Ok firstly, a little intro. I have been using this forums for awhile, but i hardly post, kinda new to tablets, only had a fake one before that ran 2.2 Froyo. Anyway, i got the flyer for just less than 5 months or so and when i bought it, it already had Honeycomb 3.2 on.
I never really got to test GB or anything, im currently running LeeDroids HC rom. After browsing around the forums i keep seeing threads like "Honeycomb sucks" etc etc, can any1 tell me why specifically? Is GB Smoother? what about pen usage etc. Please no random answers that don't have a basis.
Ok and finally, just a random Q, LeeDroid's rom enabled GSM calls for the flyer, agen, noob at tablets so the only way i found to make a call is to save the contact first and then dial it, How do i load prepaid data and airtime onto the tablet without switching sims with my phone?
Any help would be appreciated thanks.
You should have a dialer when selecting phone or you can get the dialer widget
Sent from my HTC Flyer P510e using XDA Premium HD app
Thanks for the reply, but in my Phone app, i can type a number, but i only have an option to save it, once i save it i can make a call from there, however this doesn't work with service numbers that contain * or # . I tried downloading a dialer app, this one has a phone button, but wen i use it, it says telephone not supported on this device.
Inside Leedroid hc v4.3.0 the is a default dialer widget that workers for me
Sent from my HTC Flyer P510e using XDA Premium HD app
Havoc-X said:
Ok firstly, a little intro. I have been using this forums for awhile, but i hardly post, kinda new to tablets, only had a fake one before that ran 2.2 Froyo. Anyway, i got the flyer for just less than 5 months or so and when i bought it, it already had Honeycomb 3.2 on.
I never really got to test GB or anything, im currently running LeeDroids HC rom. After browsing around the forums i keep seeing threads like "Honeycomb sucks" etc etc, can any1 tell me why specifically? Is GB Smoother? what about pen usage etc. Please no random answers that don't have a basis.
Ok and finally, just a random Q, LeeDroid's rom enabled GSM calls for the flyer, agen, noob at tablets so the only way i found to make a call is to save the contact first and then dial it, How do i load prepaid data and airtime onto the tablet without switching sims with my phone?
Any help would be appreciated thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GB seems to be a bit better on resources and is smoother than HC (at least on mine). HC has a different interface which some find to be better for a tablet (I do) and has more support for pen functions (most the really good pen apps won't run on GB). There are numerous users who have trouble with GPS when using an HC rom.
That is about all I can say without stating opinions supporting either side.
Well, my phone GPS seems to be better than the flyer's so im ok with that, thanks for the response, appreciate it. Looks like il stay on honeycomb, just installed CoolHoney 3d, its smoother than normal, not as smooth as ICS tho. Thanks again.
Havoc-X said:
Well, my phone GPS seems to be better than the flyer's so im ok with that, thanks for the response, appreciate it. Looks like il stay on honeycomb, just installed CoolHoney 3d, its smoother than normal, not as smooth as ICS tho. Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm using the CoolHoney 3D, as well. It is a keeper.
Flyer hc vs gb
First off i had both GB and HC on my flyer and i can tell you there is a big difference between them. Since your flyer came with HC you wouldn't know that GB allowed you to have more screens than the 5 that you now control. In other instances While on GB my battery literally lasted a whole week on one charge. For some reason HC caused me to continue to charge my flyer [i was doing the same hing that i was while on GB]. GB runs smooth for a phone update, but doesn't seem like it's for tablets. HC {in my case} allowed me to download a lot more apps then i could with GB.I don't know how it is for you but HC causes a significant drop in Wifi capability on my Flyer and was laggy most of the time. A good thing about HC is that it allows you to use the scribe to it's fullest by using it as a stylus in apps {for example some games allow you to use the scribe like you would a mouse},can use it to turn your flyer to a notebook {with the right apps of course {quill, lecture notes, notes}.
i hope this helps.
I've usen GB and HC, too, but switched back to GB (caused a whole day of work ). I have to say, that I am using just Original-ROMs, because I use it for taking notes at the University.
