Google Maps with compass and auto-rotate, possible? - Hero, G2 Touch General

Since the last iPhone was released that I thought the new Maps (for the iPhone) was very cool. It took great advantage from the compass by auto-rotating the map to where we are facing.
But I swore to myself never to buy another Apple product (as long as there are good alternatives) since I bought an iPod Classic (which I learned to hate, but there was nothing else to fit my needs back then). And so, I know have an HTC Hero and the Google Maps don't provide that same functionality.
I know the compass works, but it's just on Street View and I'm talking about the other views.
Also, a little compass pointing north would be nice to have too
Isn't this achievable with Google Maps?

My google maps does not take advantage of my compass...
is there a setting that I need to turn on??

Install the tool "Spare Parts" from the Market; it has an option called "Show campass in Maps". I didn´t try it yet.
Happy new Year BTW :-D
/Edit:
I just tried it and I don´t know what changed after setting the option; I have seen no difference. Sorry.

You guys might want to try "RMaps" from the market.
It can auto-rotate, add POI, and use other maps other than Google maps. The problem is, I don't think it supports navigation.

OK, I just took a look at some threads about "Spare Parts" and that function should only display a compass, so it´s not what you are looking for and the displaying of the compass doesn´t work since an Google Maps update.
BB.

does anyone's sprint hero ... google maps...
act like the google maps on the other Heros???

Related

Hardware compass support [UPD 28 Dec: Working in *all* GPS navigation software]

Probably going to buy a HD2 within a few months, and I am wondering whether there is any information available about the support for the hardware compass in any navigation software like iGO8, iGO Amigo, Google Maps (which are my personal favorites).
Google Maps Update:
The new 3.3.1 update for Google Maps (permanent link to most recent Google Maps, at the time of writing 3.3.1) adds hardware compass support for the HD2! When in the 'my location' mode, it will show you the direction you are facing by means of the blue my location dot changing into a blue arrow. You may have to walk and turn around a little bit to somewhat trigger the use of the compass. Note that this doesn't work when 'my location' is off (which makes sense). What makes less sense is that it won't work in combination with GPS either. With GPS, the arrow will still be there but will always face north. Maybe a bug?
I didn't find a way to let Google Maps rotate the map on the screen, depending on the direction you are facing.
I've double checked, and this feature is not available in the stock 3.2.1 (#16) Google Maps on the HD2.
Google Maps Update (13 Dec 2009):
This can work when using GPS as well. In Google Maps, apparently it works when you set your GPS settings to manual.
For example, set your baud rate to 57600 (Options -> GPS Settings -> Set Manually: COM4, Baud 57600).
Get compass navigation support in your GPS navigation software! (28 Dec 2009):
Have been working with Mach2003 to enable support for the compass in potentially *all* GPS navigation software!
Get GpsModDriver 1.50beta: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showpost.php?p=5233994&postcount=583
barty22 said:
Probably going to buy a HD2 within a few months, and I am wondering whether there is any information available about the support for the hardware compass in any navigation software like iGO8, iGO Amigo, Google Maps (which are my personal favorites).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not unless HTC releases SDK for HD2
There are three possibilities:
1. Yes, some apps such as those listed will (perhaps not immediately, but eventually) be able to access the compass.
2. Yes, but the compass is mainly there for WM7 compatibility so until a WM7 upgrade comes, most apps won't be able to access the compass.
3. No, the compass is there just for the HTC Compass app, which would be really pointless and stupid.
hmota78 said:
Not unless HTC releases SDK for HD2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is something I really don't understand about windows mobile devices.
The OEM's make such powerful phones with excellent hardware but they don't release the SDK to that developers can use these hardware feature and create good apps for the devices.
What's the point then?
I know Samsung recently starting releasing SDK's for their devices, I think HTC should follow if they want to keep people buying their devices.
i think that the compass will be used by some programs like igo and yes, google map, but not much more.
we will see in 2 weeks
As far as I know HTC hasn't released SDKs for their current sensors but it doesn't prevent programs from using them they were reverse engineered very quickly.
Dark Fire said:
There are three possibilities:
1. Yes, some apps such as those listed will (perhaps not immediately, but eventually) be able to access the compass.
2. Yes, but the compass is mainly there for WM7 compatibility so until a WM7 upgrade comes, most apps won't be able to access the compass.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hm, don't know which one I'd prefer =)
I don't think they'd just put a simple compass app on the device and NOT release a SDK just to get people excited for WM7. So I'm pretty sure the compass will be used in some way, either on preinstalled apps or via SDK.
kersh said:
i think that the compass will be used by some programs like igo and yes, google map, but not much more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I, for one being a Muslim, would want an application telling directions to Mecca for prayer purposes... This "would" be definitely a big plus for Muslim HD2 adopters. I know some people have similar app on iPhone, but it takes direction from internet and as a result is highly inaccurate ...
now thatleo's arrived, anyone know of a rotatey map program?
Wooohoo, some new development.
An API has been developed by MilaCzeque. Check here!!
Next step is for some developer to somehow let Google Maps and our favourite navigation software use the API.
Updated first post with information about compass support in Google Maps
barty22 said:
Updated first post with information about compass support in Google Maps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Really good news.. Thanks barty22
Trying now..
can't get the arrow to respond to phone turns when standing still, which I would expect. But the location is incredibly more precise in the new version 3.3.1
czbird said:
can't get the arrow to respond to phone turns when standing still, which I would expect. But the location is incredibly more precise in the new version 3.3.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On my device the arrow even rotates when I am sitting down and just rotating my phone!
Sorry, guys, but it's just the GPS tracking the direction it thinks you're moving.... No Compass-support in Google Maps I'm afraid.
Compass-support would be for instance rotating the map according to the direction the compass is pointing...
yngvebn said:
Sorry, guys, but it's just the GPS tracking the direction it thinks you're moving.... No Compass-support in Google Maps I'm afraid.
Compass-support would be for instance rotating the map according to the direction the compass is pointing...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You're wrong. It (only) works when GPS is disabled. And it does rotate according to the direction you are facing. It just doesn't rotate the map, but the arrow. It works when you rotate the phone (or when you rotate yourself while you're holding the phone ) when sitting down/standing still/not using gps...
barty22 said:
You're wrong. It (only) works when GPS is disabled. And it does rotate according to the direction you are facing. It just doesn't rotate the map, but the arrow. It works when you rotate the phone (or when you rotate yourself while you're holding the phone ) when sitting down/standing still/not using gps...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On my Touch Pro2 I get this arrow on Google Maps version 3.2.1, and that phone doesn't even have a compass so I think it's safe to say that the arrow is not compass-based. The fact that it doesn't work unless you're moving is also a dead give-away.
Only works with GPS over here, and doesnt rotate, doesnt look like it supports the compass yet.
I can't get it to work for me. Do I have to enable it somehow, or should it "just work" ?
It worked indoor for me, without GPS, and very accurately.
I disabled GPS, hit the blue dot in the corner and waited for
a minute before it started.

