Free GPS?

UltraViolet · 29-09-2010, 17:21

Are there any 'pay as you go' mobile phones that offer the GPS feature for free? or do you have to pay for it on all phones?

prking · 29-09-2010, 21:20

GPS is always free. It uses signals from satellites and provides a position.

Are you thinking of something else like satellite navigation, or enhanced positioning methods like A-GPS?

I suppose what I'm asking is what is it that you want to be able to do.

UltraViolet · 29-09-2010, 21:34

GPS features on mobile phones. Offered on mobiles now. It's called GPS in the features lists on mobiles I've looked at.

Are you 100% it's free on all mobiles then?

See link by someone else:

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/s....php?t=1358260

alanwarwic · 29-09-2010, 21:44

I assume all Android phones and the iPhone have GPS included.

The £99 PAYG Orange Android discussed in other threads has by far the best budget choice.(high res screen)
It also includes an extra GPS app if keeping it on Orange.so that means there is a choice of at least 3 free GPS driving apps. Read the threads
Nokia Symbian phones also come with the good Ovi Maps.

gomezz · 29-09-2010, 21:47

Ovi maps is a free sat-nav on a wide range of Nokia phones. Data connection charges may be incurred if you use some of the extra features and depending on your mobile contract.

prking · 30-09-2010, 08:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by UltraViolet

GPS features on mobile phones. Offered on mobiles now. It's called GPS in the features lists on mobiles I've looked at.

Are you 100% it's free on all mobiles then?

See link by someone else:

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/s....php?t=1358260

I don't understand your query. That link says exactly what I said. GPS itself is free, but some mapping or satnav programs use data.

Is it that you are confusing GPS (which provides a map location and height) with what the phone does with it.

Which sort of brings me back to my question. What is it exactly that you want to do?

funlovingirl · 30-09-2010, 09:01

GPS is free, A-GPS needs to send data to an A-GPS server, which is not free.

carguy143 · 30-09-2010, 10:39

A-GPS will just incurr normal data costs, there's no special rates for this. If you have a free internet allowance it will be free. The same goes for the mapping software too, there's free options like Ovi Maps and Google Maps Navigation (Android). The apps will use data to download the routes and maps, but there is no subsription charges to use the navigation software. Ovi maps does, however, have the option to pre install maps to the phone so you won't need to use a data connection to actually use the navigation.

flagpole · 30-09-2010, 11:12

A-GPS < 1kB

alan.w · 30-09-2010, 11:26

3 pay as you go gives you 150mb free data (valid 3 months or untill used) for every top up min top up £5 which im doing now, you also get 3 to 3 calls and spype free too
Your top up stays there till you use it on calls

Edit £5 top up is website only

UltraViolet · 30-09-2010, 17:21

Quote:

GPS is free, A-GPS needs to send data to an A-GPS server, which is not free.

Quote:

A-GPS will just incurr normal data costs, there's no special rates for this. If you have a free internet allowance it will be free. The same goes for the mapping software too, there's free options like Ovi Maps and Google Maps Navigation (Android). The apps will use data to download the routes and maps, but there is no subsription charges to use the navigation software. Ovi maps does, however, have the option to pre install maps to the phone so you won't need to use a data connection to actually use the navigation.

Thank you.

EleanorRigby · 01-10-2010, 11:42

So if you have this does it mean you don't need to buy Sat-Nav for your car ?

chrisjr · 01-10-2010, 11:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by EleanorRigby

So if you have this does it mean you don't need to buy Sat-Nav for your car ?

GPS and Sat Nav are not interchangeable.

GPS simply means the satellite system that tells you where you are. That is all it does.

Sat Nav uses the data provided by GPS to get you from A to B.

So if a mobile only has basic GPS positional capability it can't replace a Sat Nav device. It would need additional software to add the navigational element to make it a full Sat Nav replacement.

catherton · 01-10-2010, 12:27

You need a Nokia.
Get a model that has GPS, I have a 5800, wife has an X6

Ovi(Nokia) maps are free & because the maps are stored on the phone you don't need a data connection. You turn off assisted GPS on the phone.

I use WiFi when out & about or connect to the computer for updates as I'm on PAYG.

Brilliant phone, have music & podcasts on it. Sat nav & maps are good. I use a variety of aps including sports tracker when cycling which is every bit as good as Garmins specialist cycle GPS computer costing over £300.

tealady · 01-10-2010, 12:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by EleanorRigby

So if you have this does it mean you don't need to buy Sat-Nav for your car ?