Pros GB:
-The smallest Pen in the PDF-App is much thinner than in HC
-Working Buttons (Home, Menu, Back)
-Green design (sounds stupid, but I like green much more than the blue design of Anroid 3+)
Pros HC:
-Bigger Homescreens
-System-wide Pen support
Really want to try GB, but few things first
Does the pen ONLY work in HTC Notes app?
ima kinda confused at this, i know honeycomb lets you use it in games and stuff, but what about apps like papyrus? It asks if you have a HTC flyer pen, you can enable and disable it.
According to your post, i take it that quill and lecture notes doesn't work in GB with the pen, although i do find myself using the stock notes app more, mainly because of the combination of typing and writing, which i want. Also what about Polaris office? It allows you to use your pen... well in HC, what about GB?
Does the pen ONLY work in HTC Notes app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it works in Notes, PDF-Viewer, eBook-Viewer, the Album. And if you tap on the screen in another App, it makes a screenshot, on which you can draw something.
(Last option is disengageable.)
ima kinda confused at this, i know honeycomb lets you use it in games and stuff, but what about apps like papyrus? It asks if you have a HTC flyer pen, you can enable and disable it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you mean "Papyrus Ex"? I've tried it right now: Nothing. It asks for a path, but not for a pen. I haven't found an App, which allows Scribe-Support on GB, I belive its a HC-Only Feature.
I love the Stock Notes App. Do you have an Evernote-Account? If not, give it a try. The only thing that I am missing is a checkered background. That whould be great!
Polaris Office is preinstalled, but the pen just takes a picture.
Related
Does anyone know if there is a default Wifi ROM for the Flyer I bought from Best Buy? I want to go back to the default setup as many things don't work.
Thanks,
5th
Fifth313ment said:
Does anyone know if there is a default Wifi ROM for the Flyer I bought from Best Buy? I want to go back to the default setup as many things don't work.
Thanks,
5th
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've not seen it floating around anywhere yet.
A bunch of us have been looking for this. I'd be a little more adventurous with the HC Beta ROMs if I had a failsafe in place (stock RUU).
TDQuiksilver said:
A bunch of us have been looking for this. I'd be a little more adventurous with the HC Beta ROMs if I had a failsafe in place (stock RUU).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Few people asked HTC over twitter w/o any response. :|
Zlatty said:
Few people asked HTC over twitter w/o any response. :|
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hm... what about their Facebook? Seems to be quite active. I think Honeycomb would give this tablet new life IMO.
I took a nose dive and installed honeycomb anyway. And I can say I am quite impressed only problem I have is fring and my fron facing came. It's just upside down in portrait mode. Other than that I have personally no problems and I use it all day. Hopefully a ruu will surface soon. But I won't need it until the real hc comes out for our flyers
Sent from my HTC Flyer P510e using XDA App
tydgilyard said:
I took a nose dive and installed honeycomb anyway. And I can say I am quite impressed only problem I have is fring and my fron facing came. It's just upside down in portrait mode. Other than that I have personally no problems and I use it all day. Hopefully a ruu will surface soon. But I won't need it until the real hc comes out for our flyers
Sent from my HTC Flyer P510e using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was the process pretty easy? Are you running the wi-fi flyer?
Its pretty easy to get to HC but you can't go back and while most things in HC beta work well, here's what I found.
Love the ROM. Only issues I have found are with the camera not working or very flaky with several apps including Skype, Paper Camera, Camera 360, SnapBooth, Notes, etc.
Additional bugs I found.
Mail widget stops working often
Bluetooth headset does not work properly. The devices pair fine and Audio out is ok , but the microphone on the head set is not used. Audio in is input from the Flyer's built in mic. I tired both a Jabra 3030 and a Motorola S9-HD
Tried with apps, Voice Search, Skype, and GrooveIP.
I have a wifi only US model Flyer
I've emailed them via their website, and get the standard "Thanks for you're email. We're working hard to provide the software updates you're asking about. Follow us on Twitter or Facebook for the latest news."
I wasn't asking about a software update, just when the WiFi BB RUU would be release...so it must be a standard answer.
