Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Navigation
- Thread starter Dominicanyor
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Third party software IS better than Google Maps.
NAVIGON, TomTom, Sygic, CoPilot are all better, and they include Google search in them too.
Only the uninformed think Google Maps is better. Anyone familiar with the 3rd party GPS apps, know that they are better.
Google Maps can't even do offline navigation, something which all third party GPS apps and Nokia Maps do.
Google Maps is also only one part of the GPS mapping solution, another is NAVTEQ and depending which country you're visiting you might find that NAVTEQ is better. With the third party, say if you get NAVIGON and TomTom you're covered with both maps.
For some reason I feel Apple won't update their maps to something like Google Nav even though they acquired that mapping company b/c that would alienate their Nav partners in the app store, those app's sell a ton across the various companies and at high $ amounts, and almost all users would end sticking with the stock setup vs buying a 3rd party app like Android deja vu. Don't think Apple wants to see those sales drop.
Your experience is relevant to you. I've run into plenty of locations in this country on numerous road trips where I've had no Verizon data coverage. Don't assume that your anecdotal evidence has enough statistical relevance to make broad generalizations for everyone. Each person needs to assess his/her needs/wants and then select a suitable solution. Google Nav is an excellent solution -- especially considering its price -- but it hasn't always met my needs. As with any subjective matter, YMMV. No carrier has 100% coverage across the entire country -- not even Verizon (who I'm currently with) especially when it comes to data coverage.
They're not getting Navigon for free. Apples and oranges. Granted, for the needs of some they may seem comparable but they're not equivalent. Streaming maps data != locally stored map data. See the above discussion.
Nonsense. I came from the Android world and have used Google Nav plenty. I currently use TomTom on my iPhone and I'm very happy with it. Never assume that your preferences are universal. Don't confuse "you" with "I".
Better IS always highly subjective, regardless of topic. For many, the advantages to third party software are not worthwhile. Only the uninformed assume that their preferences/needs are universal. I may prefer TomTom (and also have Navigon) but I don't assume that it's the best solution for everyone out there.
No they don't. There are plenty of third party nav apps that stream map data (look through this thread -- several are mentioned). Be careful with your broad, sweeping statements. Third party and locally stored map data are two entirely different things. Don't assume.
I don't understand why so many seem to feel the need to make generalizations for the masses. It's a subjective matter. Make sure you're aware of how the options differ and go with whatever works for you. Arguing about what "most Americans" need or how your preferences are somehow "better" than the next person's is pointless. If this was a one-size-fits-all matter then we'd all be using the same nav app. Obviously, that's not the case in the real world.
Last edited:
Actually we(Apple fans) are all using the same phone. So why not an app?
And I judge apps by functionality, the thing is TomTom and NAVIGON have much more advanced functionality than Google Maps.
An example of that is a built in POI database, they combine their own databases, which are very extensive, plus Google's database.
And there are many other things I can't remember now but in practice they show themselves.
If was going abroad, I'd want TomTom/Sygic(TeleAtlas Maps) and NAVIGON/CoPilot(NAVTEQ Maps) with me.
You are right of course, not all third party apps come with preloaded maps. But all the premium/best navigation applications do.
I'm very impressed with the Garmin USA app. It is kind of pricey, but it loads the entire USA database on the iPhone and you'll never need a data connection to navigate. It does suck about 2GBs worth of space, but my iPhone is a 64GB model...now it's like I have an off the shelf purchased Garmin...except with the app, you get free map updates. I highly recommend this app to iPhone users.
Also, with a Proclip car mount, you have an instant automotive GPS navigation system!
Also, with a Proclip car mount, you have an instant automotive GPS navigation system!
I just have a generic cradle that I used with my Android phone, and a $5 charger from Monoprice, and it works great. I can also use it for Audiobooks, Podcasts, or Music with the line-in in my car. The plastic cradle gives it great reception too for when I'm streaming live audio in the car.
