Alternative GPS software?
 

Would it be possible to install an alternative gps software such as tomtom or iGo and it would work on the touch pro? Anybody know if there's a built-in gps receiver? I'm on the sero 500min sprint plan and I don't think I can use the built-in gps software that sprint provides...

Re: Alternative GPS software?
 

Yes, several people have tomtom and igo running just fine, and I have garmin installed and working great.... Also gmaps works fine with GPS...

There are several threads about this already, and the GPS inside the touch pro works just like the GPS from any other device.

You are correct, SERO does not include use of the sprint navigation software...

Re: Alternative GPS software?
 

I have iGO 8 installed and working w/ the built in GPS and works much better than it did on my apache. Much smoother and less lag.

Re: Alternative GPS software?
 

sorry...I did a search using "gps" but it's under 4 characters so it wouldn't work...So if im on the Sero plan and I installed iGO 8, would I be charged extra for data usage? or does that only applies to the "sprint navigation software"?

Re: Alternative GPS software?
 

Let's get an opinion going on (with possibly a poll) of what the community thinks is the best GPS software to use (iGo, TomTom, Garmin, iGuidance, etc etc)

Re: Alternative GPS software?
 

Garmin is much better than tomtom or iguidance in my opinion. I have not had luck getting igo installed on my mogul due to what I think was memory issues. I have not tried it yet on the touch pro. Garmin has free traffic though and built in google local search in the newer versions (comes in very handy).

You will not be charged for using any other software. SERO includes free data and also one of the main features of igo/garmin/tomtom is that they store the maps on your microSD card so they are not downloading them anyways. They will only connect to the internet for traffic and such.... The $10/mo fee for sprint navigation is specifically for use of their software...

Re: Alternative GPS software?
 

LOL. The times that's been done. It's all good though. I've personally tried all and I can honestly say that Garmin is the most down to Earth GPS for North American users. Does pretty much everything you need. Garmin also keeps their maps up to date, have the best POI database I've yet to see and there's the ability to add custom POIs. The only problem is Garmin releases its maps on encrypted media so it might be hard to move the maps onto the storage card of your choice.

iGo/Oncourse is a step up with 3D maps and other cool features like using in conjunction with a TMC receiver for live traffic updates (probably not too popular in the U.S.). The display is all around much fancier and includes more stats related to trip. Also useful is the compass function. iGo is nice if you're a frequent global traveler because they make maps for many European and even middle eastern countries. The tradeoff is it's a memory hog. Don't plan on running this unless you have at least 32 megs of RAM free, possibly even more.

iGuidance in my opinion is a mediocre GPS software. It worked fine with me, but it's lack of customization leaves it bland and much to be desired. A good feature that people enjoy with this one is text to speech engine which reads out street names, etc.

I have only used TomTom 6 (current is TomTom 7), but that was another 'decent' GPS app. It was stable, fast and easy with one handed use similar to all the others. My only concern was that it's POI database was lacking. It did, however, support custom POI's and categories. One cool feature were all the cool sounds you could load it with anything from Homer Simpson to C3PO :P

Re: Alternative GPS software?
 

I've used Destinator, TomTom, iGo, and iguidance on my axim ppc but never tried Garmin and I really like iGuidance...it seems to be very accurate . With iGo it seems to be just a bit off but not much...Maybe I'll give Garmin a try..

Re: Alternative GPS software?
 

Do either the iGO 8 or Garmin GPS software support text to speech directions?

Re: Alternative GPS software?
 

I don't think out of the box, but there are hacks for both.

Re: Alternative GPS software?
 

Thanks for that mini review. :)

Re: Alternative GPS software?
 

Since we're on this topic, I wonder if someone can tell me why folks would use the Sprint software (and it's monthly fee) in the first place, given that there are (apparently?) some freeware programs out there, and a number of programs which I gather require simply a one time purchase.

Is there some advantage to it, or are those here who are using it doing so because it is already included in the price of their plan?

