GPS navigation systems/programs

[geek]

I recently replaced the OEM radio on our Toyota Sienna mini van for an in-dash 7" radio that has GPS integrated and runs on Android KitKat 4.4.4

Nice display..!!

Just like any Android smart phone, you can install different apps for GPS.
Preloaded, it has iGO by Primo and Google Maps.

Google Maps is supposed to be one of the more accurate out there since they keep their maps data up to date all the times, at least what I hear.
You can use Google Maps 'offline' by searching your destination while in wifi reception, it loads your route and there you go. However, if you need to be re-routed, then you need to connect to wifi.
It also talks the street names.

iGo, never used before but looks cool, however it doesn't talk the street names, something we like.
I hear others mentioning Sygic, another app you can install but never tried it before.

Wondering if anyone has experience with these and any feedback. Yeah, I know...asking these type of questions on a wine making forum....::

We have a long trip from CT to FL this coming week and getting prepared...

 

[roger80465]

I recently replaced the OEM radio on our Toyota Sienna mini van for an in-dash 7" radio that has GPS integrated and runs on Android KitKat 4.4.4

Nice display..!!

Just like any Android smart phone, you can install different apps for GPS.
Preloaded, it has iGO by Primo and Google Maps.

Google Maps is supposed to be one of the more accurate out there since they keep their maps data up to date all the times, at least what I hear.
You can use Google Maps 'offline' by searching your destination while in wifi reception, it loads your route and there you go. However, if you need to be re-routed, then you need to connect to wifi.
It also talks the street names.

iGo, never used before but looks cool, however it doesn't talk the street names, something we like.
I hear others mentioning Sygic, another app you can install but never tried it before.

Wondering if anyone has experience with these and any feedback.

We have a long trip from CT to FL this coming week and getting prepared...

I assume that will use your data plan to get updates, etc. If that is an issue, I have an app called 'Here' that allows you to download maps by state and have them available whenever you need them. I have used it frequently when I am traveling off the grid and it works well. I think it is primarily a British developer and the voice is decidedly Brit and somewhat entertaining. (what I call an exit ramp, she calls a slip road). It seems quite accurate and is easy to use. Oh, and it's free.

 

[Boatboy24]

Does your system work similar to Apple's CarPlay? In that it gets most of its content from your phone and is really just a 'dumb' display utilizing your already existing data connections to wifi or cellular. Or do you have to actually download apps to the head unit while on wifi and they run natively from there?

 

[NorCal]

We recently bought a new car (something we do every 10-15 years) and the gps was a real expensive option. I just couldn't see spending the $ on that, when my phone does all of that for basically free. Different from your situation, but I think a smart phone with a navigation app (Waze) is a great little tool.

 

[DoctorCAD]

Sygic can be 100% downloaded to the device, no data plan when using it. Co-pilot live is good also and requires no data. iGo is great, I used it pre-android days and loved it.

The best by far, although it requires data, is Waze. It is updated in real time by users, so if Waze tells you that there is an accident, it really just happened.

The one in my car, Fords version of some navigation app, sucks royally.

 

[geek]

Does your system work similar to Apple's CarPlay? In that it gets most of its content from your phone and is really just a 'dumb' display utilizing your already existing data connections to wifi or cellular. Or do you have to actually download apps to the head unit while on wifi and they run natively from there?

Not sure, it is basically an Android "table" sort of speak mounted with a double din radio. Very cool and a big 7" screen.

What I think I am going to do is basically enable the hotspot on my iPhone and let Google Maps connect to it, this is just because I like to hear what the actual road name is, which is something the iGO software doesn't do. Both are good options I think in the end.

 

[geek]

Sygic can be 100% downloaded to the device, no data plan when using it. Co-pilot live is good also and requires no data. iGo is great, I used it pre-android days and loved it.

The best by far, although it requires data, is Waze. It is updated in real time by users, so if Waze tells you that there is an accident, it really just happened.

The one in my car, Fords version of some navigation app, sucks royally.

Can you confirm that iGO doesn't talk the street name?

 

[ffemt128]

I wish GM didn't rely on OnStar for their Navigation Systems. I can't stand OnStar and didn't renew the service. It would be nice if you could get the nav from your phone to appear on the screen in the vehicle. Much rather have a stand alone nav than OnStar. I generally just use my phone but the odd thing, if I have the phone plugged in charging in my truck it won't talk when giving directions..odd.

 

[DoctorCAD]

Can you confirm that iGO doesn't talk the street name?

Havent used it in 5 years.

 

[Boatboy24]

It would be nice if you could get the nav from your phone to appear on the screen in the vehicle. Much rather have a stand alone nav than OnStar.

That seems to be where the customers are driving the industry. Apple and Google have options that manufacturers are starting to offer. Basically an in-dash touch screen that is driven largely from your phone. You can also buy after market systems with the capability. They aren't cheap, but when you compare it to paying 2-3,000 for the manufacturers crappy navigation and required map updates, it's much cheaper.

 

[Runningwolf]

I buy a new Garmin every 3-5 years. I love it. Free life time updates, portable and loud enough to hear directions. Also compared to a phone the screen is large enough to easily see at a glance.

 

[geek]

This in-dash system I bought has the "mirroring" option that allows you to see on the 7" screen whatever is on your iPhone.