.
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, same problem here. The facts, med-low or med or med-high device not attached by gyro, except xiaomi. Some people on quorra debated, they have idea to make an app which can do headtracking with camera by detecting pixel shift. Yes i like that idea and the idea sounds possible, but it out of my knowledge. Can anyone make app like that? Or maybe we can ask google to make the app?
Thanks
What about emulating gyro using accelerometer and compass? In the Google Play is app for phones without gyroscope, (we are in space: LINK) so it is possible
I would love to see something like this too. This dev has several VR apps and the head tracking all works perfectly on my Moto G 3rd gen which has no Gyro, so I know it is possible. I've played House of Terror and the head tracking works extremely well and pretty smooth too, I wonder what their method is, I assume compass + accelerometer. https://play.google.com/store/apps/developer?id=Lakento
shafiaszad said:
I recently bought a cardboard. But cant taste many apps because my Android smartphone doesn't have a Gyroscope sensor. So i searched for an app that can mimic the gyroscope functionality by pressing keys or something.
I got these...
1. https://github.com/memsindustrygroup/Open-Source-Sensor-Fusion/wiki/Virtual Gyro
2. http://www.mcubemems.com/products/igyro/
These aren't any app, but proof that Virtual Gyroscope exists. Some lenoveo phones(Like K3 note) use them. So plz let me know, is there any app that can do the same effect in any android device with Accelerometer & Compass sensor. Or, any app that can mimic the effect pressing volume/headphone key.
only look left/right action is required , Accelerometer does look up/down.
Yes by this i wont get a head tracking experience, but at least I can look around and select files to watch videos. Developers can make app(if doesn't exist already) following this idea. I think, it will help many.
Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same problem. I also have a k3 note and it has a virtual gyro. i think there must be something that uses accelateometer and magnetometer to detect direction and angle.(and i think this is possible)
Guys try vr player from play store then goto settings and there would be orientation detector set it to accelerometer +compass and you are donw
Same Problem
lrq3000 said:
Technically, yes, it should be possible, using Xposed.
I am working on a module that eliminate the jitter in unreliable phone's gyroscopes. It does so by hooking to the function that distpaches the various sensors' data to every apps that require them, and it fakes the values before these data get sent.
Since you can easily access any sensor's data, you can do any sensor fusion you want by using the accelerometer and magnetometer, or even just the touch screen, and then fake the gyroscope's values.
If you are interested, here is the Xposed module I'm working on, which shows how to hook to the gyroscope and fake the values:
On github: lrq3000/JitteryGyroFixForCardboard
And to implement sensor fusion, you can either use the new virtual sensors of Android 4, or code it yourself, there's a very good open source app that shows it all here:
On github: KEOpenSource/GyroscopeExplorer
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought a vr case and have the same problem my galaxy sm a510m (A5 2016) doesnt have gyro! When i saw that i couldnt believe it.... it opens with my fingerprint for the love of crist!!! :crying:
Any solutions?
I have a moto g 3 and can't experience Pokemon go neither vr visor from one plus
Sent from my MotoG3 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Is there still hope?
If there is no way (for whatever reason) to emulate a gyro...is there a method to add a gyroscope sensor to an android?
Sent from a Samsung Galaxy J7 user
Same here, i too need an APP that simulate the gyro functions.
Hope that someone could implement that using compass and accelerometer!
Thanks
Some app like this would be so cool...
I was a bit dissapointed after buying the Moto X Play and noticing it doesn't have gyroscope so no Augmented Reality on Pokemon GO.
Im so sad, i had a moto g2 and bought motog3 1 month ago, this thing doesnt have a gyroscope while motog2 had one. Is there no solution for this? I mean, with something like a virtual gyroscope
pokulan said:
What about emulating gyro using accelerometer and compass? In the Google Play is app for phones without gyroscope, (we are in space: LINK) so it is possible
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've tested with my Moto G 3rd and works well. I hope somebody develop some hook in Xposed to work with accelerometer and compass...
or lests just hope the pokemon go app support accelerometer + compass it in the future.
I feel where you all are coming from. I agree there needs to be an app, an xposed module, or something to get this functionality. I'm gonna try and figure this out, there's a post on stackoverflow about this. A guy was talking about how in order to do it you'd need to recreate files similar to the ones that poll the actual hardware. He's basically saying you need to create some sort of mock gyroscope polling code right above the hardware level. I don't think that's the best approach, we gotta go top down not bottom up on this. I don't know much about the inner workings of android but I know this, looking at how to grab sensor data just using a plain app uses the classes sensor and sensor manager. As far as i can tell these are fed with information by the sensor event listener. That is fed by the object sensor event. It states right on the documentation "This class represents a Sensor event and holds information such as the sensor's type, the time-stamp, accuracy and of course the sensor's data." Its a generic sensor class which means we could possibly give it a fake gyroscope right?