I love the Garmin USA app as well
Bought it for $25 on sale (with entire US) which was a better deal than $20 for 1/3rd of US Navigon 'my region'.
Only wish they would update it where you could download the specific state maps you wanted instead of always having the full 2gb app.
Last edited by a moderator:
Hahah that hilarious.
I found the best use for waze tonight. I was in a city somewhat local to me and I just needed it to guide me until I knew where I was. Aside from that I prefer a standalone unit.
I have a Garmin 2350LMT and it's one of the most accurate gps units I've used when it comes to pinpointing an address.
What happens with the GPS apps that use carrier data to pull map info on CDMA networks?
If you're driving and get a phone call you're pretty much stuck with no data and have to either pull over to talk or tell the caller Im using the navigation now and cant talk or I'll get lost?
But still Verizon folks think that's nothing or they will say they're connected to wifi
If you're driving and get a phone call you're pretty much stuck with no data and have to either pull over to talk or tell the caller Im using the navigation now and cant talk or I'll get lost?
But still Verizon folks think that's nothing or they will say they're connected to wifi
Waze definitely has it's pros and cons...works well for me and has learned my routes very well and helps me avoid traffic. YMMV with a free app. Always loved the speedtrap warnings.
MapQuest actually has a free map/navigation program that works fairly well too. I'd give that a go.
What upsets me is that with Navigon (I had them for WindowsPhone), is that the Map updates aren't free for or even for 1-2 years....you need to buy a separate package. Yes I know maps are expensive to develop, but the updates are somewhat pricy [to me].
MapQuest actually has a free map/navigation program that works fairly well too. I'd give that a go.
What upsets me is that with Navigon (I had them for WindowsPhone), is that the Map updates aren't free for or even for 1-2 years....you need to buy a separate package. Yes I know maps are expensive to develop, but the updates are somewhat pricy [to me].
I have the Garmin app on my iPhone, which cost me $40 and has been perfect driving up and down the west coast, but I have to say the Google app on my Android is pretty phenominal and considering it is free with free traffic updates and a sat view, I put it above Garmin. Really impressed with what Google has done with their Navigation. This is a zoomed out view, but just like Google maps, you can zoom all the way. I'm obviously at a standstill here, but as you drive and come up to a turn, it will auto-zoom in and then as you get on a straightaway, it will auto-zoom out. Not the obnoxious kind of zoom in and out either. Somehow they got it perfect. :thumbup
My grandmother would love that. She does stuff like that to avoid traffic. Seems like all she does is complain about traffic.
What happens with the GPS apps that use carrier data to pull map info on CDMA networks?
If you're driving and get a phone call you're pretty much stuck with no data and have to either pull over to talk or tell the caller Im using the navigation now and cant talk or I'll get lost?
But still Verizon folks think that's nothing or they will say they're connected to wifi
I've never done any test but it's never effected me. I'll talk on speaker while the nav is in the foreground.
I don't know if there was just enough map cached for a 20 minute long phone call OR maybe I was on LTE.
I don't use my Razr too much now that my employer supplies me with an iPhone but I will keep this in mind to test out.
If it was on LTE then it wouldnt matter cause it could pull data and still allow you to talk on the phone.
On a long trip it would be a problem with a cdma only phone I imagine cause it pulls data as it goes, I doubt it would have pulled that much data for a 20 minute phone call.
I don't agree that Apple needs to provide a "Free" GPS solution like Google Maps. Neither do I agree that Google Maps is nearly as great as some fAndroids like to tell you. I've used it. It works. But it is nowhere near as full featured and powerful as Navigon, which I've used extensively over the last 3+ years. And once your cellular data connection is gone (like out here in square mile after square mile of farm land) you are toast. Sure I had to actually spend some green for it, but Apple users don't mind that. We pay for our apps and that's why they are better all the way around. There's always a compromise with "Free" or "Bundled" or "Included". You get what you PAY FOR!
