| Versions |
  |
|
| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
ranger
USA
96 Posts |
|
|
Ads
|
|
|
gpspassion
93402 Posts |
|
|
ranger
USA
96 Posts |
 Posted - 03 févr. 2006 : 00:11:06
|
I called Verizon on this offering and found, as the ad says, it is currently only offered on one phone. They seem to be serious about this offering though and said that in the near future, phone options will be expanded. I asked for a EVDO based phone that would utilize VZNavigator and they said that was coming. I would jump on that in a second.
I would really like to hear how well this Nav system works. Tempted to try the phone for the 15 day period just to find out. |
 |
|
|
gman
USA
320 Posts |
Posted - 05 juil. 2006 : 20:43:12
|
It just so happens that I had to replace my cell phone last week, and I ended up getting the Motorola V325, which is VZ Navigator enabled. I actually didn't realize it had that function at the time; I just needed a new phone fast. I was pleasantly surprised to have the navigation option.
The phone comes w/ a free 30 day trial of the navigation service. I've used it a few times over the past week, and I have to say it works fairly well. Better than I expected, really. It calc's directions pretty quickly and accurately, and also does recalcs pretty quickly. The POI function is really nice (blows away the POI function of any PDA nav software I've used). It has an extensive list of categories w/ many sub-categories. Its like an electronic yellow pages tied into the nav program. I really wish I could keep this part of the program w/out having to pay a subscription fee.
Probably one of the best features of the app is the spoken directions. It has the best spoken directions, including full TTS (text to speech), that I've heard...bar none. I have thus far been amazed at the quality of the TTS. Its the closest I've heard to a human voice and has accurate pronunciation of street names. This leaves me with the following question. Why is it Verizon has done such a great job w/ their TTS (on a cell phone no less), while companies like Mapopolis struggle with it, and companies like iNav don't even attempt it? Those other guys need to take notes from Verizon (or Motorola) on this.
If Motorola could increase the accuracy of the GPS chip in the phone to bring it on par with a PDA GPS receiver, I would probably be willing to pay the $10/month for the service (and stop using my Axim for navigation). I probably average at least $120/year trying out new software and hardware for my Axim as it is now. |
|
|
|
gpspassion
93402 Posts |
Posted - 05 juil. 2006 : 21:15:07
|
Thanks for sharing, so what's wrong with the GPS chip, long TTFF or lagging ? That latter be due to the low powered CPU too.
Still not sure whose software it is, doesn't look like TeleNav. It reminds me an app whose name escapes me and that "went away" some time ago.
_________________________________________________________________________
Discounts and Assistance/Réductions et Assistance (Club GpsPasSion) / Où commencer? |
|
|
|
gman
USA
320 Posts |
Posted - 05 juil. 2006 : 22:26:54
|
The TTFF is quite good (once you get the application running). Maybe even quicker than my Haicom 305 (from a cold start)? Perhaps I'll do some direct comparisons and time them both.
Based upon my limited use thus far, it seems to be lagging that is the biggest problem with the chip.
It seems to lag a bit far behind when moving, in comparison to a 'real' GPS receiver, and the positional accuracy is most certainly not up to par. I was already thinking about doing a real world side-by-side comparison to see how much of a difference there is between the phone and my Axim/Haicom combo. And yes, I'm sure that the wimpy CPU in the phone isn't helping anything.
I did some digging on the phone and found some info on the navigation app:
- The 'name' of the app is "VZ Navigator Version 2.8.1 Build 40"
- GPS is listed as VZW LPS (doesn't list the actual manufacturer; probably Qualcomm or SiRF)
- Map data is by NAVTEQ
- Nav software is by Networks In Motion (NIM).
The map data and POI info are pulled off VZW servers, so you are always getting fresh data, which is a huge plus. There is no need for map storage/memory cards as the data is 'streaming' in real time - another plus. The con to this, of course, is that if you're in a dead cell zone, you can't get directions/navigate. But as long as you get your directions/start nav'ing while you have a signal, you can lose your signal along the way and continue to navigate anyway (assuming you stay on course).
Gpspassion - should this thread be moved to another category? This isn't actually related to Smartphones at all. The V325 is a plain old 'dumb' phone. ;) There are 2 phones that I'm aware of that VZW is selling w/ VZ Navigator capability - both of which are 'dumb' phones. |
Edited by - gman on 05 juil. 2006 22:56:21 |
|
|
|
gpspassion
93402 Posts |
Posted - 06 juil. 2006 : 00:04:04
|
Well we'll probably rename this section "GPS on phones/smartphones", the Siemens SXG 75 with the VDO Dayton software belongs here too.
Good news for TTFF, that probably means they are using some network assistance AGPS over the network, something that the SGX 75 doesn't have in Europe and we're getting 5/10 minutes TTFF in ideal condition, a nightmare.
