GPS on a HTC

kelbal

THinking of moving to a HTC phone (probably wildfire). Are there any costs associated with using GPS on the phone? On my current Nokia 5800 I can download maps to the phone with my PC - then GPS tracking & navigation are all free. Is it the same with HTC phones?

Mitch Connor

kelbal wrote: »

THinking of moving to a HTC phone (probably wildfire). Are there any costs associated with using GPS on the phone? On my current Nokia 5800 I can download maps to the phone with my PC - then GPS tracking & navigation are all free. Is it the same with HTC phones?

The GPS on the HTC phones as standard uses Google Maps, which downloads on the fly and thus needs a data connection and will cost money as you download.

You can buy 3rd party apps to install maps to the phone and use that instead (the GPS usage itself is free)

The two new HTC phones (Desire and Desire Z) come with 'on the phone' maps as standard (well, i had to download the irish map pack, but didn't have to pay for it) and as such there is no cost involved in using the Navigation stuff on the two new phones (google maps is still on the phone, but it doesn't have to be used)

sealgaire

well that is if you use googlemaps for your gps.
If you use GPS s/w like co-pilot then there are no charges

kelbal

ok, thanks, so a 3rd party download onto the phone will give me maps without data charges, but I doubt I could get this software for free, as well as maps from any country?
Maybe a Nokia with OVI maps is the best solution? (free all the way).

Mitch Connor

kelbal wrote: »

ok, thanks, so a 3rd party download onto the phone will give me maps without data charges, but I doubt I could get this software for free, as well as maps from any country?
Maybe a Nokia with OVI maps is the best solution? (free all the way).

I doubt you could legally get the maps for free, no.

If you want free software on the phone and no data charges, Nokia and Ovi Maps or either a HTC Desire HD/Desire Z would be two of your options. Maybe Samsung or LG, Apple etc have a similar on board navigation app, don't know myself.

Mitch Connor

http://gizmodo.com/5707782/googles-android-maps-app-will-load-faster-work-offline-and-play-nicely-with-the-compass?skyline=true&s=i

New google maps launching 'soon'. Will work offline (so i assume cache a certain amount of data/portion of the map needed). Might be something to keep an eye on.

The rotation and rendering stuff prob won't work on the Wildfire, but the offline availability should. Not sure about turn by turn navigation.... I assume the Wildfire has expandable storage?

Coriolanus

Mitch, could I ask you what app you use and where you got the free Irish maps?
On a desire myself so its of interest.:)

emo72

Nevore wrote: »

Mitch, could I ask you what app you use and where you got the free Irish maps?
On a desire myself so its of interest.:)

yea Mitch, tell me too:D id love to have this.

Mitch Connor

Sorry, ment Desire HD. apologies.

Coriolanus

Bah :P

Trevor451

Search for a program called "MAPDROYD" on the android marketplace.