Is Galaxy S2 GPS Navigation worthy?
Recently, I owned a Samsung Jack, Samsung, Captivate, and Samsung Infuse. Here's how I rate their GPS:
Jack - 8/10 - Navigation worthy
Infuse - 5/10 - Works unreliably, need to carry a 2nd GPS as backup. Infuse gets a lock in 10-15 seconds, but has a mind of it's own when it comes to tracking.
Captivate - 2/10 - Good for checking what town you are in...nothing more.
So, how's the GPS on Galaxy S2 in comparison? Do you feel comfortable taking long trips without feeling the need to carry backup GPS like Garmin/Tom-Tom?
Thanks in advance.
The GPS accuracy is good enough, but I think your question really depends on what navigation software you use.
jzmtl said:
The GPS accuracy is good enough, but I think your question really depends on what navigation software you use.
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can you elaborate?
I plan on using Google Navigation or COPILOT
The inbuilt google navigation I find excellent I drive a lot for work and it's yet to let me down. I also have the Co Pilot live app and it it's poor, often taking me strange routes and more often to the wrong destination.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using XDA App
Google Navigation and PAPAGO never let me down.
For me very much a working tool .
jje
Even though my GPS accuracy is poor (according the stats) the navigation is excelent, using Google Navigation as well.
I won't lie it's piss poor compared to just about any other Android device including 1st gen devices but
with GPS status and some tweaks I can get a 5 metre "lock" which is good enough for google navigation.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
never had any issues, locks onto gps within seconds even when im indoors. I like playing with different sat navs and have tried the google one, co pilot, ndrive, navigon, sygic and igo. All seem to work fine and keep their lock. Only difference is some slight changes in routing and graphics. I still generally go back to the google nav and /or co pilot though.
For some reason the S2 looks poor on GPSTest app which leads some to believe it's unreliable. However, using tracks and google navigation in particular it's accurate and never let me down. Much better than my SGS and ZTE Blade which both show better accuracy on the GPSTest app.
works great for me for the most part. Can be a little off i.e drive another 15 seconds up the road before the destination has arrived-thats very rare though.
i haven't used it for driving, just for google maps usage but its been pretty damn accurate
I had a slight issue where it took up to 5 minutes to get a GPS lock. I installed faster fix and change the NTP server (From US to EU) and it now gets a lock in seconds.
Frostfree said:
For some reason the S2 looks poor on GPSTest app which leads some to believe it's unreliable. However, using tracks and google navigation in particular it's accurate and never let me down. Much better than my SGS and ZTE Blade which both show better accuracy on the GPSTest app.
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Very interesting. It probably means the GPS chip on S2 is better than Infuse. Infuse locks within 10-15s but is very poor when it comes to tracking. Google Navigation, COPILOT, or Tracks are not really useful in cities because they keep bouncing in a 40m radius. It can be used on a highway in limited capacity. Samsung seems to have improved the GPS chip in S2.
ChongoDroid said:
I won't lie it's piss poor compared to just about any other Android device including 1st gen devices but
with GPS status and some tweaks I can get a 5 metre "lock" which is good enough for google navigation.
Sent from my GT-I9100 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
40m lock is what Infuse gets us while Navigating, 5m, even 10m would be sweet.
GPS works like a charm. Only issue is that sometimes it takes a little longer to lock, and I have to run Tracker Booster to lock properly. Then I can use all kinds of software (google maps, sygic, sports tracker, mytracks).
Here´s a bike ride tracked with mine. I´ve just reviewed the entire map, and can assure that it´s 90% correct. It was a cloudy day, by the way.
I press on navigation and I get Google maps navigation is not availabtle in this location (Get directions or cancel) so If i press get directions I guess it turn me into google maps, I can see myself if connected to the internet without it its bad, maybe gps is broken ?
pera777 said:
GPS works like a charm. Only issue is that sometimes it takes a little longer to lock, and I have to run Tracker Booster to lock properly. Then I can use all kinds of software (google maps, sygic, sports tracker, mytracks).
