Any free app to automatically toggle GPS?

[shashankmittal]

I am looking for an app that can automatically turn on GPS when I use a pre-defined application (like Google maps) in foreground and turn off GPS when the application exits or is inactive.
I know this can easily be setup with Tasker, but is there a more basic, light weight app that can be used specifically for this purpose...something that's free?

 

[annihilator_4]

I've actually tried leaving the GPS on all the time and it seems like it doesn't use the GPS unless an application attempts to use it. I haven't noticed any extra battery drainage and it's definitely nice not having to go and keep switching it on and off. I haven't done any actual testing but my assessment is that as long as the little GPS icon doesn't appear on the status bar the GPS isn't actually turned on. Try it out for a day and let me know your results.

 

[tanda4]

I use extended controls. It's a great program for toggles, but it's not free.

 

[Terrigno]

I've actually tried leaving the GPS on all the time and it seems like it doesn't use the GPS unless an application attempts to use it. I haven't noticed any extra battery drainage and it's definitely nice not having to go and keep switching it on and off. I haven't done any actual testing but my assessment is that as long as the little GPS icon doesn't appear on the status bar the GPS isn't actually turned on. Try it out for a day and let me know your results.

I second that. Never had a problem with keeping the GPS on. It only actually uses the GPS when the application uses GPS. For instance I have Beautiful Widgets and I have it update every 15 minutes for the weather which then it uses the GPS. I have had no extra battery drainage. I still get a full day out of this battery with alot of things updating.

 

[Duniti]

You can use the "Auto-Enable GPS for Maps" application, which switches both WiFi and GPS on when you launch Maps, Navigation, Local or Latitude, and restores them to their old state (e.g. switched off) when you quit these apps.

Google Play Store link: https://forums.androidcentral.com/e.../details?id=com.duniti.mapsgps&token=8VkRB4oN