When I say that Google Nav on Android was awesome, I'm not saying it's better than Navigon or TomTom or Garmin, et al. I'm just saying that it was really, really good, and that for (arbitrary high % here) of US users who get decent/good coverage, it is great to have it as a free/stock option with the phone. True - you need a data connection, but for a lot of people, in their day to day lives in or near a city, it works flawlessly. If you are one of the users who lives in a poor reception area, by all means, spring for the 3rd party app. But I guarantee there are a HUGE number of users who would be pleased as punch with a bundled version of Google Nav.
Well I would say Google Navigation does "well" because it is the default on all Android phones. From the free on contract special to the $600 flavor of the weak (pun intended). Since Android users aren't known for spending much (if any) on apps, they are content with whatever is pre-loaded on the device for the most part. Apple users think a bit differently.
I have used Google Nav in the past myself but that requirement of a data connection is a real killer...unless you are in the big city and stay there. Once you get outside it becomes pretty worthless and having a navigation app with maps and POI on-board becomes a necessity.
I also prefer Navigon for my iPhone navigation needs, though I also have used Motion-X (requires data, though you can preload maps) and TomTom in the past.
I have used Google Nav in the past myself but that requirement of a data connection is a real killer...unless you are in the big city and stay there. Once you get outside it becomes pretty worthless and having a navigation app with maps and POI on-board becomes a necessity.
I also prefer Navigon for my iPhone navigation needs, though I also have used Motion-X (requires data, though you can preload maps) and TomTom in the past.
Well I would say Google Navigation does "well" because it is the default on all Android phones. From the free on contract special to the $600 flavor of the weak (pun intended). Since Android users aren't known for spending much (if any) on apps, they are content with whatever is pre-loaded on the device for the most part. Apple users think a bit differently.
I have used Google Nav in the past myself but that requirement of a data connection is a real killer...unless you are in the big city and stay there. Once you get outside it becomes pretty worthless and having a navigation app with maps and POI on-board becomes a necessity.
I also prefer Navigon for my iPhone navigation needs, though I also have used Motion-X (requires data, though you can preload maps) and TomTom in the past.
Like I said, Google Nav obviously won't work for everybody, but I think/hypothesize that a relatively large number of iphone users would adopt and use it as their navigation app were it bundled with the phone, making it a relevant issue. I'm sure some Android users spring for 3rd party apps for the same reasons you guys do - but in general yes I'd agree that far fewer Android users pay for nav apps than iphone. But it doesn't mean they don't want to pay for it - they just don't have to because they are happy with the bundled option. I would love Google Nav to come bundled with the next iphone - but it's not gonna happen because goodbye TomTom, Navigon, etc. sales numbers.
Again - I'm not saying Google Nav is the best option - but I don't think you can argue that having it come included with the phone would be a positive, and IMO is one of the few areas Android can claim a true tangible edge over ios.
Yes, but a free option would be for the better. I'm still surprised how many iPhone users out there don't have navi apps loaded up.
We used to carry an old TomTom as a backup to Google Maps, now TomTom on the iPhone is a full featured GPS, cell data or not.
Me too..and you're right...not long ago at all. It's crazy how fast technology is moving. I couldn't even consider a stack of paper for directions today.
----------
Hahaha!! That's beautiful.
What happens with the GPS apps that use carrier data to pull map info on CDMA networks?
If you're driving and get a phone call you're pretty much stuck with no data and have to either pull over to talk or tell the caller Im using the navigation now and cant talk or I'll get lost?
But still Verizon folks think that's nothing or they will say they're connected to wifi
Google Navigation caches routes and "surrounding" areas (not sure how much surrounding area. You are limited in that you can't change destination without an active data connection, but if you are are staying on the same route taking a call is not an issue. I did this often with my android phones on Sprint.... Take a call on speaker while navigating.
I also like the fact that the callers name and info is read out to you if you are driving, same with texts.