Here´s a bike ride tracked with mine. I´ve just reviewed the entire map, and can assure that it´s 90% correct. It was a cloudy day, by the way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i had that no matter what i did.. sometimes up to 1-2 minutes to get a lock..
it is finally fixed in ics.. in lp6 i get locks in 10-15 secs. as i should and get on my old sgs.
Related
How is ATRIX GPS? Can someone do a review for us?
It works very well, smooth & very accurate. I haven't experienced any issues with it.
Its much better than the captivate. I used Google Navigation to go somewhere the other day and it stayed locked pretty much the entire drive. It took a couple of minutes to get an exact lock (not that that was an issue) but after that it was pretty smooth.
dumasymptote said:
Its much better than the captivate. I used Google Navigation to go somewhere the other day and it stayed locked pretty much the entire drive. It took a couple of minutes to get an exact lock (not that that was an issue) but after that it was pretty smooth.
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Click to collapse
GPS on Captivate was a joke, it never worked for me.
It seems really accurate and fast. Google Maps/Navigation is smoother than ever on the Atrix. I received my Vehicle Dock yesterday and it's great. If you aren't using navigation the car home app shows your location on the map and the direction and even the speed you are traveling really accurately. Overall it seems even more reliable than either of my former phones the Dell Streak and Nexus One.
Extremely good. I get a 9ft lock, indoors, instantly.
Coming from a Captivate, I am extremely impressed. It seems to lock even faster than my old iPhone 3GS. Needless to say, when going from the iPhone to the Captivate, I was very disappointed in the GPS.
Best GPS I've seen on a phone, ever.
I was pretty happy with the GPS on my G1, but I LOVE the GPS on this. Very fast acquisition times, even in hotels and parking structures.
I've used it a good amount and it's been flawless. I use it with the Atrix car dock. I've used it for nav while streaming Pandoro through bt in the car and had zero issues with it. Mapping is quick and accurate. I can't say enough good things about the Atrix/car dock combination.
tks guys... I'm coming from a Galaxy S, actually I'm suing Samsung Brazil. They didn't want to exchange to a new phone or give my money back cause technical assistance (don't know if you guys call companies that fix defective stuffs) said my GPS was ok. I heard "hey look, you got 1 satellite fixed... it's not a GPS issue"... damn it...
I wish in Brazil companies respect us like in USA.
Squeak22 said:
Best GPS I've seen on a phone, ever.
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+1
...........
mrdlpatterson said:
+1
...........
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+2.... I get accuracy down to 1 to 2 meters with out wifi on. that amazing.
That sounds more like scary lol
very quick compated to my old captivate
It was wonderful for me when I tested it at the AT&T store. It nearly immediately had a lock even being inside the store.
Had a Captivate, and the major reason it went back was the poor GPS. Outdoors with a clear sky view it showed 30-35db signal readings, a full 10-20db less than an obsolete (two generations back) Deluo Earthmate usb "puck" gps sitting right next to it.
The Earthmate and a Nuvi both had signal and position, the Samsung kept saying the signals were too weak to use.
Switch to the Atrix: Outdoors, position within 10 feet (so it says) just like any commodity-grade GPS these days.
INDOORS, in a room with a steel shutter over the windows, it showed 30-35db signal strengths, equal or better to what the Cappy showed OUTDOORS with a full sky view.
No question in my mind, the Atrix has a commodity-grade GPS that works perfectly well. Whether they've done any tweaks or cheats in how it works, I don't know. I find the accuracy reading surprising, since that's pushing what a WAAS-enabled GPS would get and AFAIK no cell phones use WAAS GPS.
Checked position on Google Maps, and it is right on. I'm a HAPPY CAMPER and I'm not an easy customer to please.
Also, when the battery is fully charged on the Atrix? It doesn't wake up and ring and complain it needs to be unplugged. The Cappy tried to wake me up every night. Bad Cappy!
Now, if they'd only enable the FM radio...
DarkSi08 said:
Extremely good. I get a 9ft lock, indoors, instantly.
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Click to collapse
Same here, coming from a captivate this seems miraculous. I have a lot of problems with the atrix but GPS is not one of them.