I am out of contract, and trying to see if I can get the service added by retention at a reduced rate; is it worth even trying, or do the other programs trump the monthly Sprint Navigation fee?

Any thoughts are deeply appreciated. Many thanks.

Re: Alternative GPS software?
 

I've used Sprint's navigation service on a my small clamshell sanyo. I was very impressed. Latest maps, live traffic info, a very comprehensive POI database with phone numbers. It also allows you to call in a location with some phone number, it also allows you to preplan trips using their online Sprint Navigation manager. I'm guessing the monthly fees to sustain server costs, let alone the compilation of maps, etc.

The only two freeware "GPS" apps I'm aware of are Google Maps and Live search. These also download map information but don't keep it on device. They're just as functional as Sprint Nav. maybe except for pre-planning part. They're not full blown GPS apps as they don't have the feel of the touch screen functionality of the true GPS maps. True GPS maps also have localized map therefore no dependence on a data plan/internet. I would also say using such 'freeware' GPS or even Sprint Nav. drain the battery seeing that there's a constant data connection so it wouldn't be ideal to run them without a charger. Though, even GPS using agps coordinates draws battery charge too, but I'm guessing not as much as the former. The downside of one time purchase GPS is that you might have to eventually update maps especially if you're a frequent commuter. Also POI are sometimes out of date and uploading new ones to the device require extra steps.

Re: Alternative GPS software?
 

I'm on SERO 500 and I used the Sprint Navigation program. It didn't say there was going to be a charge for when I clicked on the app. Are you guys sure about the $10 fee?

Re: Alternative GPS software?
 

Yeah there is definitely a 10$ a month fee for using Sprint Nav... should be.

I would look at your next months bill and see. Let us know if you get charged.

Re: Alternative GPS software?
 

For now I have just been using google maps. Gets the job done until I can read what everyone else likes and find a version(free) of it online(torrents).

Re: Alternative GPS software?
 

google maps

Re: Alternative GPS software?
 

This is a pretty cool gps app and free. I just saw it today http://www.amazegps.com/index.php?page=home&language=en

Re: Alternative GPS software?
 

I've tried amazegps but didn't really like it much...it's decent for a free gps software though...

Re: Alternative GPS software?
 

Maybe I'm just doing it wrong, but I can't seem to get Google Maps to track my location on-screen.
It tracks my location, but it won't stay centered over where I am at that particular moment in time.
Is there a setting that I have to change to get this to work? I GPS is enabled, it knows where I am, it just doesn't stay centered over my vehicle.

Help?

Re: Alternative GPS software?
 

Make sure you have "My Location" checked in the menu.

Re: Alternative GPS software?
 

Mapquest isn't yet working for the Touch Pro, but they're working on it.
at under $5/mo, it's the best bang for the buck out there. It also pre-caches the entire route in case you lose your data signal. It'll have some of the surrounding area to reroute you if you get off track as well, but if you go too far it has to recalculate. if it can't get data, it'll just show an arrow pointing you towards the road.
POI are limited only by the interweb, and i almost always get phone numbers with the option to call, plus gas prices (no diesel tho...) and other things.
I've been using it for a few months and i've been satisfied with it.
But, again, they have not yet got it working here.

Re: Alternative GPS software?
 

Any of these GPS software NOT USE INTERNET?!?! Verizon charges over $30 - $45 a month for data paln !!!

Re: Alternative GPS software?
 

I'm trying out google maps, but it say my location doesn't work on my phone. Is anyone else having this issue? Do you know if there is a way to fix it?

Thanks,
Mike

Re: Alternative GPS software?
 

Anyone who installed igo, were you able to get the POIs to work.. thanks

Re: Alternative GPS software?
 

i have the referral program that started after sero and it includes navigation (for free) as well. however, i really can't use it due to lags...

Re: Alternative GPS software?
 

im using route 66 gps and works fine with out any tweaks

Re: Alternative GPS software?
 

..two more weeks for MapquestNav