In this installment, I am trying out the effectiveness of HTC Touch 3G GPS together with Google Map Application which was mentioned earlier.
Before the evaluation, I updated the HTC QuickGPS.
Setup
- Install Google Map Application
- Update QuickGPS
- Run Google Map
- Activate “USE GPS”
That’s it! You have a free MAP with GPS function. Note that it is dangerously to drive and look at the small screen.
Also note that this is not a GPS guidance device. My evaluation is to confirm the GPS tracking.
BTW, I did have driving with it. All because of the vain factor that it is showing Satellite view. Cooler than most GPS guidance map.
Here is the short video that I made using the GPS Tracking on Google Map.
You can send me your questions and request via:
- twitter (@joeteh)
- comment on my blog post
- email me (joe @ techielobang.com)
January 8th, 2009 at 9:40 am
Hi Joe,
I have saw your review on the internet about GPS on Touch 3G, I will appreciate if you could help me with below questions I have. I’m sorry to ask stupid quest as im not that IT savvy.
I got a HTC Touch 3G phone for my wife, at first I thought there is GPS on the phone.
Later did I found out the if I need to use the GPS I have to connect to GPRS to google map and all this id chargeable..!
I have heard from some ppl said that I can download the GPS map to the phone, then the service will be free.
I have downloaded the map from Map king, the file name is Malsing_ SG_G10, but I don’t know how to install onto my device.
Today I do the search again, and I found out that your are using different map from Google and is free right?
Could you please help me out here?? Your help are greatly appreciated!
Would you able to let me know the step by step guide on how to install the GPS please..
• Install Google Map Application
• Update QuickGPS
• Run Google Map
• Activate “USE GPS”
Best Regard’s
Gary Low.
January 8th, 2009 at 10:43 am
Hi, Gary,
Happy New Year!
Maybe I will answer your questions based on the below structure and later I will answer your 4 questions.
GPS
- The service is free, thanks to US Military who launches these GPS satellite.
- It is already on the device and ready to use anytime.
Maps
- There are many maps in the market right now.
- As you have mentioned, they are not free.
- For MapKing, you will need the software first.
- The downloaded file that you got is the map data. However, without the MapKing main software, you will NOT be able to use it.
- You can download the software with this LINK.
- Please note that it may have some trial days for you to “play” with. Maybe you can give it a try.
- You will need to purchase it to unlock the code after trial period.
Other Maps
- There use to be other service that is FREE.
- One of them is Malsingmaps.com.
- However, recently (last year), they started to locked their maps.
- To get the unlocked code, it is free but you will need to contribute to their community.
- Registration is free. You may want to give it a try.
- This is the LINK on how you can contribute.
- However, you need to register yourself before you can see the content in this link.
Your Questions:
Q1: Install Google Map Applications
- First, you will need to get the FREE software HERE
- Once you gotten the software, you will need to connect your Touch 3G to your computer via Microsoft ActiveSync.
- Once synchronised, you can go to My Computer and search for Mobile Device (if you are using XP). If you are using Vista, you will have a Media Center to synchronise your device and you can see it in My Computer.
- Drag and drop the software into the device.
- Locate the software in your device and click to install it.
- Once installed, you can see the Google Map icon in your Program (Press Start (in your Touch 3G and select Program)).
- That is it.
Q2: Update QuickGPS
- First of all, QuickGPS is to update the Satellite location.
- By doing this, your Touch 3G will be able to fix on to the Satellite easily.
- To update, you can connect to WiFi on your device and update it (by pressing the button)
- You can also update it via GPRS (chargeable data cost)
- Or you can synchronise with your computer (with an internet connection) and update it.
- On some XP computers, there are problem with accessing internet via the sychro cable.
- You can overcome it by going to the ActiveSync (on XP) software. Click on the File, select Connection Settings, and finally select “this computer is connected to the Internet” option.
- Some computer don’t need it. I am not sure why also.
Q3: Run Google Maps
- Click on the icon on your Program (press Start and select Program, scroll down and you can see the Google Map icon).
- To try it out, please ensure that you are on WiFi or at least connected to the Internet via Synchro cable.
- There is a bluish square with a dot. Click on it and you will roughly get your position. Please note that it is not using GPS at this moment. It is basing on the Telcos Network Base stations to get a rough estimation of your position (this function is still in Beta, according to Google website).
- to use GPS, Select Menu, Select Use GPS. To see Satellite View, Select Statellite View.
- To do the tracking as shown in my video, please press the bluish square with the dot on the bottom right.
Q4: Activate Use GPS
- For this question, I think I have already replied.
- By pressing Use GPS, you are actually asking the software to search the COM port for the GPS device embedded in the processor.
- There is no need to Activate. Just need to click on it.
- But remember, you must be in the open area to access the Satellite. In house is quite difficult to locked on the Satellite and thus you may think that there is an error.
Hope that my answers help. Have a good day.
Regards,
Joe
January 28th, 2009 at 9:42 am
Hi Joe,
Thank you for the reviews, tips & trick,
i am like Gary not IT savvy at all, i too bought the HTC touch 3G for my wife.
Q1, I understand from the shop that when u use the mapking ( which is already loaded into the device) is free as it uses the GPS mode?
Q2, how do you use it? ( i mean are you able to show a step by step from keying in the starting point to destination )
Many thanks & best regards,
Jim
January 29th, 2009 at 10:47 pm
Hi, Jim, Sorry for my late reply. I guess must be the Chinese New Year. Anyway, regarding your question.
Q1. Mapking has preloaded map by itself. If you have purchased local (singapore) map. Just choose the local map from your menu. Once it is loaded, you can see a GPS sign. Press on it and you will start your GPS. If you have not set the destination, there will be a question mark with the word destination. Not to worry, leave it as it is. If your GPS is working, you should be able to see your current location.
Q2. By default, Mapking do not need to key in current location. Most of the time, it will be your current GPS location. If your GPS is ON, press anywhere on the screen and you can see something like GPS status, destination and etc. Click on Destintation. Key in postal code or road name and you will be able to choose your location. Once decided, you can press “destination” and Mapking will automatically route to that location (from your current GPS location). If you miss a turn, it will reroute again to your destination, so you do not need to worry on that part.
It is quite difficult to explain here. You should explore it and get a grip of friendly Mapking is.
Let me know if you have any question(s).
February 26th, 2009 at 3:13 am
Hey Joe.
Saw that you are also a HTC Touch 3G user here.
Comparing local (SG) HTC Touch 3G and other countries’ Touch 3G, you realise that Google Map was pre-installed to their set, not singapore. in which you had this tutorial to teach us how to do that. Ok, I’ve done my installation, however, do you have any idea how to create google map onto our TouchFlo? Coz it was on the instruction menu that Google Map is on TouchFlo. Customize? how to? pls advice
Keith
December 20th, 2009 at 10:18 pm
Amazing article this is. It gets a thumbs up from me.
December 20th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
Great write up – five stars. I bookmarked this page.
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