Zlatty said:
Was the process pretty easy? Are you running the wi-fi flyer?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I have the WiFi flyer. And yes the process is very easy. It's not noob friendly. I have a noon account but I'm not a noon been flashing and customizing phones and all since the g1 so always had adb. Just never contributed the knowledge I have. I had a lot of mistakes but figured out how to fix just by reading. Read up on everything first before you flash anything. The things it may do or may not do may or may not interest. Everyone one has the personal interests and pet peeves. I like it. But u might not. Read up on threads and posts and check it out.
Personal disclaimer.....lol
I can't stress this enough. I took the risks. My idea may not b the best idea. If anything happens. I don't know you and I was drunk when I typed this........lol
P512 Best Buys Flyer 16GB wifi
I took the plunge... Got it running in about 2 hrs with some mojo from these fourms.
I followed Pauls Guide. Then decided to use the FLYHONEY v0.2 ruu.
http://api.viglink.com/api/click?fo...2.zip</FONT>&jsonp=vglnk_jsonp_13192987127163
I also had to install the disable_sim_card_message...
http://www.androidrevolution.nl/nickiberli/counter/click.php?id=10
I would give LeeDroid 2.1 a try instead of going back to stock.
TemplesOfSyrinx said:
I would give LeeDroid 2.1 a try instead of going back to stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pretty sure once we (wifi flyer people) go Honeycomb, you can't go back. LeeDroid is gingerbread, so no-go for us.
If you have a USA flyer, you are stuck with HC once you go. Other countries, some can get back to GB with a RUU flash. LeeDroid is GB.
The first thing I did when I got this thing was make a stock ROM from a backup. I have a deodexed, rooted, battery percentage version as well. If anyone wants it let me know. It's the shipped 1.36.1540.32 ROM.
Unfortunately that does not help if you install HC, you cannot use a backup of a GB ROM with the HC recovery.
anyone else here notice a lag in the keyboard typing especially on browser, say like replying in a forum...plus the accuracy does not seem to be very good.
Same here! It was fine for a while after I disabled the ripple effect. But starts slowing down again. Its one of the main reasons I keep getting back to android. WebOS has nice interface.
Sent from my Touchpad using XDA Premium App
Yea but until wifi issues are fixed (unless I didn't read enough) on cm7 I may hold off bbefore putting android on it. Web os is sweet but its plain left out when it comes to apps. I feel ripped off actually lol.
There's an android app called sign my pad its awesome and may be what my wife needs for her work.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App
tackleberry said:
Yea but until wifi issues are fixed (unless I didn't read enough) on cm7 I may hold off bbefore putting android on it. Web os is sweet but its plain left out when it comes to apps. I feel ripped off actually lol.
There's an android app called sign my pad its awesome and may be what my wife needs for her work.
Sent from my SGH-T989 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wi fi is not perfect on cm7 but is working well enough to not have to use web os. You are missing out since Android is working great even in an alpha stage. There is no reason to not give it a try since there is no risk in doing so.
HTC Vision(G2)/meXdroidmod
Ghost Chili AIO
No problems on WebOS keyboard; I kind of like it better than the stock android keyboards.
As for CM7 Android, it's definitely still an alpha product; it is great if you don't have any problems, but if you do, you are just out of luck. I had no problems with Alpha 2 with Xron's great package 1.37, but alpha 3 with Xron's 3.3 package gives me wifi nightmares. I've seen a few posts with problems like mine - the wifi has to be re-enabled after every boot - also, my wifi drops the connection after 3 or 4 minutes. Kills me because otherwise it is so great. I'd recommend trying it - maybe you'll be like most people and won't have any of the wifi problems.
iirc the breif reading i did so far its a dual boot? so i dont really lose webos at all and can boot into either OS?
tackleberry said:
iirc the breif reading i did so far its a dual boot? so i dont really lose webos at all and can boot into either OS?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct. You do not lose web os if you install cm7. That is the beauty of the touchpad. Two operating systems available in one tablet. You have a choice on which to use on demand.
Sent from my Touchpad using xda premium
One of the things I like about the webOS keyboard is the accuracy of it, but there is indeed some lag when typing in some forms.