I have google maps & navigation on my Desire, so in that instance, yes. I guess this would be the case for other phones, but not all.

tealady · 01-10-2010, 12:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by catherton

including sports tracker when cycling which is every bit as good as Garmins specialist cycle GPS computer costing over £300.

I'm guessing the Garmin is waterproof?

catherton · 01-10-2010, 14:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by tealady

I'm guessing the Garmin is waterproof?

Phone, GPS & sports tracker work fine in your pocket

gomezz · 01-10-2010, 21:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by catherton

sports tracker when cycling which is every bit as good as Garmins specialist cycle GPS computer costing over £300.

I find Sports Tracker to be a bit erratic and imprecise and I am not alone according to other user reports. I wouldn't trust it other than for casual use. If I was going to get serious then I would get one of these:-

http://www.mytach.co.uk/

As for the OP's question my Nokia 5800 is perfectly adequate for simple A to B routing and I use it at work for that. But for complicated route-planning for motorbike touring I use my trusty old Garmin Street Pilot 2610.

catherton · 02-10-2010, 13:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by gomezz

I find Sports Tracker to be a bit erratic and imprecise and I am not alone according to other user reports. I wouldn't trust it other than for casual use.

I haven't found that on the data I can double check.

GPS positioning, maps & route were all perfect. Speed, Distance & Averages were all perfect when double checked with the bike computer.

Calories used looked high, but it also takes into account height & it is a tough ride.

Croft · 02-10-2010, 18:25

Is there a way to get Ovi maps on a Sony Erricson Satio ?

UltraViolet · 06-10-2010, 16:16

Well I don't drive, but was just thinking having it on a mobile would have been wonderful when travelling. Don't need to carry a map around.

gomezz · 06-10-2010, 17:35

Ovi maps lets you do pedestrian routes so useful getting from hotel to restaurant to night club and back to hotel in a strange city.

29-09-2010, 17:21	#1
UltraViolet Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: England Posts: 7,617	Free GPS? Are there any 'pay as you go' mobile phones that offer the GPS feature for free? or do you have to pay for it on all phones?

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29-09-2010, 21:20	#2
prking Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Weston-super-Mare Posts: 9,167	GPS is always free. It uses signals from satellites and provides a position. Are you thinking of something else like satellite navigation, or enhanced positioning methods like A-GPS? I suppose what I'm asking is what is it that you want to be able to do.

29-09-2010, 21:34	#3
UltraViolet Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: England Posts: 7,617	GPS features on mobile phones. Offered on mobiles now. It's called GPS in the features lists on mobiles I've looked at. Are you 100% it's free on all mobiles then? See link by someone else: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/s....php?t=1358260

29-09-2010, 21:44	#4
alanwarwic Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: the wild world web Posts: 28,132	I assume all Android phones and the iPhone have GPS included. The £99 PAYG Orange Android discussed in other threads has by far the best budget choice.(high res screen) It also includes an extra GPS app if keeping it on Orange.so that means there is a choice of at least 3 free GPS driving apps. Read the threads Nokia Symbian phones also come with the good Ovi Maps.

29-09-2010, 21:47	#5
gomezz Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Buckingham Posts: 28,590	Ovi maps is a free sat-nav on a wide range of Nokia phones. Data connection charges may be incurred if you use some of the extra features and depending on your mobile contract.

30-09-2010, 08:53	#6
prking Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Weston-super-Mare Posts: 9,167	Quote: Originally Posted by UltraViolet GPS features on mobile phones. Offered on mobiles now. It's called GPS in the features lists on mobiles I've looked at. Are you 100% it's free on all mobiles then? See link by someone else: http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/s....php?t=1358260 I don't understand your query. That link says exactly what I said. GPS itself is free, but some mapping or satnav programs use data. Is it that you are confusing GPS (which provides a map location and height) with what the phone does with it. Which sort of brings me back to my question. What is it exactly that you want to do?

30-09-2010, 09:01	#7
funlovingirl Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 1,764	GPS is free, A-GPS needs to send data to an A-GPS server, which is not free.

30-09-2010, 10:39	#8
carguy143 Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Leyland Posts: 1,971	A-GPS will just incurr normal data costs, there's no special rates for this. If you have a free internet allowance it will be free. The same goes for the mapping software too, there's free options like Ovi Maps and Google Maps Navigation (Android). The apps will use data to download the routes and maps, but there is no subsription charges to use the navigation software. Ovi maps does, however, have the option to pre install maps to the phone so you won't need to use a data connection to actually use the navigation.

