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The mkiv Supra Owners Club

GPS on mobile phones. Is it 'free'?


RedM

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depends if you have a version that downloads the maps, or something like TomTom that has all the maps included.

 

Googlemaps will be downloading as the map changes, and using your data allowance.

 

If you want to track the run there are apps that will track your speed, distance and route without needing maps, you then download the info to Googleearth on a laptop and see where you went and how quickly.

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depends if you have a version that downloads the maps, or something like TomTom that has all the maps included.

 

Googlemaps will be downloading as the map changes, and using your data allowance.

 

If you want to track the run there are apps that will track your speed, distance and route without needing maps, you then download the info to Googleearth on a laptop and see where you went and how quickly.

 

I've just been for a short run using the Cardiotrainer app. Works like you said. Cheers.

 

Red, make sure you have A-GPS switched off as it is "support" application which helps GPS to catch signal faster by using updated satellite position. What phone do you have anyway?

 

I'll have to dig around to see if it is has A-GPS. It's an HTC Desire.

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Some HTC phones have an app called "Quick GPS" which downloads the GPS data over a GPRS connection. Its a really tiny amount of data and only needs to be done once every seven days. It can be disabled, however.

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Red, make sure you have A-GPS switched off as it is "support" application which helps GPS to catch signal faster by using updated satellite position. What phone do you have anyway?

 

I think you are thinking of Quick GPS as A-GPS only gets your current location from the Service Providers masts.

 

Some HTC phones have an app called "Quick GPS" which downloads the GPS data over a GPRS connection. Its a really tiny amount of data and only needs to be done once every seven days. It can be disabled, however.

 

Yep, Quick GPS downloads the GPS Almanac so the unit knows where the satellites are and doesn't have to download it from them itself.

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Well unlike you're using your phone to browse forums a lot or watch loads of Youtube vids* then I don't think you got to worry about data usage as long as you keep an eye on the NetCounter app I recommended in your other thread.

 

* BTW have you watched one yet? What's the resolution/picture quality's like? On my Hero it's grainy :( (unless someone else knows that a firmware upgrade improves this or is a hardware limitation)

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I'll have to dig around to see if it is has A-GPS. It's an HTC Desire.

 

I don't know about Android 2.1 (damn you!), but on previous versions the A-GPS is provided by "Use Wireless Networks" in the same place as where you enable GPS. It uses the cell phone towers you are connected to and data on them to calculate a coarse location.

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I don't know about Android 2.1 (damn you!), but on previous versions the A-GPS is provided by "Use Wireless Networks" in the same place as where you enable GPS. It uses the cell phone towers you are connected to and data on them to calculate a coarse location.

 

It's the same - "Location determined by Wi-Fi and/or mobile networks".

 

Settings > Location

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Ah! I used the GPS bit instead of mobile networks when I was out running yesterday. Maintained a strong signal even when under a lot of tree cover.

 

Hammered the battery though.

 

The wireless/mobile networks location is accurate to within about 1km I believe. I leave it on all the time as that's still fine for your fancy weather widgets or things like google places directory to get a rough idea of your location. Doesn't seem to affect battery much if at all.

 

GPS though, yeah does eat up the battery a fair bit!

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Yep, I use about 20% of my battery during my 50ish minute run into work..

 

I'd love to run to work. Sadly it'd be a very busy 15 miles or a much more please but rather hillier 19.

 

Do you run home again?

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