Google satnav

**Russ** · 10-05-2010, 19:09

Any Android users tell me if the free Google satnav is as good as Ovi Maps? I'm getting an HTC Legend as a company phone tomorrow and was wondering if the satnav on that would be as good as the Nokia/Ovi Maps one.

dilligaf1701 · 10-05-2010, 19:12

Well I use it a lot and have no problems with it. I do find it better than the nokia one. There are some videos here...

http://www.google.com/intl/en_uk/mob...tion&dc=gh4smm

p.s. I have the HTC Desire.

Peter_ · 10-05-2010, 19:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ

Any Android users tell me if the free Google satnav is as good as Ovi Maps? I'm getting an HTC Legend as a company phone tomorrow and was wondering if the satnav on that would be as good as the Nokia/Ovi Maps one.

Why not go out for a spin tonight and check it out if you have the phone with you even somewhere that you know will give an idea of how it performs.

**Russ** · 10-05-2010, 19:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by me

I'm getting an HTC Legend as a company phone tomorrow and was wondering if the satnav on that would be as good as the Nokia/Ovi Maps one.

dilligaf1701 · 10-05-2010, 19:17

Anyway the best thing I like is being able to switch to streetview when you get nearby and actually seeing the satnav overlay over the picture to show you where to go.

The voice is synthetic rather than human but is more than acceptable.

Um - oh and you will need a good data plan as I don't think it downloads the whole route or map data.

Peter_ · 10-05-2010, 19:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ

I use OVi Maps on my Nokia but the maps on my mates HTC Desire look as good but I have never used it for directions, a lot of these Apps let you view the route as well after you have set it so check that out as well.

**Russ** · 10-05-2010, 19:20

I've got a business plan that gives me ridiculous amounts of data so that'll be ok - is it better than Google maps though? I went somewhere yesterday and decided to try Google maps on my N95 and it was awful, I actually drove past some turns before GM showed me being there.

Peter_ · 10-05-2010, 19:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ

I've got a business plan that gives me ridiculous amounts of data so that'll be ok - is it better than Google maps though? I went somewhere yesterday and decided to try Google maps on my N95 and it was awful, I actually drove past some turns before GM showed me being there.

If you have the N95 then download OVI Maps onto it as it is free and I used mine to take me from Liverpool to Scarborough and then to Newcastle last month without any issues.

**Russ** · 10-05-2010, 19:32

It's the N95 Classic - maps aren't free on it.

musicbravo · 10-05-2010, 19:33

AFAIK Google maps should download the whole route. I read it somewhere but can't quite remember where. The only time it needs a data connection again is if you stray from the given route, or want to view a streetview

Peter_ · 10-05-2010, 19:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ

It's the N95 Classic - maps aren't free on it.

Yes I remember now, pity they are good.

**Russ** · 13-05-2010, 05:12

Well after using it for a few days I have to say the satnav is very very good, easily as good as a Tomtom unit. I'd always found Ovi maps to be pretty good and did the job but lacking a certain something. The Google satnav has got it all, my only criticism is the voice could be a little louder. Definitely recommend.

KevAmiga · 19-05-2010, 11:29

Im currently using Ovi maps, never really let me down but the 5800XM doesnt have the fastest CPU so sometimes the app is a little slow, but hey its a phone. Im looking to switch to Android but was staying with Nokia purley for the free Sat Nav.

**Russ** · 19-05-2010, 17:12

OK after using the Google satnav for a few days I can say it takes a little getting used to if you've come from Nokia Maps. I stand by what I say, it's a very good satnav system but it could do with making the roads a different colour, the blue and purple are too similar. Also in Nokia maps the car 'arrow' is fairly central on the screen but on Google it's at the bottom, this can make it a bit confusing but I still say it's the better of the 2 systems. I had the G1 when it first came out but it felt too plastic and 'beta' - the Legend is amazing and Android 2.1 really works well. I can honestly say there's nothing in the Legend to make me wish I had an iphone. Each to his own of course but HTC have taken over from Nokia as my choice of phone.

dilligaf1701 · 19-05-2010, 17:16

Just you wait for android 2.2 - If the speed claims are true it'll be stunning.

I agree though aside from a few little niggles (which I hope are fixed in 2.2) I do like it more than any nokia I've had or my iPhone.