Also, Shift + Enter actually works on the webOS keyboard unlike all Android soft keyboards it's useful for the facebook site or entering a new line
And the webOS browser renders full pages better than most Android browsers as well
I've noticed that android keyboard works ligtyears better for me and typing and zero lag.
Typing seems good for me on WebOS. Sometimes taps seem a little off, but I'm not sure if it's me or not. Anywho, you may want to check out some of the patches in preware. There are some to address scrolling speed and you can disable the ripple effect on clicks.
Personally, I really like WebOS and haven't bothered with the CM7 alpha's yet (I do have two other Android devices in the house though -- one a Nook running CM7, so I know what's out there).
I read through the other threads regarding various issues with the recent ICS update.
Am I the only one who DOESN't have issues? I installed the update about an hour ago, without wiping application data/cache or a factory reset, and I have tons of apps installed, including Google+.
Performance for me all around is much better. Has anyone else had the same experience?
No issues for me either.
After using for most of the morning i feel like battery life is less robust. Down to 85% with really only moderate use for a couple of hours. Was way better on Honeycomb. Will give it a few days and see if things even out before i draw any conclusions though.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium
no issues here either, aside from me losing root and being too lazy to downgrade to redo it.
it's much much faster, and turning on the 2d gpu accel in the settings has made it seem even faster than when it first booted on ics.
browsing through stock browser is fluid and fast, no typing lag (!!!) and the UI is much improved.
very happy overall.
oh yea, and i really like the black hole lwp.
hauj0bb said:
I read through the other threads regarding various issues with the recent ICS update.
Am I the only one who DOESN't have issues? I installed the update about an hour ago, without wiping application data/cache or a factory reset, and I have tons of apps installed, including Google+.
Performance for me all around is much better. Has anyone else had the same experience?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No issues that I can see. Either ICS or the camera firmware update really impved my camera function. Overall all seems much zippier. The default Android browser seems MUCH better - enough that I uninstalled Dolphin. Love the one-touch task closer widget.
Two thumbs up.
No you aren't the only one, people usually post about problems more then people without any problems.
Sent from my HTC Sensation using XDA App
duckied said:
No you aren't the only one, people usually post about problems more then people without any problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This. In fact look into the thread with the poll from the people who updated to ICS. Most people are happy with it.
Yes stock browser is faster but however Opera Mobile still seems to be faster in some aspects.I can't even see how to add a bookmark in stock browser. It was there at 1st but haven't seen the option lately.Dolphin is OK but now with the stock browser & Opera,I no longer need Dolphin.
No issues here either. Everything works so much smoother! I've yet to enable 2D acceleration, so I'm going to try that once I get home. (I know it's only for pre-ICS apps that are not enable by default)
lion2 said:
No issues here either. Everything works so much smoother! I've yet to enable 2D acceleration, so I'm going to try that once I get home. (I know it's only for pre-ICS apps that are not enable by default)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried it but some apps wont work with it enabled. The Revision 3 app will hang on the loading screen for example. It does make other apps very smooth though a bit buggy.
no issues, in fact I am dictating this message using the new google voice keyboard in real time. the whole operation of the tablet just seems so much more polished and smoother. It's definitely faster, for example, tapping the applications switch button instantaneously brings up thumbnails of all the running applications.
Wow, is truly an enjoyable device to use. Kudos to Asus for getting the update out... Certainly pulled it together a lot faster than a lot of the other big corporations.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk
Mine is definately running much smoother and quicker. Haven't had any issues. I'm still playing with settings and, also lost my root and am too lazy to downgrade to get it back. I'm very happy with ICS. Having the folders created by combining icons is probably my favorite feature so far.
I just got my prime today, so I rooted, updated, and re-rooted. I have no reference to how it was on HC except for the few minutes spent rooting
But ICS seems pretty good so far. GTA3 and minecraft work great!
Can opera browser now play youtube/flash video's? On the one I had it would only play the sound, but no video.
I got two freezes and reboots already, one inside Folder Organizer and second browsing all apps. But everything else is smooth and faster.