30-09-2010, 11:12	#9
flagpole Inactive Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 43,524	A-GPS < 1kB

30-09-2010, 11:26	#10
alan.w Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Southwick Brighton West Sussex Posts: 1,246	3 pay as you go gives you 150mb free data (valid 3 months or untill used) for every top up min top up £5 which im doing now, you also get 3 to 3 calls and spype free too Your top up stays there till you use it on calls Edit £5 top up is website only

30-09-2010, 17:21	#11
UltraViolet Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: England Posts: 7,617	Quote: GPS is free, A-GPS needs to send data to an A-GPS server, which is not free. Quote: A-GPS will just incurr normal data costs, there's no special rates for this. If you have a free internet allowance it will be free. The same goes for the mapping software too, there's free options like Ovi Maps and Google Maps Navigation (Android). The apps will use data to download the routes and maps, but there is no subsription charges to use the navigation software. Ovi maps does, however, have the option to pre install maps to the phone so you won't need to use a data connection to actually use the navigation. Thank you.

01-10-2010, 11:42	#12
EleanorRigby Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Somewhere on planet earth Posts: 11,320	So if you have this does it mean you don't need to buy Sat-Nav for your car ?

01-10-2010, 11:52	#13
chrisjr Forum Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Reading Posts: 27,916	Quote: Originally Posted by EleanorRigby So if you have this does it mean you don't need to buy Sat-Nav for your car ? GPS and Sat Nav are not interchangeable. GPS simply means the satellite system that tells you where you are. That is all it does. Sat Nav uses the data provided by GPS to get you from A to B. So if a mobile only has basic GPS positional capability it can't replace a Sat Nav device. It would need additional software to add the navigational element to make it a full Sat Nav replacement.

01-10-2010, 12:27	#14
catherton Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 65	You need a Nokia. Get a model that has GPS, I have a 5800, wife has an X6 Ovi(Nokia) maps are free & because the maps are stored on the phone you don't need a data connection. You turn off assisted GPS on the phone. I use WiFi when out & about or connect to the computer for updates as I'm on PAYG. Brilliant phone, have music & podcasts on it. Sat nav & maps are good. I use a variety of aps including sports tracker when cycling which is every bit as good as Garmins specialist cycle GPS computer costing over £300.

01-10-2010, 12:29	#15
tealady Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: colchester Posts: 15,352	Quote: Originally Posted by EleanorRigby So if you have this does it mean you don't need to buy Sat-Nav for your car ? I have google maps & navigation on my Desire, so in that instance, yes. I guess this would be the case for other phones, but not all.

01-10-2010, 12:31	#16
tealady Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: colchester Posts: 15,352	Quote: Originally Posted by catherton including sports tracker when cycling which is every bit as good as Garmins specialist cycle GPS computer costing over £300. I'm guessing the Garmin is waterproof?

01-10-2010, 14:05	#17
catherton Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 65	Quote: Originally Posted by tealady I'm guessing the Garmin is waterproof? Phone, GPS & sports tracker work fine in your pocket

01-10-2010, 21:26	#18
gomezz Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Buckingham Posts: 28,590	Quote: Originally Posted by catherton sports tracker when cycling which is every bit as good as Garmins specialist cycle GPS computer costing over £300. I find Sports Tracker to be a bit erratic and imprecise and I am not alone according to other user reports. I wouldn't trust it other than for casual use. If I was going to get serious then I would get one of these:- http://www.mytach.co.uk/ As for the OP's question my Nokia 5800 is perfectly adequate for simple A to B routing and I use it at work for that. But for complicated route-planning for motorbike touring I use my trusty old Garmin Street Pilot 2610.

02-10-2010, 13:26	#19
catherton Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 65	Quote: Originally Posted by gomezz I find Sports Tracker to be a bit erratic and imprecise and I am not alone according to other user reports. I wouldn't trust it other than for casual use. I haven't found that on the data I can double check. GPS positioning, maps & route were all perfect. Speed, Distance & Averages were all perfect when double checked with the bike computer. Calories used looked high, but it also takes into account height & it is a tough ride.

02-10-2010, 18:25	#20
Croft Forum Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 276	Is there a way to get Ovi maps on a Sony Erricson Satio ?

06-10-2010, 16:16	#21
UltraViolet Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: England Posts: 7,617	Well I don't drive, but was just thinking having it on a mobile would have been wonderful when travelling. Don't need to carry a map around.

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Free GPS?

06-10-2010, 17:35	#22
gomezz Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Buckingham Posts: 28,590	Ovi maps lets you do pedestrian routes so useful getting from hotel to restaurant to night club and back to hotel in a strange city.