[JethroUK]

Currently trying out Android Sat Nav and in some respects its better than my proper sat nav

1/ I can just tell it where i want to go instead of typing it
2/ I like the picture that pops up at the destination
3/ I prefer the landscape/longer view

but before i sell my proper sat nav

stock sat nav thats on it doesn't have a great voice and i cant see anywhere to save favourites/history

Anyone using a sat nav app and any recommendations?

I dont mind paying but i would prefer to try before i buy

[R410]

Originally Posted by JethroUK

Currently trying out Android Sat Nav and in some respects its better than my proper sat nav

1/ I can just tell it where i want to go instead of typing it
2/ I like the picture that pops up at the destination
3/ I prefer the landscape/longer view

but before i sell my proper sat nav

stock sat nav thats on it doesn't have a great voice and i cant see anywhere to save favourites/history

Anyone using a sat nav app and any recommendations?

I dont mind paying but i would prefer to try before i buy

Is this on an Android phone? Using Google Navigation? This is what I am basing my post on.
Be aware that it needs a data connection (on a phone) to work, it downloads the map data as you go.

On the voice control, there should be a button that looks like an old time microphone (this) that when you press should activate the voice control feature.

The voice thing is more complicated, you need to get a better "text-to-speech" engine, but most of these need to be paid for.

I have used the navigation myself and I know how awful that stock voice is.

Other navigation applications should be available to download for the Play Store, not sure of the prices though

[JethroUK]

Originally Posted by R410

Is this on an Android phone? Using Google Navigation? This is what I am basing my post on.
Be aware that it needs a data connection (on a phone) to work, it downloads the map data as you go.

On the voice control, there should be a button that looks like an old time microphone (this) that when you press should activate the voice control feature.

The voice thing is more complicated, you need to get a better "text-to-speech" engine, but most of these need to be paid for.

I have used the navigation myself and I know how awful that stock voice is.

Im using the stock android sat nav app whatever it is - but looking for something a bit better really

[Rodney McKay]

Take a look at Navfree

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d....OSM.ALL&hl=en

It's a free full on Satnav system with offline maps (no data connection required)

[m4tt24]

Originally Posted by R410

Is this on an Android phone? Using Google Navigation? This is what I am basing my post on.
Be aware that it needs a data connection (on a phone) to work, it downloads the map data as you go.

You have been able to download areas to your phone for a while now so it doesn't need to download the map on the go dependent on if you already have that area downloaded.

[R410]

Originally Posted by Rodney McKay

Take a look at Navfree

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d....OSM.ALL&hl=en

It's a free full on Satnav system with offline maps (no data connection required)

Going to have a look at that myself. Thanks.

Originally Posted by m4tt24

You have been able to download areas to your phone for a while now so it doesn't need to download the map on the go dependent on if you already have that area downloaded.

You can only store a small area though. Meaning that if you do not have a data connection and are using it to navigate a long journey, the maps are not very detailed at all.

[whoever,hey]

Originally Posted by Rodney McKay

Take a look at Navfree

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d....OSM.ALL&hl=en

It's a free full on Satnav system with offline maps (no data connection required)

I use that on iPhone too.

[call100]

Google stock navigation was broken in android 4.0.3 apparently fixed in 4.0.4... It's stopped saying street names and distances in 3 and ignores your preferred voice engine...Once it's fixed, it's hard to beat for free....

[Aye Up]

There is also Waze

https://play.google.com/store/search?q=waze&c=apps

Its another free app, but main benefits are its updated in realtime so where users a slowing down due to traffic it logs that and adjusts your journey accordingly basically its Social GPS but free, loads of other features like Petrol prices and what ave you.

Or there is navfree as mentioned.....

[c4rv]

Originally Posted by JethroUK

stock sat nav thats on it doesn't have a great voice and i cant see anywhere to save favourites/history

Anyone using a sat nav app and any recommendations?

I dont mind paying but i would prefer to try before i buy

I use google maps, did a 1,000 tour of the UK over summer with it no problems.

If you want to change the voice it can be done but you need to install text to speech app and then buy voices, e.g.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d....classic&hl=en


As for favourites and history, on the screen where you select the destination you should have a drop down menu at the top. From there you should have My Places which is favourites and Location History giving a list of places you have been.

My Places also syncs with google maps on your PC (assuming you are using the same account as your phone) so you can plan on your PC and automatically pass it to your phone.