Now, back to the sensor event listener, on the documentation it says "The application doesn't own the event object passed as a parameter and therefore cannot hold on to it. The object may be part of an internal pool and may be reused by the framework.". That means sensor event listener is literally just the messenger and should take whatever it finds as long as its valid. It seems like it will take whatever is passed to it correctly if we can make an event that it hears.
Now, amazingly on the sensor event page shows some fantastic stuff. Sensor event class is literally a 4 field class and I believe gets its values from that "hardware polling code" that sits above the hardware level. (the code that other guy was talking about.). If we can just make up some sensor events that mimic a gyroscope using accelerometer + compass and hope that the sensor event listener is configured to pick it up (I don't see why not) then I think this could be a possible solution. With all that being said, I'm just a beginner when it comes to android. I'm a college kid with a background in c and java just trying to piece the puzzle pieces together and play some pokemon lol.
Edit: So I may have been way off the mark, I'm not sure anymore. I found this though, a way to use actual custom sensors with android http : // riansanderson.blogspot . com/2012/03/integrating-sensors-into-android . html . Sorry for the spaces, I can't post links. After more java delving it seems it is not possible to create your own spoofed sensor or sensor event if your code is not in the same package as android.hardware.Sensor or SensorEvent
Edit2: So I guess unless you can get code to run in that android.hardware package, you'd have to do something like that link above and make like a fake driver for fake hardware.. I suppose if you could modify android.hardware.sensor to just make a gyroscope sensor and take the values from the accelerometer and modify those on the fly.
Try this solution
hello all from Egypt
this tutorial isn't mine or my invention you can say it's information sharing
I am Waleed and i have Huawei honor 4x which has no gyroscope at all, but i found some solution to this problem which is:
1- you must have ROOT (without root you can't do anything at all)
2- install root explorer if it isn't installed in your mobile and be sure to allow root permission to it
3- download the attached xml file which activate soft gyroscope in your mobile and place this file in your SD card
4- open root explorer and copy the xml file you downloaded and go to this path "/system/etc/permissions" and paste the file there and be sure the file exists in this place
5- reboot the phone then install any app from Google play to check the gyroscope i suggest sensor box
6- I hope this information is valuable and useful for you
thanks

[APP] Standalone navigation app for Wear OS!

I made a standalone navigation app for Wear OS! Here's the link to the app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.onibaku.standalonewearmap
Here's the full description on the app so you can get a glance at the features:
Users can type in a location, or long press on the map to input a destination. They can choose to travel via walking, cycling or car.
The app will navigate the user from their current location to the destination using turn-by-turn navigation. Each step is highlighted on the path, with text to show you what action to take, and how long until you reach that step. The map rotates along with the device, so will follow the forward-facing direction of the watch.
The app only needs an internet connection for the initial retrieval of the directions. After that, it solely relies on GPS until the user arrives at the destination.
This (obviously) only works on watches that have GPS.
If you have any suggestions at all, I'd love to know them.
The next feature I plan to implement is importing a GPX file in from Google Drive, so you can navigate a more unorthodox/scenic route, which would suits cyclists. I initially developed this for when I go cycling, as we don't usually want to take the fastest route somewhere.
Let me know if there any burning features that are needed in this, and I'll do my best to deliver. This is a small side-project, so I don't have too much time to work on it, but I find it quite useful personally, and I hope others will, too.
Someone suggested I release a demo version so people can try it and see if they wish to buy it. I have released one here
It only has the dropped pin functionality, and only allows walking as a navigation mode. The zoom is also locked.
Gentatsu said:
I made a standalone navigation app for Wear OS! Here's the link to the app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=uk.co.onibaku.standalonewearmap
Here's the full description on the app so you can get a glance at the features:
Users can type in a location, or long press on the map to input a destination. They can choose to travel via walking, cycling or car.
The app will navigate the user from their current location to the destination using turn-by-turn navigation. Each step is highlighted on the path, with text to show you what action to take, and how long until you reach that step. The map rotates along with the device, so will follow the forward-facing direction of the watch.
The app only needs an internet connection for the initial retrieval of the directions. After that, it solely relies on GPS until the user arrives at the destination.
This (obviously) only works on watches that have GPS.
If you have any suggestions at all, I'd love to know them.
The next feature I plan to implement is importing a GPX file in from Google Drive, so you can navigate a more unorthodox/scenic route, which would suits cyclists. I initially developed this for when I go cycling, as we don't usually want to take the fastest route somewhere.
Let me know if there any burning features that are needed in this, and I'll do my best to deliver. This is a small side-project, so I don't have too much time to work on it, but I find it quite useful personally, and I hope others will, too.