Best gps i've seen on a phone. Very accurate and very fast
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
Squeak22 said:
Best GPS I've seen on a phone, ever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
fade1d said:
Best gps i've seen on a phone. Very accurate and very fast
Sent from my MB860 using XDA App
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Click to collapse
Just came back from a 3.5 hour trip, one way, round trip (left last night and came back tonight), and the phone "lost" me twice - once was a typical SGS-style issue where it kicked me off the highway I was on and said I had to get back on at the upcoming exit, and the second time, for no reason whatsoever, the GPS kinda turned off.... I say "kinda" because it was still on when I checked my GPS widget but the GPS icon was gone from the notification bar. It wasn't searching for GPS, it just stopped showing up there. I turned it off and then back on, found me again in under 3 seconds.
Those were the ONLY issues I had in 7 hours of using the GPS during the last 24 hours. Tell me that isn't the best data you've ever heard on a cell phone's GPS unit???
Yes it locks on instantly and to a lot of satellites, but from there it goes to hell. I just completed my first run using this phone. The route i take is 5.5 miles but the phone said i only did 5.0. The app i use is called MyTracks and it overlays your path with Google maps. Normally with my old phone it lines up nearly perfectly, showing my path as being on the sidewalk. Well with the note it shows my path as running through front yards and houses, which of course i didn't do. All of that cutting through yards and houses is why my path appears to be half a mile less.
Fyi it is a sunny clear sky so no issues that way.
Has anyone else taken their Note running and experienced similar or opposite issues?
Using Navigon on both S2 and Note. Very accurate except my maps a bit old. So it shows to one way street sometimes. The Note lock within 3 seconds. Don't have your issue
EvoXOhio said:
Yes it locks on instantly and to a lot of satellites, but from there it goes to hell. I just completed my first run using this phone. The route i take is 5.5 miles but the phone said i only did 5.0. The app i use is called MyTracks and it overlays your path with Google maps. Normally with my old phone it lines up nearly perfectly, showing my path as being on the sidewalk. Well with the note it shows my path as running through front yards and houses, which of course i didn't do. All of that cutting through yards and houses is why my path appears to be half a mile less.
Fyi it is a sunny clear sky so no issues that way.
Has anyone else taken their Note running and experienced similar or opposite issues?
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Click to collapse
I've taken my note in my car, and I can tell you that I've never seen a smartphone's GPS perform as well as the Note does. I get a lock in 5 seconds or less, and I've seen as many as 25 satellite locks, with a position as accurate as 5 feet for a long duration.
Do you keep your Note in your pocket while you're running, or is it exposed/attached to your body somewhere?
MyTracks and Navigon differ in that Navigon locks to streets, eliminating spurious off-path tracks while MyTracks saves every position report if you have it set to do so.
I used to use MyTracks to diagnose GPS issues w/captivate etc.
So far, I haven't seen any of those issues with the GPS in this phone, however, it is always spot on for me. Actually the best GPS i've used in a phone yet.
I am leaning more towards a faulty unit than a design issue..
The note is in my pocket at all times. I did The same with my old phone. The issue could be that, or maybe it just can't track slow speeds very well but it works fine at higher speeds like when driving. I am going to take it in the car later and drive that same path with it exposed and then again with it in my pocket and see what happens.
Da_G said:
MyTracks and Navigon differ in that Navigon locks to streets, eliminating spurious off-path tracks while MyTracks saves every position report if you have it set to do so.
I used to use MyTracks to diagnose GPS issues w/captivate etc.
So far, I haven't seen any of those issues with the GPS in this phone, however, it is always spot on for me. Actually the best GPS i've used in a phone yet.
I am leaning more towards a faulty unit than a design issue..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe i need to change a setting in MyTracks since this gps is supposedly so accurate? I use all the default settings other than setting an audible alert for every 5 minutes.
EvoXOhio said:
Maybe i need to change a setting in MyTracks since this gps is supposedly so accurate? I use all the default settings other than setting an audible alert for every 5 minutes.
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Click to collapse
Ya man. Something, whether a setting or hardware issue, is definitely buggered. My GPS is hardcore accurate. I've done 2 runs with mine using MyTracks and its dead-on accurate.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
I used it with telenav from NJ to NY and it worked great!
