Questions about Google Navigation

[Salil]

Hello Friends,
As much as I like Google Navigation, there are few things I just can't figure out :
1. How do you setup Google navigation such that it finds the fastest path to your destination while considering traffic congestion?
2. How do you setup Google navigation such that the direction I am headed is pointed upwards on the screen rather than North?
3. How do you bookmark or set a location on Google Navigation?

Some other questions:
4. Can I use any charger with a micro-USB like the charger for my bluetooth headset or verizon prepaid phone to charge by droid charge. It's output is 5V.
5. Some apps like Google voice and Color Notes don't auto update even though I have set it to auto update?

 

[Moscow Desire]

Hello Friends,
As much as I like Google Navigation, there are few things I just can't figure out :

4. Can I use any charger with a micro-USB like the charger for my bluetooth headset or verizon prepaid phone to charge by droid charge. It's output is 5V.
5. Some apps like Google voice and Color Notes don't auto update even though I have set it to auto update?

4. As with chargers, you may be able to get by with it depending on watts output, but the real question would be if the pin output is the same on the mini-usb connector. This I couldn't tell you, and to be honest, I would avoid connecting them to other non-ph devices if I had the proper chargers, but that's just me. But I would probably guess it would work as the power (+ and -) should be in the same places.

I've heard people connecting a regular USB from their pc to their device, without suffering any shorts. At the worst, they couldn't get a proper data connection.

5. Auto updates. Check each individual app for auto-updating in the Menu options, and also make sure it's selected in the Market app. I've noticed that those apps I had set to auto-update, typically only did it when I had Wifi connection. So I just do it manually thesedays.

 

[Bwangster12]

Hello Friends,
As much as I like Google Navigation, there are few things I just can't figure out :
1. How do you setup Google navigation such that it finds the fastest path to your destination while considering traffic congestion?
2. How do you setup Google navigation such that the direction I am headed is pointed upwards on the screen rather than North?
3. How do you bookmark or set a location on Google Navigation?

So, I'll take a crack at these... but anyone can chime in and correct me if I am wrong.

1. I am pretty sure Google Nav will calculate the fastest route taking into account traffic congestion automatically. It uses something like current conditions and historical conditions to give you a route.
2. There is a compass button in the top left of the screen (I believe) that if pressed will change the direction the map moves.
3. You should be able to star a location after you search for it. Click on the location in the popup and there should be a star option.

 

[Moscow Desire]

Did you check this? Seems they have severl How To videos.

Google Maps Navigation for mobile

In answer to question #1, congestion is generally displayed based on how many drivers are using their gps along a given route, and by how fast they are travelling. This doesn't always mean it's 100% accurate, but it's the method used over here and it's usually effective.

Alternate routes are not always the best option, as google nav doesn't take into account short term road construction, closed off streets, changes in traffic flow and the likes. More times than can be counted, you will follow the route only to be stopped by the city dept changing a water main for example. Or street repaving.

 

[skane1057]

can you add an address from a search to navigator on htc desire? How? I also wanted to know if it is possible that an address add itself to navigation on the phone. help, pls. ty.

 

[IAmBroom]

1. How do you setup Google navigation such that it finds the fastest path to your destination while considering traffic congestion?

It does this automatically. Shortly after I moved, Google changed the route it wanted me to take. I ignored it, and ran into massive construction backups.

4. Can I use any charger with a micro-USB like the charger for my bluetooth headset or verizon prepaid phone to charge by droid charge. It's output is 5V.

Yes. USB voltages are standardized; standard current limits are recommended and usually followed (but that's a supply-side issue; your device won't be forced to take on excessive current).