[jimmy7bellies]

I don't find it very good, dedicated sat nav seems more reliable.

[paulbrock]

Originally Posted by Aye Up

but main benefits are its updated in realtime so where users a slowing down due to traffic it logs that and adjusts your journey accordingly

Google Maps has this too, as does the Apple maps I believe. Crowd-sourced traffic info.

[R410]

Originally Posted by Rodney McKay

Take a look at Navfree

https://play.google.com/store/apps/d....OSM.ALL&hl=en

It's a free full on Satnav system with offline maps (no data connection required)

What a great app this is. Thanks for recommending.
The voice is much better too.

[martinu]

What offline satnavs are available for Android? By "offline" I mean that you can download the whole of the UK while you are online (eg connected to home network) and then do not need to be online while travelling around the country. Google Navigation can only download a small area of the country for use offline so it's useless unless you are travelling locally and plan ahead which map tiles you'll need. My mobile phone tariff does not include 3G data, hence the need for an offline satnav!

I'm used to Nokia's Ovi maps which downloads maps for the whole country, and I'm looking for something with similar functionality on Android.

Reviews of NavFree suggest that it's not very stable and has problems identifying some locations. I don't mind paying a small one-off cost - eg £20 - though free is better

[gold fire 201]

Originally Posted by martinu

What offline satnavs are available for Android? By "offline" I mean that you can download the whole of the UK while you are online (eg connected to home network) and then do not need to be online while travelling around the country. Google Navigation can only download a small area of the country for use offline so it's useless unless you are travelling locally and plan ahead which map tiles you'll need. My mobile phone tariff does not include 3G data, hence the need for an offline satnav!

I'm used to Nokia's Ovi maps which downloads maps for the whole country, and I'm looking for something with similar functionality on Android.

Reviews of NavFree suggest that it's not very stable and has problems identifying some locations. I don't mind paying a small one-off cost - eg £20 - though free is better

I use co-pilot it`s brilliant you have to pay for it.its not that expensive and the maps are downloaded onto the phone already.

[LostFool]

TomTom is now available on Android. It's not cheap (£31 for the UK and ROI version) but you do get the TomTom offline maps, live traffic data and navigation engine

However, it does have some compatibiltiy problems with newer devices: http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/04/t...-hits-android/

Before buying, I'd suggest trying the free Android navigation apps to see if any do the job. I've tried the latest Google Navigation and while it doesn't have all of the features of TomTom, it's very good for the zero price. The latest version of Google Maps has limited offline capabilities.

[Jingle_James]

I'm using CoPilot and Sygic, both are equally as good. But in truth, Google Nav, is just as good.

[jabbamk1]

Originally Posted by LostFool

TomTom is now available on Android. It's not cheap (£31 for the UK and ROI version) but you do get the TomTom offline maps, live traffic data and navigation engine

However, it does have some compatibiltiy problems with newer devices: http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/04/t...-hits-android/

Before buying, I'd suggest trying the free Android navigation apps to see if any do the job. I've tried the latest Google Navigation and while it doesn't have all of the features of TomTom, it's very good for the zero price. The latest version of Google Maps has limited offline capabilities.

Co Pilot is much much better as a paid alternative to tom tom.

For free ones then i agree with the ones already posted above.

[ramzez]

CoPilot is very good.

[soran]

Another vote for CoPilot here.

[whoever,hey]

People that like CoPilot, are you talking about the free or paid versions?

It doesn't seem to have great reviews on the play store.

I've only been using the built in Google Nav, but have found it very good so far.

[whoever,hey]

Wow. I couldn't believe the co pilot reviews. They said it screws up with the s3 keyboard. No kidding I can't even enter my e-mail.

Deleted.

[jabbamk1]

Must be a jellybean issue maybe?

I use it and it is just so easy. Everything is detailed and the routing is really good. It actually goes the best way according to all factors. Plus lots of options.

[soran]

Originally Posted by jabbamk1

Must be a jellybean issue maybe?

I use it and it is just so easy. Everything is detailed and the routing is really good. It actually goes the best way according to all factors. Plus lots of options.

I am running Android 4.2 and Copilot works flawlessly on mine. I particularly like have the choice of 3 alternate routes.

[Tidosho]

Currently using Navfree and Ivona TTS as the main one on mine.