Hello , Is it possible to add a Speedometer for the Google Maps App?
Thank You!
That's a pretty good question.
I guess you would have to capture a lat/long and start a timer. Then have a polling method to get the next set of lat/long. From that, I"m pretty sure you can get distance travelled. If you have distance travelled and time elapsed, you should be able to capture average speed.
And if you remember Calculus 1, if you make the distance travelled infinitely smaller, you'll get close to instantaneous speed.
that would be a great app
I might be able to look at this, but it's going to be a few weeks. I was actually creating a "tracker" app to allow employers to track employees in the field, but I was interrupted by another project.
Funny thing is I would think the navigation would have this. I had it on ovi maps in my Nokia nuron.
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Some of the (expensive) 3rd-party navigation solutions have this feature, it seems like a bit of a no-brainer for the Google Navigation app not to have it given its relative simplicity. I think the native GPS libs actually provide current speed natively so it should just be a case of pulling the value out of the system and overlaying it.
Well, now there is kinda cheap app to do that . Please check my thread:
[APP] gMapsSpeed | Speed info and speeding alerts for Google Navigation
That would be great! That's one of the things that I really miss about my old Blackberry. Maps was great.
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Moving to Q&A
Is there a offline navigation application that can take over as the default?
I tried several but when I click on( for example) the direction button on Yelp, only the default map application shows up under the 'Complete Action Using ' dialog
have you tried copilot? Works well for me but I have never tried yelp with it.
There is not really a good FREE one. The best one I've found is ALK the GoPilot Live. I've tried Sygic, and I don't like it (used the "free trial" version) and decided that CoPilot was cheaper and better.
There is another one out, NAVFREE, but wouldn't touch that one yet...They have the street I live on identified in the wrong town.
Garmin has one, but it's more like "guess we gotta make one for Android" mentality. I think there is much to be desired right now in their app. Tom-Tom also has one, but based on so many negative reviews in other forums, I never bothered to even try it....I think it's one of those "Love it or hate it" programs.
Your Online choices are (with a tethered phone for WiFi): Google Navigation, and WAZE. Even when running CoPilot, I usually run WAZE, because of it's social networking feature (it's route choices suck). Users on the road can report "active" situations - cops/accidents/heavy traffic/construction, etc. With that running, I can check periodically on the status of the road conditions, and use the CO-Pilot for routing. Remember, when tethered, your carrier data rates apply.
Hope I helped,
Bob
Google Field Trip - TRY IT OUT - runs great on the Rezound.
This little program accesses multiple databases to tell you about
items of interest right where you are at the moment.
Available in Google Play Store.
It's customizable so that when you don't want to hear things, like
when you're on the way to work, you can stop notifications.
And when you want details about your location, it's got 'em:
food places, historical spots, and all kinds of things you'd never know.
It's like a knowlegable tour guide who has all the facts right at hand.
Had a blast with it yesterday!
Hopefully people will focus on driving instead of listening to their phone.
Wow, this is the most annoying app google has ever made! Just terrible!
It does run just fine though, I suppose...
yaya
You can choose to make it less annoying in Preferences
if it's spouting too much info.
It's a hoot to hear historical stuff about places you're
passing thru. More interesting than Siri by a long shot.
But to each their own.......
I think its pretty cool
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I saw another thread about hiding apps in some guy's wife's phone to track her. I'm looking for something similar with my wife, but it does not need to be hidden. Mainly to be used because I commute quite a distance and this would let her know how close I am to home (rather than having me text while driving). Similarly for her when she's travelling.
Just an app that would:-
1. Allow me to see where she is (and vice-versa)
2. Use GPS if on, otherwise fall back on net information
3. Not use SMSes (some sort of internet-based communication between phones)
I could probably hack something up using Tasker but her phone isn't rooted like mine is so the capabilities for GPS etc are a bit more limited (and time is limited, of course).
Thanks!
Already built in
ngoonee said:
I saw another thread about hiding apps in some guy's wife's phone to track her. I'm looking for something similar with my wife, but it does not need to be hidden. Mainly to be used because I commute quite a distance and this would let her know how close I am to home (rather than having me text while driving). Similarly for her when she's travelling.
Just an app that would:-
1. Allow me to see where she is (and vice-versa)
2. Use GPS if on, otherwise fall back on net information
3. Not use SMSes (some sort of internet-based communication between phones)
I could probably hack something up using Tasker but her phone isn't rooted like mine is so the capabilities for GPS etc are a bit more limited (and time is limited, of course).
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can actually do this with the built in google maps application. It's called local/latitude. You can share where you are and control who sees it an when. Go ahead and look into it. Much better then downloading another app IMHO.
See here: Google search latitude android
Thanks, yeah I know about latitude features but it seems to lack a way to "ping" the other party with the equivalent of "hey, I've reached road X"
Sent from my GT-P7500 using Tapatalk HD
Use an app called Backitude from the Play Store. Latitude updates pretty arbitrarily on its own. This app allows you to control how and when it updates, and also let's another person force an update on your phone by sending an SMS. It's all Internet based except the update triggering part. You can also use the tracking features of Cerberus, another app in the Play Store.
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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.
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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?
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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.