Using GPS With No Cell Activation

[Guest rlowell]

Group:

If I have a Streak that isn't activated on a cell network, is the GPS feature in it usable?

Thanks in advance.

rlowell

[Guest OrionBG]

Group:

If I have a Streak that isn't activated on a cell network, is the GPS feature in it usable?

Thanks in advance.

rlowell

The hardware is! But you will have to purchase a Navigation Software to use it! The best that I have found so far is "Sygic Aura"

There is a free trial in the Market.

[Guest rlowell]

The hardware is! But you will have to purchase a Navigation Software to use it! The best that I have found so far is "Sygic Aura"

There is a free trial in the Market.

OK. This doesn't answer my question...

Let's say I buy this app (Sygic Aura) and activated on the Streak. But I don't get a contract with AT&T. My Streak is effectively WiFi only.

Will the GPS functionality (in Sygic Aura) still work?

I think assisted GPS means that the Streak's GPS chipset needs to connect with a server or two. But are these servers publicly accessible on the Internet? Or does AT&T somehow control access to them with its towers?

I'm in the U.S.

rlowell

Edited February 17, 2011 by rlowell

[Guest Oreynid]

No, the GPS in the streak can be used without any cellular connectivity. I've tested this when I was driving from Nevada to Washington, and using a route where a good 3rd of the journey had no cell service. Google maps kept me on the correct path the whole time.

The assisted just means that it will attempt to download GPS location data to help it lock on faster. Else it has to do a cold lock which can take a bit of time.

[Guest marvin02]

Group:

If I have a Streak that isn't activated on a cell network, is the GPS feature in it usable?

Thanks in advance.

rlowell

Install GPS Status from the market amd/or GPS Test and try it.

[Guest rlowell]

Install GPS Status from the market amd/or GPS Test and try it.

Thanks, Oreynid and marvin02.

I intend to get a streak and use it as a tablet with no cell phone or data subscription. It's good to know that the GPS will work in this configuration.

I understand that I need some method (say WiFi) of Internet connection to make Google Maps totally functional - it's not just about GPS.

rlowell

[Guest OrionBG]

Thanks, Oreynid and marvin02.

I intend to get a streak and use it as a tablet with no cell phone or data subscription. It's good to know that the GPS will work in this configuration.

I understand that I need some method (say WiFi) of Internet connection to make Google Maps totally functional - it's not just about GPS.

rlowell

For Google maps yes! You need an internet connection! For other GPS Navigation software (like the one I mentioned earlier) the maps are preloaded and you Don't need any connection! Assisted GPS means only faster position lock in urban areas because Satellite position data is downloaded through the network and the GPS finds them faster!

[Guest mymimi]

Thanks, Oreynid and marvin02.

I intend to get a streak and use it as a tablet with no cell phone or data subscription. It's good to know that the GPS will work in this configuration.

I understand that I need some method (say WiFi) of Internet connection to make Google Maps totally functional - it's not just about GPS.

rlowell

Google Maps stores map after you make a route ,so you don't need internet connection while in route

[Guest untrueparadox]

Thanks, Oreynid and marvin02.

I intend to get a streak and use it as a tablet with no cell phone or data subscription. It's good to know that the GPS will work in this configuration.

I understand that I need some method (say WiFi) of Internet connection to make Google Maps totally functional - it's not just about GPS.

rlowell

it sounds awesome that you can use the cached maps while youre on the way to ur destination. be careful though. if u take a wrong turn, it wont be able to reroute you back and you'll have to find a mcdonalds or something to use the gps again.

[Guest Nomgle]

Thanks, Oreynid and marvin02.

I intend to get a streak and use it as a tablet with no cell phone or data subscription. It's good to know that the GPS will work in this configuration.

I understand that I need some method (say WiFi) of Internet connection to make Google Maps totally functional - it's not just about GPS.

rlowell

You don't need WiFi or an Internet Connection if you install a GPS application that has it's own Maps. CoPilot is a good choice - http://market.android.com/search?q=copilot&c=apps

[Guest jmhalder]

it sounds awesome that you can use the cached maps while youre on the way to ur destination. be careful though. if u take a wrong turn, it wont be able to reroute you back and you'll have to find a mcdonalds or something to use the gps again.

not true, Google Maps 5.0+ does offline rerouting, don't know how good it is, probably good enough that if you're off by a street or two, it can figure it out... They did this so that if you needed to be rerouted in a area with bad service, it's still possible.