No problems with GPS at all here. I've had 10+ satellites locked on inside a building with lots of glass. It was able to pinpoint my exact location within the building.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using XDA App
I'm getting absolutely amazing GPS performance here gets a lock almost instantly and is very accurate. Maybe try turning off mobile networks and just using the satellites. I did that and still get a lock just as fast and is far more accurate at least for me.
worked beautifully for me today in the car
Err0xx said:
Ya man. Something, whether a setting or hardware issue, is definitely buggered. My GPS is hardcore accurate. I've done 2 runs with mine using MyTracks and its dead-on accurate.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you changed any settings in mytracks or do you use the defaults? Is your phone in your pocket or out in your hand?
I did turn off wiring before my run, maybe there's a bug when you do that?
Just got mine yesterday. I had a Galaxy Tablet, used it with WAZE for navigation of sorts. The SGT would always show me not on the exit ramp at a particular exit, difference distance was 100 feet.
The Note shows me on the exit ramp every time, it is much better GPS
So driving down the road with the Note in my vent-attached phone holder, the GPS works flawlessly. When I put it in my pocket, it started getting inaccurate again. I'm not sure why this is the case since my old phone worked in my pocket just fine. I am hesitant to carry the phone in my hands for the 5-6 miles I run, in fear of dropping it. If others report that MyTracks works flawlessly with the Note in their pocket, I may return mine and try another.
18 sat LOCKS indoors. 3m accuracy instantly.
Best GPS performance out of any phone.
I think it's just your app.
Maroon Mushroom said:
18 sat LOCKS indoors. 3m accuracy instantly.
Best GPS performance out of any phone.
I think it's just your app.
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Click to collapse
I have Runkeeper Pro and Edmondo so I'm going to try one of those next time. I don't like those apps as much because they don't let me see a granular breakdown of my speed throughout the run. Meaning, I can see a chart of exactly how fast I was running all throughout my run. With these other 2 apps it just shows you a total speed at the end of the run, Maybe I can find another app that does what I want.
I use my GPS quite often and I will say there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with this GPS. Best phone GPS I have ever had.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
I've narrowed down the issue to it only occurring while in my pocket. I am going to try some other apps or buy an armholder.
What do you have in your pockets?????!!!!!!
er....Never mind
In case you didn't know, the Note can use GLONASS instead of GPS (Click on the words to read more).
People use GPS like "Xerox", "Coke", or "Kleenex"... but nevermind that.
What is your GPS/GLONASS lock time with A.GPS (Assisted GPS (network location)) and sensor aid on??
Please describe whether you are outside or inside. I am also particularly interested the lock time from a fresh boot or if you're using GPS from a new location.
IMPORTANT: Please note (excuse the pun) down, when you launch Maps or Nav and the arrow shows up almost instantaneously, I would like to know IF *sometimes* the GPS reticle on the status bar continues to flash/blink for a while.
Why do I ask? My Note takes anywhere from 3-12 seconds to lock when GPS is "hot" and takes 10-25 seconds to lock from a reboot in doors while stationary.
Compared to my Sprint Evo 3D, GSM Galaxy Nexus, or the iPhone4s that I never use, that is slow. When I powered up the Galaxy Nexus for the first time, it locked under 5 seconds! My Evo 3D would lock from a boot in under 5 seconds. The 4s is super fast also. The Note, with GLONASS, is supposed to be faster and more accurate...
Thanks.
Edit: Interesting discovery today--the slow lock and low precision in my car may be because of my car--but it may also be revealing limitations in GLONASS:
Every piece of glass on my car is double-paned (twice as thick as the typical car glass), sandwiched with a polymer layer, along with an IR rejecting coating. This is designed to keep the interior very quiet, makes the glass theft resistant, and the IR coating reduces the heat that enters the cabin (heat travels in the form of infrared). The IR coating, unfortunately, also rejects other radio frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum. That, along with metallic particularized tint, causes a reduced radio performance for any device that is in the interior of the vehicle.
I usually don't have any problems with the GSM/UMTS or CDMA phones, and GPS has no problems either (although I notice a reduced s/n ratio). As I indicated before, other GPS-based phones lock fine, and the GPS+GLONASS iPhone works fine also.
