Free GPS Systems for Mobiles

paulofessex

Off track slightly....is sat nav on a mobile really any good. Can you safely see the screen whilst driving. I just can't imagine using anything smaller than my tomtom screen.

bubblesmoney

the following links light interest you
http://androidbloke.co.uk/google-maps-navigation-for-uk-launches/

http://maps.nokia.com/ovi-services-and-apps/ovi-maps

garmin seems to be launching their phone http://blogs.zdnet.com/cell-phones/?p=3606

tomtom is rumoured to have one in development too. but cant find any details yet.

cheap software might be a useful option if the features are very good. see this one which has good reviews from various sites. http://www.alk.eu.com/copilot/ ukplus ireland map is just £26.99 and can be used stand alone or can take other premium services like live services. see details on webiste.

but see videos on google sat nav software with voice directions. see many videos online on cnet uk or other website like youtube etc. hope this help.

i assume you mean satnav for cars etc and not for walking.
if you meant walking then see link (free) or basic compass one for fun. see many versions free and paid on http://androinica.com/2009/09/01/50-best-android-apps-gps-and-location-apps-16-24/

or if you want to be nautical minded and want the stars to guide you! then try this one http://htcapps.com/google-sky-map-for-htc-free/

if you want 'augmented reality maps' (train stations, buses, hospitals, shops, house hunting, banks etc etc or anything you want) for android phones or iphones to help with shopping or travel etc or just to find a restaurant then try layar via android market. you can get many types of augmented reality maps to help with many activities for many countries see types available for the uk http://layar.com/catalog/country/uk/ see videos available online (youtube and other websites) to see 'layar' in action. you can get 'layar' here http://www.android.com/market/#app=layar

if you meant trying to find your car in a big car parking lot as in massive shopping centres etc then see this app http://www.androidapps.com/t/car-locator

if you want mapping software for trains (london tube) try http://htcapps.com/london-tube-status-for-htc-free/

i guess you meant apps just for cars but i posted the other links as well to show other useful gps apps which you might find fun and useful.

do let me know if you or anyone find better ones!

DUTR

paulofessex wrote: »

Off track slightly....is sat nav on a mobile really any good. Can you safely see the screen whilst driving. I just can't imagine using anything smaller than my tomtom screen.

Mine is as good as my tomtom, tbh, you don't need to see the screen, the voice alert is plenty loud enough as is the speed camera and traffic light alert.

bubblesmoney

paulofessex wrote: »

Off track slightly....is sat nav on a mobile really any good. Can you safely see the screen whilst driving. I just can't imagine using anything smaller than my tomtom screen.

watch the videos on this link http://androidbloke.co.uk/google-maps-navigation-for-uk-launches/ and decide for yourself. see many more such videos on youtube.

i find the option to say 'go to hell' and it trying to guide you there cool!

see the many videos on geekanoid http://www.geekanoids.co.uk/reviews/tag/htc and in one he says find "cake" (or one such video on youtube if you cant find this on the videos on this link) and it gives options for shops nearby with cakes and how to get there!

s4lvatore

This is the best in my opinion.

http://we-travel.co.cc/joomla/

Works on nearly every phone.

Totally free, pre-loaded maps so no worries about data cost and because its open to all you can even generate a "local map" for a specific area.

anyone else here tried it?

Stompa

s4lvatore wrote: »

This is the best in my opinion.

Err, what exactly?

BillScarab

bubblesmoney wrote: »

watch the videos on this link http://androidbloke.co.uk/google-maps-navigation-for-uk-launches/ and decide for yourself. see many more such videos on youtube.

i find the option to say 'go to hell' and it trying to guide you there cool!

see the many videos on geekanoid http://www.geekanoids.co.uk/reviews/tag/htc and in one he says find "cake" (or one such video on youtube if you cant find this on the videos on this link) and it gives options for shops nearby with cakes and how to get there!

Google Navigation is no good for the OP as it reuires an internet cinnection to download the maps.

Mind you fro walking ti wouldn't need to download much.

I've used it a coupel of times and it works really well. Even switched to sdtreetview when you're close to your destination.

s4lvatore

Stompa wrote: »

Err, what exactly?

Haha sorry, forgot to put link in, lol. Well I have edited the post and here it is again

http://we-travel.co.cc/joomla/

BillScarab

s4lvatore wrote: »

Haha sorry, forgot to put link in, lol. Well I have edited the post and here it is again

http://we-travel.co.cc/joomla/

The trouble is it uses Open Street Map and there are massive holes in the coverage. Even in built up areas there are lots of roads missing.

bubblesmoney

BillScarab wrote: »

Google Navigation is no good for the OP as it reuires an internet cinnection to download the maps.

Mind you fro walking ti wouldn't need to download much.

I've used it a coupel of times and it works really well. Even switched to sdtreetview when you're close to your destination.

one has to make a balance between free and how useful the software is.

low cost software like copilot (link in my first post above) are an excellent alternative as it has good reviews.

another option to beat the data charges but still use google maps is as follows.....

everyone (almost) has a mobile. the only reason to have a landline used to be phone or broadband. but if one has a mobile one actually doesnt need a phone at home. broadband can be via a dongle which is of the MiFi variety then can even use in the car plus give access to 4-5 devices simultaeneously. effectively every person in the car can use a separate wifi device to browse/see what they want including using google navigation.

so one can get rid off the home phone + home broadband + home router/broadband modem/home wifi. which might cost 11£ for phone + 10£ for broadband plus hardware cost = £20 / month minimum (+ mobile cost which one has anyway)

if one uses the MiFi option then one has MiFi one time cost + monthly cost of 15£ for 5gb. see how this set up works http://blog.three.co.uk/2010/04/19/in-car-wi-fi-hits-the-road-video/ . this wont suit everyone though.

using the mifi option for home and car and work and cancelling home broadband and phone might work out cheaper when clubbed with mobile (with wifi access) for some as one can get rid of needing to buy a satnav device plus live data costs as this is free on google navigation.

especially if google navigation is clubbed with 'augmented reality software' like 'layar' it will become a combination hard to beat. if you want 'augmented reality maps' (train stations, buses, hospitals, shops, house hunting, banks etc etc or anything you want) for android phones or iphones to help with shopping or travel etc or just to find a restaurant then try layar via android market. you can get many types of augmented reality maps to help with many activities for many countries see types available for the uk http://layar.com/catalog/country/uk/ see videos available online (youtube and other websites) to see 'layar' in action. you can get 'layar' here http://www.android.com/market/#app=layar