Someone suggested I release a demo version so people can try it and see if they wish to buy it. I have released one here
It only has the dropped pin functionality, and only allows walking as a navigation mode. The zoom is also locked.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is looking really good. I want true standalone navigation on my Huawei Watch 2 4G. It has a sim so loads the route standalone and seems to be able to do everything expected...i'm trying the demo version now.
One question though...unless i'm missing something..how do you exit the app? I'm currently having to force close it.
(And as a side note have you checked out the Wear OS app Ghostracer? You can import a gpx file and follow your progress on a map on the watch. Maps are downloadable to the watch, although ive never tried that. My watch has a sim so updates the map as im riding using the watches data. Heavy on the battery though.)
ruggs1234 said:
This is looking really good. I want true standalone navigation on my Huawei Watch 2 4G. It has a sim so loads the route standalone and seems to be able to do everything expected...i'm trying the demo version now.
One question though...unless i'm missing something..how do you exit the app? I'm currently having to force close it.
(And as a side note have you checked out the Wear OS app Ghostracer? You can import a gpx file and follow your progress on a map on the watch. Maps are downloadable to the watch, although ive never tried that. My watch has a sim so updates the map as im riding using the watches data. Heavy on the battery though.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had not realised that the app does not cease to use GPS whilst it is in sleep mode, so I have added a button to exit the app properly when you drag down. I've just released it now.
I have had a look at it, but it doesn't seem to work unless you have an android phone. I am currently looking into offline maps and importing GPX files. Do you know if it does that via the android app, and how it imports it? I was looking to use Google drive, as that seems to be the only viable storage solution supported on Wear atm.
Gentatsu said:
I had not realised that the app does not cease to use GPS whilst it is in sleep mode, so I have added a button to exit the app properly when you drag down. I've just released it now.
I have had a look at it, but it doesn't seem to work unless you have an android phone. I am currently looking into offline maps and importing GPX files. Do you know if it does that via the android app, and how it imports it? I was looking to use Google drive, as that seems to be the only viable storage solution supported on Wear atm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thankyou for the exit button, works great. Having tested the demo app i'm happy, and I will purchase. One further comment, the battery drain is heavy, as expected. Any chance of an ambient mode while the map is running to save battery? I may be pushing my luck, but I can only ask!
Ghostracer does indeed need a companion Android app on the phone. The gpx file is loaded into the app on the phone (using a file manager) then passed to the Ghostracer app on the watch. Maps are treated the same, but I just use the data from my sim in the watch to load maps as I ride when needed. You can follow a gpx route standalone on the watch in a similar way to following the route on your app. I am not connected to Ghostracer in any way, I just think its a wonderful app for cyclists and runners (within the watches battery limitations). And the free version allows you to test all its features. It might not be right for you, but it was worth a mention based on what you said earlier. (And the map screen has an ambient mode.... )
ruggs1234 said:
Thankyou for the exit button, works great. Having tested the demo app i'm happy, and I will purchase. One further comment, the battery drain is heavy, as expected. Any chance of an ambient mode while the map is running to save battery? I may be pushing my luck, but I can only ask!
Ghostracer does indeed need a companion Android app on the phone. The gpx file is loaded into the app on the phone (using a file manager) then passed to the Ghostracer app on the watch. Maps are treated the same, but I just use the data from my sim in the watch to load maps as I ride when needed. You can follow a gpx route standalone on the watch in a similar way to following the route on your app. I am not connected to Ghostracer in any way, I just think its a wonderful app for cyclists and runners (within the watches battery limitations). And the free version allows you to test all its features. It might not be right for you, but it was worth a mention based on what you said earlier. (And the map screen has an ambient mode.... )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great . I did play around with the ambient mode, but it was just the same as the standard google maps ambient mode. It takes away the turn-by-turn, location, and path. If I could persist these, and set the GPS to update every 30 secs - 1 minute, I'd probably keep it, but I'm not sure how. I'd like to stick in options to set the GPS update frequency, or have the screen turn back on only for upcoming turns.
That's really cool! That's essentially what I would have liked on my watch but standalone. I really don't like the idea that you HAVE to use a companion app, especially when it's not available for iOS. I know they're competing watches, but I love the price point of android watches compared to Apple's, and their features shouldn't pale in comparison by way of hardware.
How does their ambient map work, if you don't mind me asking? I'd like to look into it. What does their paid version allow you to do? I only had a paid version before someone mentioned to put the free one on, just to give people a flavour of it. I tried to emphasise the main bit, which was the turn-by-turn navigation. The search and other transportation modes were secondary.
Cheers for the feedback and suggestions, though! I really do appreciate it! Let me know if there's anything else you'd like.