As I was driving home today, I tried opening the window. I noticed that every time I opened, the phone would get a quick and solid lock. Every time I closed, the uncertainty circle appears.
Is it possible that GLONASS, operating at 1.6Ghz, using FDMA is less able to penetrate certain objects than GPS operating at 1.57Ghz using CDMA? I presume civilians are still only using the coarse channels so that doesn't help. It is interesting to see that GPS have no problems in my car while GLONASS does. I will drive another car tomorrow and see if there is a difference.
My Note locked within 2 seconds this morning, on my way to work. I was outside in my car.
When opening google maps, I get a lock before the app is fully open, ie. I'm already locked by the time I can do anything in the app even. Compared to my Captivate and Infuse, the lock times on my Note are godly.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk
I lock before apps load that can use it such as maps/nav. I came from a Vibrant that even after numerous "fixes" it still could take a couple minutes to lock.
Wow... That is what I expected from my phone. Are you guys all using the stock ROM? If not, what ROM are you using and who is your carrier?
Thanks.
welchertc said:
When opening google maps, I get a lock before the app is fully open, ie. I'm already locked by the time I can do anything in the app even. Compared to my Captivate and Infuse, the lock times on my Note are godly.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same experience here,running stock
No, not stock. I'm highly modified. I installed a screen protector that I suspect is giving me increased GPS/glonass capabilities.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk
Chief Geek said:
No, not stock. I'm highly modified. I installed a screen protector that I suspect is giving me increased GPS/glonass capabilities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm... maybe it's *my* screen protector that is killing the GPS...
A follow up to those who responded:
Please note (excuse the pun) down, when you launch Maps or Nav and the arrow shows up almost instantaneously, I would like to know IF *sometimes* the GPS reticle on the status bar continues to flash/blink for a while.
Thanks for the information.
I was excited for the GPS capabilities in this phone before I bought it, but my experiences have been far worse than everyone elses. Google Maps is loaded for about 5 seconds before it even STARTS trying to acquire a position. And even then, while indoors it takes a good 20 seconds to lock on. My iPhone 4 locks on indoors in about 3-5 seconds.
With the note, many apps think I'm 10-15 miles away while indoors. Especially with weather apps that just want a quick location fix but don't leave the GPS on during use. At first glance everything thinks I'm far away. Chat apps that only use GPS when sending a message have the same problem. Navigation apps that leave the GPS on during use are accurate. It's annoying. Never had an issue like that on my old phone.
Outside though, the Note seems to lock on nice and quick, within about 2-3 seconds upon starting acquisition, and my accuracy is generally at 3 meters or less. Even my $650 handheld GPSr doesn't have that level of accuracy.
EDIT: The notification bar icon DOES continue to blink for several seconds after achieving a lock.
johnus said:
I was excited for the GPS capabilities in this phone before I bought it, but my experiences have been far worse than everyone elses. Google Maps is loaded for about 5 seconds before it even STARTS trying to acquire a position. And even then, while indoors it takes a good 20 seconds to lock on. My iPhone 4 locks on indoors in about 3-5 seconds.
With the note, many apps think I'm 10-15 miles away while indoors. Especially with weather apps that just want a quick location fix but don't leave the GPS on during use. At first glance everything thinks I'm far away. Chat apps that only use GPS when sending a message have the same problem. Navigation apps that leave the GPS on during use are accurate. It's annoying. Never had an issue like that on my old phone.
Outside though, the Note seems to lock on nice and quick, within about 2-3 seconds upon starting acquisition, and my accuracy is generally at 3 meters or less. Even my $650 handheld GPSr doesn't have that level of accuracy.
EDIT: The notification bar icon DOES continue to blink for several seconds after achieving a lock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As for accuracy, this is a function of the number of satilites that you have locked onto. I believe all you need are 2, possibly 3 for accurate elevation, however the more you lock onto the more acurate you are. This is why "quick" on and off checks are rarely very accurate. however, with weather, the phone grabs your location and then queries the closest whether center, which is very rarely in your neighborhood. Typically it's your closest airport or military base, so this will atleast be 20-30 miles away, but often in same or neighboring zip codes.