Google maps - Rotation at any point?

Sorry guys, had a search but to no luck.
Does anyone know if Google maps can or is planning to release a maps version that rotates as can be seen on the iphone, a guy I work with shown me his new 3gs and the way the maps spin to your direction was mighty impressive. I figure with the hd2 having built in compass, then why cant we have that too.
Again apologies if this has been covered, even google searches were not bringing up a great deal.
Thanks, Rick.
Actually nobody knows. Ask on google mobile forums. Not that anyone will answer.
With the latest version of Google Maps (mine is 3.3.1) the blue circle that shows your position is now an arrow that works with the compass - but the map doesn't rotate.
Yeah I have noticed the arrow detects your direction, but the maps themselves rotating would be great. I shall have a mooch on the google forums.
Cheers.

Google navigation not available in Australia

Fetched from
www samsung com /au/smartphone/galaxys/features.html#google-maps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
on the 9/07/2010:
Car Menu and Google Maps Navigation. When you are out and about, Galaxy S makes finding your way around fun, easy and efficient. In the car, put Galaxy S into its mount, and weather, view map, voice search and navigation icons are instantly displayed. The Google Maps Navigation application allows you to find your destination easily and quickly even through the most complex streets. As you make your way, Galaxy’s internet-connected navigation with voice command and preinstalled Google Maps, provides three different views. Real street view, traffic view and satellite view.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Am I the only person who gets "Navigation is not available in your area" when I load the navigation app? Samsung are selling the phone with navigation as a feature, one I intended to use which is disabled because?
I was under the impression that Google Navigation was only available in the US as of right now.
tysj said:
I was under the impression that Google Navigation was only available in the US as of right now.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure they opened it up recently to the UK a short while ago, but so far I think thats it
I had the same issue, had to instal brut google maps to have working navigation. I knew google maps navigation wasn't available here, but it was kind of among to have a non working app pre installed ob a phone that is sold locally.
Sorry double post.
Just install Brut google maps
what is brut google maps? i cant find it on the market
kyleh0000 said:
what is brut google maps? i cant find it on the market
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its a modified version of google maps and Navigation that works outside of U.S. I use it all the time here in Australia. Perfect !!
Not available in the market, but you can find it here.
chaoscentral said:
I'm pretty sure they opened it up recently to the UK a short while ago, but so far I think thats it
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its works in Canada.. Google Navigation has been working in Canada for about a year now.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
There's no google Nav in aus yet as mentioned. Brut[maps] works, but be aware there are still some small subtle oddities (which don't really affect it's use), such as going the wrong way around on roundabouts (So if it says second exit, that might mean second exit counterclockwise, NOT the correct way).

