Thread Starter
#1
Hi Guys,
Just thought of sharing this bit of information about how to create a inexpensive (almost 0) GPS out of your Android phone.
Now a days smart phones are everywhere and people no longer use it just for calling. I was planning on a road trip to some good place but was thinking about a good navigation system that was not so expensive.
Checked with Map my india which cost way too high (17K). And then the door open without even me saying open sesame! Of late realized that my Android phone Samsung Galaxy 3 (i15801) is GPS capable (AGPS) and Google provide tools to use it well, per se. The default google apps cannot navigate us in India for some reason.
But then, there is a cracked version available (no idea where to download it) which my friend shared with me. Just installed it and it installs the same set of google applications (Map, Navigate, Latitude, Places) with a slightly different icon) but are unlocked functionally. You will need a TextToSpeech application available in Android market to be installed for voice navigation.
The voice navigation is just too much. The depth of information they provide is commendable. When it says, "take right at Nandhini parlour", you will definitely pause for a moment (at least the first time).
Assuming you have a Android phone, the total cost will be:
1. Maps and software - 0 Rs.
2. Internet connection - GPRS - 99 Rs (Vodafone has a 2GB limit but you will not get anywhere near with this).
3. Mobile holder for your car - Rs. 220 (on ebay).
http://www.ebay.in/itm/170741286269?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
4. Mobile charger for your car - Rs 179 (on ebay).
http://www.ebay.in/itm/140661850191?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
Thats it. You are good to go. With data connection, you can use the map and navigate software to almost find any place and this works for most part of India with up-to-date information.
Caution: Just check the route information to make sure it is routing you through the road you like.
I had to get to Bangalore from Mysore and was expecting the route to be through the SH 17 but it gave a route via Kanakapura (pretty bad road) and the reason was that, from where I was starting, that was the shortest route. Realized it after some distance, came back and enroute, asked for an alternate route to get to SH 17. Worked like a charm.
Just thought of sharing this bit of information about how to create a inexpensive (almost 0) GPS out of your Android phone.
Now a days smart phones are everywhere and people no longer use it just for calling. I was planning on a road trip to some good place but was thinking about a good navigation system that was not so expensive.
Checked with Map my india which cost way too high (17K). And then the door open without even me saying open sesame! Of late realized that my Android phone Samsung Galaxy 3 (i15801) is GPS capable (AGPS) and Google provide tools to use it well, per se. The default google apps cannot navigate us in India for some reason.
But then, there is a cracked version available (no idea where to download it) which my friend shared with me. Just installed it and it installs the same set of google applications (Map, Navigate, Latitude, Places) with a slightly different icon) but are unlocked functionally. You will need a TextToSpeech application available in Android market to be installed for voice navigation.
The voice navigation is just too much. The depth of information they provide is commendable. When it says, "take right at Nandhini parlour", you will definitely pause for a moment (at least the first time).
Assuming you have a Android phone, the total cost will be:
1. Maps and software - 0 Rs.
2. Internet connection - GPRS - 99 Rs (Vodafone has a 2GB limit but you will not get anywhere near with this).
3. Mobile holder for your car - Rs. 220 (on ebay).
http://www.ebay.in/itm/170741286269?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
4. Mobile charger for your car - Rs 179 (on ebay).
http://www.ebay.in/itm/140661850191?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
Thats it. You are good to go. With data connection, you can use the map and navigate software to almost find any place and this works for most part of India with up-to-date information.
Caution: Just check the route information to make sure it is routing you through the road you like.
I had to get to Bangalore from Mysore and was expecting the route to be through the SH 17 but it gave a route via Kanakapura (pretty bad road) and the reason was that, from where I was starting, that was the shortest route. Realized it after some distance, came back and enroute, asked for an alternate route to get to SH 17. Worked like a charm.