For the indoor, thing, I never expect (nor really use) reliable GPS signal indoords. Just because you get a lock doesn't mean it'll be enough locks to do much. I rarely get lost going from my kitchen to the latrine anyways, but I suppose with enough beer it could happen. I would suggest (and you probably already have) check to make sure you make use of "use sensor aiding" option.
If all else fails, I will loan you my vibrant and you can experience a man-tantrum in your car when the fking thing wont lock after 5 minutes and your lost as **** and late as hell and google maps keeps freezing and FCing. That'll make you want to wine and dine your other devices for treating you so well.
Chief Geek said:
As for accuracy, this is a function of the number of satilites that you have locked onto. I believe all you need are 2, possibly 3 for accurate elevation,
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Click to collapse
I believe you need at least 3 for triangulation (location) and 4th to give elevation.
Another interesting thing I noticed about my Note--even if it locks quickly while I am stationary, it looses lock when I am moving (driving). I had my Sprint Evo 3D, Verizon Galaxy Nexus, Sprint Galaxy S Epic 4G, GSM Galaxy Nexus, and the Note side-by-side on the dash. The only phone that keeps losing and reacquiring the lock the the Note (especially while traveling at freeway speeds).
my note locks on really fast
under 10 seconds for sure.
If im out side its within 5 seconds.
My Skyrocket usually locked in around 10-15 seconds
my inspire....30 seconds.
my nav in the car....30 sec
this may be useful to you to get a little more info on what your gadget is doing with its unearthly beacons
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...wsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5lY2xpcHNpbS5ncHNzdGF0dXMyIl0.
Chief Geek said:
this may be useful to you to get a little more info on what your gadget is doing with its unearthly beacons
https://play.google.com/store/apps/...wsMSwxLDEsImNvbS5lY2xpcHNpbS5ncHNzdGF0dXMyIl0.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very useful tool. In addition to that one, I also use GPS Test, GPS Essentials, and GPS Status. Each brings something different to the party.
snovvman said:
Very useful tool. In addition to that one, I also use GPS Test, GPS Essentials, and GPS Status. Each brings something different to the party.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sounds like you need "Kick GPS - The 12 Step Program"
Really? Your complaining about 12 seconds to a gps lock? (regarding the OP)
Give me a break...
My DEDICATED GPS Tomtom unit takes over 2 minutes to get a lock, I consider it a blessing that my phone locks faster than a dedicated gps.
Good Lord...
My guess is you are one of those that complain about your browser taking more than 2 seconds to load as well.
Regarding gps stability, there are a couple of different things to try, namely one of the more rare things is calibrating the compass. There are many videos on Youtube, just search 'smart phone calibrate compass'. You'll find 3-4 different methods, any will likely work. And yes, the compass does affect the gps keeping a lock in speeds higher than 20 mph.
Another thing to try is downloading the latest gps satellite data. There are several apps available on the market that can do this (GPS Test, GPS Essentials, and GPS Status all do this).
littlewierdo said:
Really? Your complaining about 12 seconds to a gps lock? (regarding the OP)
Give me a break...
My DEDICATED GPS Tomtom unit takes over 2 minutes to get a lock, I consider it a blessing that my phone locks faster than a dedicated gps.
Good Lord...
My guess is you are one of those that complain about your browser taking more than 2 seconds to load as well.
Regarding gps stability, there are a couple of different things to try, namely one of the more rare things is calibrating the compass. There are many videos on Youtube, just search 'smart phone calibrate compass'. You'll find 3-4 different methods, any will likely work. And yes, the compass does affect the gps keeping a lock in speeds higher than 20 mph.
Another thing to try is downloading the latest gps satellite data. There are several apps available on the market that can do this (GPS Test, GPS Essentials, and GPS Status all do this).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why so excitable and quick to judge? "Give me a break..."? "Good Lord..."? Really?
Your TomTom uses GPS, not GLONASS and does not have Assisted GPS. GLONASS and A.GPS should allow a faster fix. With these new and additional technologies, the phone SHOULD get a much faster fix than your TomTom. You're comparing apples and oranges.