Mines flying like a bat out of hell no issues so far where do you get the split keyboard?
doeboy1984 said:
Can opera browser now play youtube/flash video's? On the one I had it would only play the sound, but no video.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I still have to try out different sites but so far No. right after I updated to ICS last night there was an immediate update for adobe flash 11. it seems tl make flash in stock and dolphin HD browser slot better n smoother. still testing out opera mobile.
People messing around with developer settings that don't really know what its doing is asking for trouble. you might load up an app or something that don't agree with what you enabled and BAM, the Prime locks up..lmfao
Popsiclestand said:
After using for most of the morning i feel like battery life is less robust. Down to 85% with really only moderate use for a couple of hours. Was way better on Honeycomb. Will give it a few days and see if things even out before i draw any conclusions though.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mine has been unplugged for just under 8 hours and I'm at 38%. I'd say it is definitely draining the battery more... but it is a bit too early to tell. All I did today was surf the web, snapped a few pictures, tried out the photo editing, and played a video for 2 minutes.
Overall the tablet is MUCH snappier and responsive! The stock browser amazed me as well! I love the clarify of the new font that was introduced in ICS.... it was a much needed change.
As far as OP goes, device runs better n faster than ever. I only have one gripe. ICS has seemed tl nerf 3rd. party tethering apps like Wireless tether or Barnacle. Wireless tether app is an infrastructure method of tethering but now the prime doesn't even recognize it. of you use wifi analyzer, the tether will show up as an ad hoc network instead, which its not. plus when youbteybto connect from there, it says Ad hoc not supported by Android yet.
Just got another reboot surfing the web thru Dolphin.
So I bought a htc flyer on 2.3.3 and an Evo view with 2.3.4.
I am installing one in my car and am gonna use other as basic everyday tablet.
I have to update one to honeycomb as the dash trim will cover the physical buttons and honeycomb puts them on-screen. Just not sure what one I will put in the car yet. Evo views radio would help with gps i think.
Just wondering if I update the firmware does it go from 2.3.3 to honeycomb or does it have to step-up like first update goes to 2.3.4 and so on.
jacobbones said:
So I bought a htc flyer on 2.3.3 and an Evo view with 2.3.4.
I am installing one in my car and am gonna use other as basic everyday tablet.
I have to update one to honeycomb as the dash trim will cover the physical buttons and honeycomb puts them on-screen. Just not sure what one I will put in the car yet. Evo views radio would help with gps i think.
Just wondering if I update the firmware does it go from 2.3.3 to honeycomb or does it have to step-up like first update goes to 2.3.4 and so on.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I got my Flyer a few days ago, it did two OTA updates and is on 2.3.4. It says the Honeycomb 3.2 update is available but I'm not going to apply that because I want to keep the touch buttons on the bezel.
Unless you use a pen for input there is really no benefit to upgrade to HC IMHO.
Sent from my PG41200 using Tapatalk
Im not really into honeycomb for it either.
But Since im installing in the cars dash and the bezel buttons will be under the trim I need the on screen buttons. But at same time someone talked about gps problems in honeycomb, and thats its main use in the car.
Isn't there an app to put the back, home buttons on screen?
Maybe thats best bet
Go for it, GingerBread blows like a big old cell phone IMHO
Ive seen a few posts of GPS problems with honeycomb, now im leary about it. Thats a big reason why im installing it, for built in gps
I upgraded to honeycomb and I"m glad I did. I'll give HTC credit for modifying gingerbread to the point that it worked better on a tablet, at least what little I saw of it, but overall it's just not meant for a tablet. Honeycomb gives the tablet a much more "windows" look, and many apps are altered for it, and I like the virtual buttons better anyway.
As far as updating, it ran 2 GB updates on mine, one for sense I think, and the other was a security update.
For me HC is better because I can maximize stylus for taking note, etc..
I still missed the HW Buttons, althouh Leedroid rom activate the HW buttons but still not perfect (does not work on portrait)
jacobbones said:
Ive seen a few posts of GPS problems with honeycomb, now im leary about it. Thats a big reason why im installing it, for built in gps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No problems at all on View on honeycomb and my GPS. I use copilot all the time on it. I am completely stock.