_________________________________________________________________________
Discounts and Assistance/Réductions et Assistance (Club GpsPasSion) / Où commencer? |
|
|
|
gman
USA
320 Posts |
Posted - 06 juil. 2006 : 00:59:15
|
| Oh wow. Yeah its definitely got to be assisted here. This phone works like so... You input your destination address first, then tell it to 'Nav'. After hitting 'Nav', the GPS kicks in, the directions load, and the active navigation then starts. I just timed a Nav startup on the phone. After inputting my destination and hitting 'Nav', it took less than 30 secs. to get GPS lock, load directions, and begin navigating. There is also a pause in there, because you have to hit OK when a dialog pops up asking you to grant Verizon permission to locate you for a 4 hour timeblock. I also did this while indoors. |
|
|
|
gpspassion
93402 Posts |
Posted - 06 juil. 2006 : 01:30:44
|
That's the way it should be really, I'm really concerned what inexperienced users are going to think when they have to wait 5+ minutes to get a fix outdoors with the Siemens SXG 75 that has to work autonomously in the absence of the proper assistance. That's an unacceptable trade-off compared to an AIO. Keep us posted on the lagging you've seen, that's significant trade-off too if it causes errors, especially since you should be even more noticeable for recalculations.
_________________________________________________________________________
Discounts and Assistance/Réductions et Assistance (Club GpsPasSion) / Où commencer? |
|
|
|
rancho1
354 Posts |
Posted - 16 juil. 2006 : 23:15:12
|
Looks great for a first attempt especialy since the TTS is very clear, it would have a constantly updated POI database and you don't have to know how to load software or have as much technical knowledge to set it up as other solutions. Not sure it would be loud enough in a car if you like to listen to music on a nice stereo system. If you could load your music on the phone and hook the whole thing up to your stereo so the nav voice played over the car speakers along with your music, then it would be even better. I suppose losing your cell connection can also be a problem when you are in the process of navigating. Too bad it can't download your route (and info needed to allow for quick rerouting if you miss a turn) to the phone, so you no longer rely on their data network once your route is loaded.
I have a Cingular 2125, BT-359 and Mapopolis and it has better functionality than this VZ Navigator and I like it, but I would recommend something like the VZ Navigator to people who need something easier to get setup.
I will probably get something like this when they improve their built-in GPS hardware, so it is as sensitive as the best SirfstarIII units and eliminate the lag and have this system on a better variety of phones.
Having a phone, nav system, MP3 player and PDA for e-mail and web access all in a compact pocketable package seems like the way to go. |
Edited by - rancho1 on 16 juil. 2006 23:16:03 |
|
|
|
sysmg
USA
47 Posts |
Posted - 26 juil. 2006 : 18:32:56
|
I was looking for new Verizon phones and noticed that they now have two phones that support Navigator: the Moto V325 and the Moto V3m. The V3m has EV-DO, WMA (not quite MP3) and web access. It's not quite a PDA, but it's getting there.
BTW the only thing I'd add to your list of requirements is clamshell design (not the best for GPS, but ideal for a phone that gets knocked around a lot).
-Stew |
|
|
|
sysmg
USA
47 Posts |
Posted - 31 août 2006 : 16:26:22
|
I finally bought a few V325s for the family. I downloaded the 30 day trial for Navigator and used it driving in to work yesterday and for a few errands (FYI my other GPS is a Magellan 760).
I agree with everything GMAN said. Although I did see some lag, it wasn't too bad. You get plenty of advance notice of manuevers. I think only one time it told me to make the turn while I was in the intersection. The accuracy was a bit off (maybe 200ft at max) although I noticed it most when I was under heavy and wet tree cover. The one thing GMAN did not mention is that it is a pain to enter information from the numeric keypad (I am used to the 760). Also you need to be within cellphone range of Verizon towers to initially load the trip, and also if you go off course it has to recalculate the route by connecting to Verizon. The voice prompts are really loud (I even lowered the volume).
One other thing that suprised me. I have a car with a 'Solar Ray' windshield, which has a metal coating embedded in the glass. EZ-Pass electronic toll devices don't work, my Roadmate 760 does not work with the internal antenna (had to put external antenna in the rear window), Radar detectors don't work. However my V325 worked just fine! I don't understand how. Does anyone have any ideas? I wonder if the accuracy would have been better in another car.
The little screen is a little confusing. The default is to show you the next manuever in text only. When you get close it shows you a map of the manuever. On occasion it show a map of where you are on the road. Didn't read any doc on Navigator, but it's not totally intuitive as to what's on the screen.
I am trying to decide if I'd subscribe to Navigator for my elderly parents. They are moving to a somewhat unfamiliar area and could use the assistance. They already have a V325 and I could use that or get them an AIO.
-Stew |
|
|
|
gpspassion
93402 Posts |
Posted - 31 août 2006 : 16:57:09
|
| Thanks for sharing, yes that coated windshield of yours would certainly degrade the accuracy of the position. The v325 relies on AGPS so it can overcome some of the problems associated with a coated windhsield, such as initial ephemeris downloading that your 760 can't do, but it can't do anything against weakened and bounced signals typical of a coated windshield environment. |
Discounts and Assistance/Réductions et Assistance (Club GpsPasSion) / Où commencer? |
|
|
|
gpspassion
93402 Posts |
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
| This page was generated in 0,61 seconds. |
 |
|
- 
- 
VZ Navigator? Is this the future?