Google Maps Navigation not working? - canada

Hey all,
For anyone with Bell vibrant version, do any of you have the problem with the "Google Maps Navigation is not yet available for your location" popping up when you open the app? Obviously this is not true since it's fully available here in Canada, not to mention the fact that it worked fine for me before. On my previous JG9 firmware it worked fine, but it seems to have sort of fudged up after the JH2 update. Now it shows that message, turn-by-turn nav is not available and only gives you the option of showing you directions.
Not that I use navigation much, but how should I go about in fixing this problem? any settings or caches I can clear to make it work again?
yes, same error, the fix is to install a new version from Android market
but it is better to use a decent GPS software like CoPilot, IGo, or anything of that quality.
Thanks for the info. I don't think I use GPS enough to buy a better app for it though, but I'll remember it as reference. I'll download the new version of stock for now.
AllGamer said:
yes, same error, the fix is to install a new version from Android market
but it is better to use a decent GPS software like CoPilot, IGo, or anything of that quality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google Maps Navigation suddenly stopped working for me on Friday 20th (southern Ontario). Current version is 4.4.0. No update available yet.
It has happened right in the middle of a long weekend trip. It's good I had my old reliable Garmin with me...
I got my phone less than a week ago. Installed Google Maps 4.4 right away. It's worked perfectly since. I'm on whatever firmware the phone came with.
I'm having the same problem on two different phones.
It comes and goes. Restarting the phone usually helps as a temporary fix.
@AllGamer: Google's Navigation may not have some advanced features but I find it far superior to both my Magellan and TomTom.
created a FAQ that answer some of the questions regarding the "Navigator"
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=763887
@hoomanb yes, i do like the google navigator, but it's not quite perfect yet, and as you said neither is TomTom
every one of those apps have something i like and dislike
currently using CoPilot, is almost great, but is also missing something i like from TomTom & Google Maps
if they could just combine all 3 of them together...

[Q] looking for gps app.......

I do alot of off road where there is no wifi or 3g/4g. I need a nice app where I can download sat images and maybe even layer them with terrain. I won't be able to download on the road nor the trail. I tryed to use "maps". But I couldn't seem to get the maps. I always know where in goin(area) the next day. So I can download them ahead of time... I tried a couple diff apps. But most where paved roads. Nothing with sat. Memory space is not a problem. Planing on doing a seperate SD card just for this. Any help will be great. Thank you.
You looking for something like this?
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.crittermap.backcountrynavigator.license&hl=en. They do have a demo version
Sent from my A500 using xda premium
i played with that one before. Its nice for sure. But I can't get it to give me roads too. I want Google maps to work offline. That would be great.
You should be able to cache Google Maps offline. I believe it is a Beta labs feature for maps where you can designate an area for offline use while you are still connected to a data network.
beta labs?
I think there are several off line GPS programs, including Waze and something called ZANavi. I think there are others as well, but if you search for offline GPS, there are quite a few, including Google's June 2011 announcement of offline maps, which has not apparently come to fruition yet.
good luck.
dcohio said:
You should be able to cache Google Maps offline. I believe it is a Beta labs feature for maps where you can designate an area for offline use while you are still connected to a data network.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I dont think you can pre-cache the terrain or satellite overlay though. At least it doesnt work on mine.
bytemehard said:
I dont think you can pre-cache the terrain or satellite overlay though. At least it doesnt work on mine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Me too..... sucks cause I like "maps"
this is the only one i can find..
i tried it long long ago and did not work right with my tablet.. .Check Amazon app market for a trial downlaod.. it might be the solution ..if its now honeycomb/tablet supported
GOOD Luck
oops I forgot the link http://www.gaiagps.com/
you can load maps from many locations I got it from amazon asdi said above.. Just tried to load it and it comes up..but i have no maps d/loaded
tile cache for google maps
Ive been playing around with the google maps some more......even though the pre-cached maps with terrain overlays doesnt work well I did discover a way to do it.
First go to the grounds area you want cached and choose the layer that works best for you.
Next zoom to your desired scale and the view will slowly come to focus. When it does it seems to automatically cache that tile area. Problem is you will have to slowly scroll to each section of the landscape you want cached pausing until in focus. Hopefully its not too large of an area. It does seem to work and stores the info even after restart.
i have been caching tiles like you said all night.(in between my bf3 battles) It seems to keep them on there. i shut off wifi, and rebooted. still there. But for how long. I hope its there for good. i love that app.

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