I really want to run HC on my View. Why? Better pen input options. Other than that not much. So what bugs the hell out of me every time I run HC so that I find myself flashing back to GB?
I finally figured it out. It's the screen colors. Under HC, the View's screen colors all look flat and washed out. Like the Gamma is turned way down or something. Blacks aren't very black, reds aren't very red. So I flash back to GB and boom, the screen pops!
Anyone else notice this and suggest some workarounds?
The only reasoning I would have is that honeycomb was designed to be styled in a matte style. But now that I think of it its true colors do pop a lot more on gb. Maybe its because HTC hasn't had much time to work with honeycomb as much as they have with gb and before. But it looks like sense 4 has all those popping colors you are referring too.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using xda premium
What bothers me is i can't make folders
Kermode said:
What bothers me is i can't make folders
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Folders where?
Maybe he's talking about in the Sense screens...in GB you could make folders that were contained for widgets/shortcuts. Made it nice to organize shortcuts and avoid duplicating the app drawer.
I would like folders there anyway...not possible on HC?
DigitalMD said:
Folders where?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the "desktop"
jorge_culv said:
Maybe he's talking about in the Sense screens...in GB you could make folders that were contained for widgets/shortcuts. Made it nice to organize shortcuts and avoid duplicating the app drawer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly, it was always possible in Sense - seems like a big omission of Android (though they sort of got there in ICS)
jorge_culv said:
I would like folders there anyway...not possible on HC?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The method described in their HowTo doesn't work anymore, I don't know if there is a different way or if they just didn't add it for some reason.
Does anyone really prefer stock H/C over G/B at this point ?
Yes I do
Sent from my HTC Flyer P510e using xda premium
yeah, i do too.
me too. to me HC is much more functional than GB.
I miss certain things about GB, but I prefer HC. It's all I run.
Sent from my Clean Rom'd HTC Flyer using XDA Premium.
GMAN1722 said:
me too. to me HC is much more functional than GB.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please explain. I haven't (yet) upgraded. I've read about HC w/no folders, broken GPS and wifi issues (the wifi seems easy enough to fix)... so I've decided to not upgrade.
Everything as it is in GB2.3.4, works for me. Stock Sense ROM - alternating w/Go Launcher (5 x 5 grid)... I've rooted, and have S-Off... running all the su apps I care to, and have uninstalled some bloatware - so it's solid & functional as is.
What's more functional in HC? I'd love to upgrade but haven't found a reason... or a perfectly running custom ROM where it all works better. Fill me in...
pen is more functional, apparently. and i use mine all the time.
what gps issues? what wifi issues? i've yet to have one, and my view is running 247
jayochs said:
pen is more functional, apparently. and i use mine all the time.
what gps issues? what wifi issues? i've yet to have one, and my view is running 247
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, of course, the pen adds tremendous functionality (didn't mean to overlook that aspect), but it's a function I don't need. I understand the value of that enhancement. Aside from the pen...
The View and the Flyer are similar but different and maybe the aforementioned issues have more to do with the latter...
Googling brings up a lot to read. Here's just a small sample...
GPS - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1431964 and here - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1534152
Wifi - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1381157
For myself with a WiFi Flyer, I'm happy where I am, and glad to hear your View w/HC is problem free.
I've got a View on HC, and love it. And I don't have any problems with Wifi or gps, maybe you've got a bad unit???
vaughnmr said:
I've got a View on HC, and love it. And I don't have any problems with Wifi or gps, maybe you've got a bad unit???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
same here no problems at all.
I've got a WiFi Flyer and do like HC on it better than GB. Just like the interface better and the ability to run more pen enabled apps. I'm not on stock but a custom HC rom w/custom launcher. No Wifi issues whatsoever but GPS is problematic. It will lock in and lose the lock then re-lock. As far as I know this is with any HC rom on the Flyer except maybe the official OTA. However, since mine is WiFi only and Google apps need data + gps to work, I have never found a use for GPS so doesn't bother me at all. I could tether it to my phone but would make no sense considering I can just use my phone for navigation.