My Evo 3D, Galaxy Nexus, and other phones I metioned, with GPS (no GLONASS) and A.GPS will almost ALWAYS get a fix in 2-5 seconds. If enough research is done here at XDA, you will find that many newer devices, if working properly, *should* get a lock in under ten seconds. Your "DEDICATED GPS Tomtom" [sic] is a different and arguably less advanced animal.
Another example--the built-in GPS in my two vehicles lock IMMEDIATELY when the car is on. Why? Because they remember the last location, use brake sensors, steering angle sensors, and accelerometers to determine location. If they do not lock immediately, something is wrong.
If you re-read my original post--I am trying to figure out if others have the same problem, and attempting to understand what others are experiencing. At the same time, I provided information on GLONASS, in case other owners didn't know they had it.
For a just-released, $650 device, I expected mine to perform on-par with other phones. Perhaps mine is defective? I wanted to find out if I need a replacement. Last checked, this forum is about people asking questions, sharing information, and learning something. To that end, I am puzzled at your comments--it seems like *you're* the one who is complaining...
So yes, really!
littlewierdo said:
My guess is you are one of those that complain about your browser taking more than 2 seconds to load as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really? Really?!
Chief Geek said:
Sounds like you need "Kick GPS - The 12 Step Program"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I suppose...
While I'm her--there is also F GPS (fake GPS, provides coordinate of your choice to the location manager), GPS to MMS (allows you to send a text/MMS with your current coordinates), and GPS Speedo (a nice GPS-based speedometer).
See the edited OP. I made an interesting observation today. It seems like GLONASS signals are less able to penetrate objects...
My Note's GPS performance is flawless and is my most loved feature of the device. Superquick and very accurate.
I use the GPS all the time for backpacking, motorcycling, running and of course general finding all the stores my wife makes me take her shopping on the weekend.
Even better than my previous iPhone 4 and 3g.
My Samsung Infuse's GPS was a disaster taking forever getting a lock, loosing it, placing on the next road over, and not performing if sitting in the middle of my car...constant frustration so I REALLY am happy with my stock Notes GPS.
Sent from my Samsung Note via Tapatalk.
Could anyone confirm if GPS module can use GLONASS and GPS at the same time in Xperia S?
I just used GPS Stat program, and it not only reports up to 21 visible satelites, but also locks in just couple of seconds on 10-11 of them inside of building full of wires, computers and antenas (airport bulding)
It never happend with my X10 (GPS only). Even if it got fix inside it took couple of minutes and used max 5 of satelites.
If Xpeeia S GPS module uses both systems to support each other at the same time it means we'll get very good positioning even in placec where GPS only systems loose fix at all.
Sent from my LT26i using XDA
i know that the Xperia S is capable of using GLONASS and GPS, but how would one confirm it being able to use both of them at the same time? I'd be happe to do it, i just don't know how
Maybe someone is GPS-module-proffesionalist and can tell it by checking GPS chip model?
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The following id from the whitepaper:
GPS and GLONASS are used together to calculate the position. Positioning is more robust and accurate in most conditions, if both systems are active. The benefits of using GLONASS are automatically available for all applications using the Satellite Positioning API ("GPS Provider" in Android terminology
http://developer.sonymobile.com/wportal/devworld/downloads/download/xperiaswp1?cc=gb&lc=en
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That's actually great info. I'm getting HDOP and VDOP values around 1.2-1.4, dropping from time to time down to 0.7-0.8
Is GPS no longer outside only? ;-)
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mpolanski said:
That's actually great info. I'm getting HDOP and VDOP values around 1.2-1.4, dropping from time to time down to 0.7-0.8
Is GPS no longer outside only? ;-)
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The xps is seeing at lot more satellites than my desire. So I'm assuming the extra ones are glonass. Lock is fast, accuracy is very good. I'm not getting a lock indoors though.
Just upgraded to .67 firmware, hopefully the disconnect bug is fixed here as well.
I get a lock within seconds usually (even indoors) it's actually a bit amazing how accurate and quick it is D:.
I'm not sure if its the glonass thing, but its freaking fast at getting a lock.