Gentatsu said:
Great . I did play around with the ambient mode, but it was just the same as the standard google maps ambient mode. It takes away the turn-by-turn, location, and path. If I could persist these, and set the GPS to update every 30 secs - 1 minute, I'd probably keep it, but I'm not sure how. I'd like to stick in options to set the GPS update frequency, or have the screen turn back on only for upcoming turns.
That's really cool! That's essentially what I would have liked on my watch but standalone. I really don't like the idea that you HAVE to use a companion app, especially when it's not available for iOS. I know they're competing watches, but I love the price point of android watches compared to Apple's, and their features shouldn't pale in comparison by way of hardware.
How does their ambient map work, if you don't mind me asking? I'd like to look into it. What does their paid version allow you to do? I only had a paid version before someone mentioned to put the free one on, just to give people a flavour of it. I tried to emphasise the main bit, which was the turn-by-turn navigation. The search and other transportation modes were secondary.
Cheers for the feedback and suggestions, though! I really do appreciate it! Let me know if there's anything else you'd like.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ghostracers ambient map is black background with white markings until you lift your wrist...but that might not work when using your app while driving (watch off the wrist?).
I've now purchased your app (Google made that hard work!)...all still good. One question...when I zoom the map in the map un-zooms straight back. Any way to make the zoom stick?
ruggs1234 said:
Ghostracers ambient map is black background with white markings until you lift your wrist...but that might not work when using your app while driving (watch off the wrist?).
I've now purchased your app (Google made that hard work!)...all still good. One question...when I zoom the map in the map un-zooms straight back. Any way to make the zoom stick?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do the markings include the path/trail? I've used the black background one before, and the building outlines are (kinda) white. Yeah, I do have my watch affixed to my handlebars on my bicycle.
Great - Thanks! It's much appreciated! How come it was hard work, if you don't mind me asking? Ah, yep. That was one of the first things I forgot to change! I completely forgot about it! I've made it so that if you zoom/pan, it'll stick unless you press the "my location" button again.
Huawei watch 2 built-in GPS not working anymore
ruggs1234 said:
Thankyou for the exit button, works great. Having tested the demo app i'm happy, and I will purchase. One further comment, the battery drain is heavy, as expected. Any chance of an ambient mode while the map is running to save battery? I may be pushing my luck, but I can only ask!
Ghostracer does indeed need a companion Android app on the phone. The gpx file is loaded into the app on the phone (using a file manager) then passed to the Ghostracer app on the watch. Maps are treated the same, but I just use the data from my sim in the watch to load maps as I ride when needed. You can follow a gpx route standalone on the watch in a similar way to following the route on your app. I am not connected to Ghostracer in any way, I just think its a wonderful app for cyclists and runners (within the watches battery limitations). And the free version allows you to test all its features. It might not be right for you, but it was worth a mention based on what you said earlier. (And the map screen has an ambient mode.... )
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi ruggs1234, it was a long time since you wrote your experience with this app. I downloaded the demo today and I tested it. Looks like since last Google's update, the huawei watch 2 doesn't use its built-in standalone GPS. Please, would you mind to check whether you are having this problem now? The only way I got it work was by connecting the watch to a phone through Bluetooth.
Kind regards, Angel
angelrc96 said:
Hi ruggs1234, it was a long time since you wrote your experience with this app. I downloaded the demo today and I tested it. Looks like since last Google's update, the huawei watch 2 doesn't use its built-in standalone GPS. Please, would you mind to check whether you are having this problem now? The only way I got it work was by connecting the watch to a phone through Bluetooth.
Kind regards, Angel
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello Angel,
The app still works ok on my watch, I tested it yesterday.
With my phone switched OFF I use my watches inbuilt sim to start the route (the app needs data to download the initial route, it can use the connected mobile but mine was switched off). I then switch off the sim in my watch and follow the route using only the gps in the watch. The app worked as it always has.
HOWEVER, my watch isn't running the latest version of Wear OS (it's running Wear OS 2.0, Home app 2.16). I never update anything Google if i'm not forced too, their updates often break more things than they fix. Everything I use on the watch works great and i'd like it to stay that way....
Hi,
well, I gave it a test (full paid version) - TicWatch 3 Pro 4g/LTE (all up to date). It doesn't work. All tested in standalone mode (no phone involved).
- app crashes when there is no GPS fix (GPS is on, but no fix yet)
- when I set an route to navigate (pin or search) it just endlessly shows progress circle and nothing else happens (GPS on with fix, LTE on and working)
So...
BR, Doman.
I installed the Demo version on my ticwatch 3 pro gps (updated everything to current versions and no modifications (yet))
App is starting, map is not showing, just the gps location button on the left and a white/grey screen. I can pin a location on the white screen and its actually getting a location next to me and tries to route there - but without any map showing.
Any app for Gear S3 ?

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