Using your phone for navigation
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 385
Likes: 4
From: Ontario Canada
I use my iPhone with the Navigon app, I hooked it up using an iPod interface and ran the cable to the right side lower. So, when needed, I can set it up and ride, listening to my music and being prompted through the speakers when to turn etc., also has the bonus of charging the phone while I ride, and using the "Around Me" app to find restaurants, gas etc.
I had the Zumo on the bike, but taking my eyes off the road to look at a screen was not appealing to me, and it was hard to see anytime during the day.
I had the Zumo on the bike, but taking my eyes off the road to look at a screen was not appealing to me, and it was hard to see anytime during the day.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 3
From: Cheltenham, UK
Interesting how TomTom doesn't get a look in, seems to be far less popular in the US than EU.
I am very keen on TomTom app as it was very reasonably priced and, most important,the maps are all held on the SD card so no need for roaming or data connection
I am very keen on TomTom app as it was very reasonably priced and, most important,the maps are all held on the SD card so no need for roaming or data connection
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
I've had Googlemaps on the android phone let me down numerous times. As soon as you're outside of cell phone coverage, you're on borrowed time. Go for longer than the map segement it's last downloaded covers, and it fails, usually booting all the way out.
I also don't like the way it goes off finding a place without letting you know where it found and where it thinks it's taking you. Many times, in my experience, it's flat wrong. So it perfectly nagivates you to where you didn't want to go.
I also do not like the way it does not identify dirt roads. Garmin, Tomtom and DeLorme do this, and it's darn important, imo.
I've still been working with free andoid apps, and therefore still trying to get orux to work, but it's such a massive download, and massive (slow) load, I've not been pleased.
I also don't like the way it goes off finding a place without letting you know where it found and where it thinks it's taking you. Many times, in my experience, it's flat wrong. So it perfectly nagivates you to where you didn't want to go.
I also do not like the way it does not identify dirt roads. Garmin, Tomtom and DeLorme do this, and it's darn important, imo.
I've still been working with free andoid apps, and therefore still trying to get orux to work, but it's such a massive download, and massive (slow) load, I've not been pleased.
Thread Starter
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Former Sponsor
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Minneapolis, MN
Tested the Apple navigation function using Siri again this weekend. She tried to take us way off course for no apparent reason. I think this app still needs some work. I switched to Google maps and it worked fine but the interface is a bit clunky.
On the rant about why do Americans love Apple and hate Android...I guess it just seemed like an interesting article. I'm an Apple guy all the way, but there is nothing wrong with Android either. We have about 30 phones here that use Droid, and Apples from the 3, 3G all the way through 4, 4s and 5. As a manufacturer we like Apple better because they have tighter controls over their product line and there are only a few case sizes and cable configurations. Android phones come from everywhere, Samsung, LG, HTC, Motorola, Nokia, etc, and they are all a little different in size and thickness. Some are all plastic, some have metal, some have big cases, others have flip out keyboards, some are 4.3" display, some 4.8" display, and some are bigger yet now. It's really hard to keep up with them. Apple is pretty easy but they could be a little more upfront when they come out with new models. Now the rumor mill says they will be introducing a series of iphone 5s phones, with three sizes to choose from.
On the rant about why do Americans love Apple and hate Android...I guess it just seemed like an interesting article. I'm an Apple guy all the way, but there is nothing wrong with Android either. We have about 30 phones here that use Droid, and Apples from the 3, 3G all the way through 4, 4s and 5. As a manufacturer we like Apple better because they have tighter controls over their product line and there are only a few case sizes and cable configurations. Android phones come from everywhere, Samsung, LG, HTC, Motorola, Nokia, etc, and they are all a little different in size and thickness. Some are all plastic, some have metal, some have big cases, others have flip out keyboards, some are 4.3" display, some 4.8" display, and some are bigger yet now. It's really hard to keep up with them. Apple is pretty easy but they could be a little more upfront when they come out with new models. Now the rumor mill says they will be introducing a series of iphone 5s phones, with three sizes to choose from.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 6
From: Route 66
I use Co-Pilot Live on my Droid X,maps are downloaded on my SD card so I don't need/use data. I don't use GPS for travel as I'm a retired OTR driver and can get from A to B without it but I find it very useful for hotels, restaurants and the like after I get to my destination.My wife has an iphone but we never use the maps on it.
Thread Starter
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Former Sponsor
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Minneapolis, MN
Best Navigation Apps for your phone
Added some more information on our page about which navigation apps are best. We reviewed a lot of apps, if you have comments we'd love to hear them. Also check out the Best Biking Roads app, really kind of nice. We are not affilliated with any of these so no bias or special considerations. Just some apps we thought were great, (and a few that are stinky).
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 610
Likes: 5
From: N.C.
iPhone 4 with Motion-X GPS App. For those of you with limited cell coverage I an tell you from experience that when you plot your route in Motion-X it saves the route on your device so even if you lose cell service your route is still available. If you plot your entire route from driveway to destination and back to driveway using the destination as a waypoint you won't have to worry about cell coverage for the duration of your ride causing your nav to not work. I run mine through the speakers so the music mutes and the turn by turn voice guidance plays through the speakers. Seeing the screen has never been an issue and I've used my phone as a GPS for 4-5 years now on my bike and in the car. Since I already use the iPhone for my music I can't justify having another device mounted on the bike just for GPS.