GLONASS really makes a huge difference. I can always get a lock, indoors, outdoors, on the bus, even on the train usually.
I was in a tunnel & the GPS of XS was able guide me without lossing the signal (In France)
Observing GPS Status I've noticed, that it actually sees GLONASS only when DOP gets higher then 1.5-1.8 (it's precision indicator - less is better. Basically 1.0 means about 3.7m).
It seems that it turns off GLONASS when GPS is enough good. I belive it might be power saving related, what makes positioning in Xperia S even more supprising. I just can't find anything to confirm my observations. Anyway I'm overwhelmed with it.
Whitepaper says something about 3GPP emergency capabilities. I've read just a bit on that and don't really get what this is about. Can anyone describe it briefly in easy words?
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Glonass satalites have an id of > 60. So when you use GPS Status app, you may see the russian satelites by looking on their identifier.
You know, what that all means? You can get a lock on, when on plane.
I can confirm that it uses satelites with id lower and higher than 60 and locks in 5-10 seconds even indoor behind the 1 meter-wide stone walls. awesome.
Cholek3 said:
You know, what that all means? You can get a lock on, when on plane.
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I get a fix on the plane with my Desire HD ;-)
It would be nice someone showing a clip on youtube while driving a car as in this one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arOYNNux_mg
Cholek3 said:
You know, what that all means? You can get a lock on, when on plane.
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I got fixes with Xperia X10 on the plane. And inside buildings (near windows, took couple of minutes).
But not as fast as with SXS.
Myself I had problems to get fix in the plane with my x10. That's why I have mentioned it. Now should be even easier with XS.
It would be nice someone showing a clip on youtube while driving a car as in this one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arOYNNux_mg
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I will do it shortly, when I will get my windscreen holder. Should arrive in a couple of days.
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as i recall and read, it can both make use of glonass + gps. As being stated there GLONASS compliments GPS signals, thats the reason you have a shorter lock-in period compared to GPS signal alone.
The truth is, GPS cannot work in buildings or tunnels because the satellites cannot 'see' you. Most of the time the GPS tracks you when you are outside and make calculated guesses when you lose contact. Your wifi and phone connections also tells google where you are. Install The Z Devices app and you can actually see the number of satellites available to you and they cannot lock on when you go indoors and close the door.
GT35pro said:
The truth is, GPS cannot work in buildings or tunnels because the satellites cannot 'see' you. Most of the time the GPS tracks you when you are outside and make calculated guesses when you lose contact. Your wifi and phone connections also tells google where you are. Install The Z Devices app and you can actually see the number of satellites available to you and they cannot lock on when you go indoors and close the door.
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Not strickly true, I am inside now and have a lock with 14 satellites from the 20 i can see
indesisiv said:
Not strickly true, I am inside now and have a lock with 14 satellites from the 20 i can see
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You must be living in a greenhouse!
All, what is gps like on the s3? Doors it get a strong lock quickly and stay locked? How does it compare to the s2? Really interested in this add I use navigation a lot
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I've not used the GPS at all when out and about, however I just turned it on in google maps while sitting in my bedroom; the phone got a lock to 10 metres within 6 seconds.
I was impressed!
Used mine a few times now when driving, it locked very fast and had no issues.
The combinaion of GPE/GLONASS is awsam. it works inside the building, locks for seconds, find at least 13-17 sattelites inside... perfect.
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Same here GPS fix is almost instantaneous, accuracy very good. Now if we get TomTom soon I will be very happy, Google nav just doesn't do it for me.
when I think how poor my SGS 1 was for GPS
MadBob said:
Same here GPS fix is almost instantaneous, accuracy very good. Now if we get TomTom soon I will be very happy, Google nav just doesn't do it for me.
when I think how poor my SGS 1 was for GPS
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Thats great news, using sgs1 now and gps is driving me nuts!
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Yes, the GPS fixes very fast, like some of our friends mentioned above, partly because this GPS system is in hybrid with the former Russian Glonass system, hence catches more satellites. However, I am disappointed that the accuracy is not different than my older traditional GPS system on older phones. The best accuracy that I got is 5 meters under clear sky conditions so far