Phone GPS

There is a BIG difference between a Goggle map, and a REAL GPS App that is completely self contained within the phone. I use an app called NAVIGON, that is owned by Garmin, and it works exactly like a real GPS and needs no cell service whatsoever. I also have it sync' with iCloud so any additions or changes I make with my waypoints will migrate to my iPad as well as keeping the waypoint file in a cloud backup in the backgroun
I carry a Garmin GPS in my flight bag for business travel and haven't pulled it out in at least three years since using NAVIGON. There are lots of GPS apps out there, but you get what you pay for.

The convenience of the phone just can't be beat. Tap the microphone icon and say take me to the address then it "OK, Lets go" Job done.

The google maps app gives voice directions on my (cheap Android) phone. Maybe it depends on what version of Android it's running or something like that. You do have to press a button to have it start giving guidance.

two travelers wrote:
Wonder does Google Maps have an option to give you voice directions, speed and time to destination on our smart phone?

Yes, mostly.
Google Maps give me directions and time to destination, but I can't recall it ever speaking or showing me my current speed.

I have an older Android phone - a Samsung Galaxy S5. My kids have cheaper Android phones ($20 Alcatel to $50 Huawei) and they all do the same.

I frequently use Google Maps navigation on my iPhone 6s for travel, both business and pleasure. I have had a couple of glitches over the past couple of years, but I find it to be very reliable, overall. It does have the requested features.

Terryallan wrote:

two travelers wrote:
Our GPS is starting to give us problems. Looking into new ones. Wonder does Google Maps have an option to give you voice directions, speed and time to destination on our smart phone? Can't seem to find this on Maps. Are there any other progams to consider?

Most smart phones will do that. I believe their is an app on maps. Mine offers it.

But do be aware. A dedicated GPS uses satilites, and they are always up there. A phone uses cell towers, and they are NOT always where you need them.

BTW Best Buy had a really good Garmin on sale for 99 bucks. Down from 150. Has junction view, and all. Lifetime updates as well.

Modern cell phones do use the same GPS satellites as the dedicated GPS units. Most phones are also capable of using cell tower triangulation as a backup, since the gov't requires that there's always a locator signal available, but the primary locator is the built in GPS receiver chip. That said, there some mapping apps that do need a cell connection to download the appropriate map segments as we move around, but others, such as the CoPilot GPS apps can download complete country maps. My CoPilot installation has the complete US and Canada maps stored locally for instance, and does not need a cell phone signal to work, just for updating. CoPilot is our backup GPS in case our dedicated Garmin GPS fails.

The problem with smartphone APPS are that on most if you have no cell phone service they do not work. So in the Adirondacks and parts of the Northway north of Albany and out west you have no guidance.
There are large areas in Texas , New Mexico and Arizona without cell service.
Even spots on the Natchez Trace and in Louisiana have no cell service

two travelers wrote:
Our GPS is starting to give us problems. Looking into new ones. Wonder does Google Maps have an option to give you voice directions, speed and time to destination on our smart phone? Can't seem to find this on Maps. Are there any other progams to consider?

Most smart phones will do that. I believe their is an app on maps. Mine offers it.

But do be aware. A dedicated GPS uses satilites, and they are always up there. A phone uses cell towers, and they are NOT always where you need them.

BTW Best Buy had a really good Garmin on sale for 99 bucks. Down from 150. Has junction view, and all. Lifetime updates as well.