GPS+Wifi question

[Vaas]

Ok, this maybe a dumb question so forgive me

If I have the wifi version can I get gps signal through wifi? I plan on using the Nexus 7 as a map/navigation device in the car. I plan on tethering it to my phone for signal when out an about.

Has anyone else done this, any issues with GPS, google maps...etc? I know about the earily GPS issues but hopefully that is fixed now with the google update.

thx

 

[Scott Kenyon]

GPS should work fine. Make sure you either cache your route or tether the tablet to your smartphone so you'll have the route data.

 

[Vaas]

Thats what I thought, just wanted to make sure.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[YAYTech]

GPS signal doesn't use the data connection anyway - it uses signals from satellites. For full fledged navigation, a data connection is very helpful, though, as with Google Maps/Nav the maps themselves and routing information requires a data connection.

 

[patruns]

GPS signal doesn't use the data connection anyway - it uses signals from satellites. For full fledged navigation, a data connection is very helpful, though, as with Google Maps/Nav the maps themselves and routing information requires a data connection.

Actually mobile devices use cell towers to "assist" GPS providing a faster fix on your coordinates. But, they do work just fine without the assist.

 

[Scott Kenyon]

Actually mobile devices use cell towers to "assist" GPS providing a faster fix on your coordinates. But, they do work just fine without the assist.

Pat is correct, it's called AGPS. Also, they'll use nearby wifi networks for location assistance as well.

 

[louneedle]

Sorry to hijack your thread but I can't work out how to post a new question and my issue is GPS related.
I recently purchased an android phone from the US to replace my Samsung Galaxy that was damaged by water ingress. I needed a cheap phone and the GT-t9500 that I bought is perfect apart from the fact that it doesn't have GPS so I can't use a Sat Nav app or anything that requires location search. Does anyone know whether there is a means of downloading GPS or adding it in some way. I would greatly appreciate any help.

 

[jstwondrng]

Pat is correct, it's called AGPS. Also, they'll use nearby wifi networks for location assistance as well.

So, are we able to use GPS without having to use wi-fi? I tried yesterday and I got nothing...

J

 

[patruns]

So, are we able to use GPS without having to use wi-fi? I tried yesterday and I got nothing...

J

Yes, you should be able to use it without wifi. However, without having any maps on the device it is useless. You can resolve that in several ways. 1.) Tether to a smartphone. 2.) Install a navigation app that does store the maps on the device. 3.) Using Google maps while on wifi, pre-load the area that you need to navigate.

 

[jstwondrng]

Yes, you should be able to use it without wifi. However, without having any maps on the device it is useless. You can resolve that in several ways. 1.) Tether to a smartphone. 2.) Install a navigation app that does store the maps on the device. 3.) Using Google maps while on wifi, pre-load the area that you need to navigate.

Gotcha... Thanks!

J

 

[Vaas]

Picking up Nexus on Friday. Will be testing this out next week with Google pre-load area's.


question - will this work with Google navigation turn by turn? Or will it then require a wifi connection?

thanks for the advice all.

 

[Kookas]

Picking up Nexus on Friday. Will be testing this out next week with Google pre-load area's.


question - will this work with Google navigation turn by turn? Or will it then require a wifi connection?

thanks for the advice all.

In the latest Maps, preload is an Easter egg. I suspect they ran out of time to implement it properly. I can't remember how you get to it though,

 

[YAYTech]

Sorry to hijack your thread but I can't work out how to post a new question and my issue is GPS related.
I recently purchased an android phone from the US to replace my Samsung Galaxy that was damaged by water ingress. I needed a cheap phone and the GT-t9500 that I bought is perfect apart from the fact that it doesn't have GPS so I can't use a Sat Nav app or anything that requires location search. Does anyone know whether there is a means of downloading GPS or adding it in some way. I would greatly appreciate any help.

GPS requires hardware that it sounds like your phone doesn't have. You can't just download GPS.

 

[FitzAusTex]

In the latest Maps, preload is an Easter egg. I suspect they ran out of time to implement it properly. I can't remember how you get to it though,

I don't think it's just an Easter egg any longer. If you click in the search box, you should see an option to download offline map area at the bottom of the screen. There is a size limit, so you may need to zoom in if Maps says the area is too large. I've also found that although you can download offline maps, you still need network connection to start a turn by turn navigation.

Posted via Android Central App

 

[patruns]

In the latest Maps, preload is an Easter egg. I suspect they ran out of time to implement it properly. I can't remember how you get to it though,

Not really. See here for info: https://support.google.com/gmm/answer/3273567?hl=en&ref_topic=3273087

 

[Kookas]

Not really. See here for info: https://support.google.com/gmm/answer/3273567?hl=en&ref_topic=3273087

Oh, damn. I had thought that they were going to fully implement it along with offline directions later.

 

[tflash]

Oh, damn. I had thought that they were going to fully implement it along with offline directions later.

Offline directions, probably not because to set a location you have to use the 'search' feature which uses Google servers.

I have a feeling that Google doesn't want anyone doing anything without being on the interweb, because they make money by collecting your data, and feeding you ads which they can't do unless you're on-line. What were computers ever used for before the internet?

I want them to bring back 'My places' for addresses that I've already found and don't need to 'search' for. Also starred places that don't even have an address can't be accessed. Isn't that what GPS is for anyway? How about allowing us to save routes to saved places on saved maps and go there all offline?

 

[Kookas]

Offline directions, probably not because to set a location you have to use the 'search' feature which uses Google servers.

I have a feeling that Google doesn't want anyone doing anything without being on the interweb, because they make money by collecting your data, and feeding you ads which they can't do unless you're on-line. What were computers ever used for before the internet?

I want them to bring back 'My places' for addresses that I've already found and don't need to 'search' for. Also starred places that don't even have an address can't be accessed. Isn't that what GPS is for anyway? How about allowing us to save routes to saved places on saved maps and go there all offline?

Can I at least get directions while online and access them (through Maps) offline? ;o

 

[Vaas]

I did not realize you could not save locations in Google maps for frequent destinations. I take a lot of mini trips in a 3 state radius and would like to keep tract of all the routs, places I go.

If Google Maps cannot save this information. Do you have a nav/gps app that you recommend that can?

 

[YAYTech]

I did not realize you could not save locations in Google maps for frequent destinations. I take a lot of mini trips in a 3 state radius and would like to keep tract of all the routs, places I go.

If Google Maps cannot save this information. Do you have a nav/gps app that you recommend that can?

You can save locations on Google Maps, but you have to have a data connection to do navigating with Google Maps (you can load navigation while on data, then leave the data connection and it will continue to work, but it can't recalculate, etc). I've been starting to play with NavFree, which lets you download a state worth of maps at a time. I don't have enough experience with it to recommend it or not though. I believe one or two of the GPS manufacturers have come out with their own apps that have a lot of offline functions as well, but they can be spendy ($50).