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Re: GPS - why not free?

Sage
Posts: 143
Accepted Solution

GPS - why not free?

The Sat Navs do not require network carrier to look for satellites.

Then why GPS in Nokia phones incur network charges to use (say in Google Map)?

 

Should it not be totally free?

 

I understand you might say that in phones the map is not entire built in and phone needs to download map data on the fly so network charge is essential.

 

But if entire map can be installed in phone's memory (eg external storage), then will GPS navigation entirely free?

 

 

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Mobile Overlord
cjlim
Posts: 13,030

Re: GPS - why not free?

You very seldom get something for nothing. There is always a catch.

 

With Google maps, you incur network charges because you download map info on the fly. With Nokia maps, you can pre-download map data but may incur network charges if you opt to use AGPS to get a position fix quicker and you also need to purchase a navigation license but maps are free. With Garmin, you pay up-front for the software and you also pay for all future map updates.

 

The choice is yours. Pick the one that best suits your requirements.

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Professor
Posts: 729

Re: GPS - why not free?

[ Edited ]

The Sat Navs do not require network carrier to look for satellites.
- TRUE, but those are dedicated devices and do not have extra radios and antennas. This compromises the design and so cellular network is used to improve the initial lock time. The amount of data used is quite small.


Then why GPS in Nokia phones incur network charges to use (say in Google Map)?

- Google maps is different issue, here all the map data is downloaded from Google servers live. With Nokia Maps, data can also be downloaded live from Nokia's servers, OR you can use the Map loader to transfer the map data from your PC.

 

Should it not be totally free?

-There must always be some cost. With most dedicated devices you have to pay to get updated maps data, but you have lifetime navigation. With Nokia you pay for the navigation (unless it was included with the device), but you get lifetime updated maps data. The GPS usage for network fixd is quite small.

 

I understand you might say that in phones the map is not entire built in and phone needs to download map data on the fly so network charge is essential.

- Network charge is needed unless you transfer the maps from PC first.

 

But if entire map can be installed in phone's memory (eg external storage), then will GPS navigation entirely free?

- As I said above, not entirely free, but at least quite cheap.

Message Edited by jacobsladder on 17-Nov-2009 10:00 AM
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Sage
Posts: 143

Re: GPS - why not free?

So if I want to download UK (and Europe if available) map to my phone (5800 XM) and do not want navigation - just want to see my location on map - what things I need to download?

Thanks
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Mobile Overlord
cjlim
Posts: 13,030

Re: GPS - why not free?

[ Edited ]

All you need to do if that's the case is to download and install Nokia Map Loader using the link below and install to your pc. Use Nokia Map Loader to download the required maps to your phone.

 

http://europe.nokia.com/explore-services/ovi-maps/downloads-and-services

 

To avoid incuring network charges for AGPS, goto Menu>Tools>Settings>General>Positioning, untick Assisted GPS. 

Message Edited by cjlim on 17-Nov-2009 10:11 AM

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Contributor
Posts: 8

Re: GPS - why not free?

Thanks for the tip, i'll try that cos I also hate to pay for it when I don't need to.
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Mobile Sensei
carman58
Posts: 6,126

Re: GPS - why not free?

just a brief point, if you own a N97 and don't have a contract with unlimited internet browsing then it's a pretty pointless exercise. The whole point of the phone is its web usage, email etc. If you can't or don't use  the web you may as well get a basic phone to call, txt and play the odd tune ! The only time I turn off assissted gps is when abroad ! If you're worried about data costs remove all your widgets, disable web browser, ignore ovi store, don't use youtube etc etc etc. YOU'VE BOUGHT THE WRONG PHONE !!!

If I have helped at all, a click on the White Star is always appreciated :

you can also help others by marking 'accept as solution:smileyhappy:

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Mobile Overlord
cjlim
Posts: 13,030

Re: GPS - why not free?

Good point..

 

But... Don't forget that the N97 also has wifi which allows you to use the phone without a data plan. This works well for people who spend most of their time in their office or at home within range of their wlans. :smileyhappy:

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Professor
rasmus
Posts: 370

Re: GPS - why not free?

'You very seldom get something for nothing. There is always a catch.'

 

Lol!  I got nothing for something - exactly  $792.23. Is that what you meant?  You were right about the catch 'product may not be exactly as advertised'

 

I still think Nokia should give use N97'ers free maps for a year - that is the LEAST they could do to show some remorse. 

 

:smileywink: 

I love my purple screen, 1/2 day battery, sketchy touch screen and $800 price tag - I call it my Lumia 900
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Counsellor
Captain_Jon
Posts: 70

Re: GPS - why not free?

"I still think Nokia should give use N97'ers free maps for a year - that is the LEAST they could do to show some remorse."

 

I am not sure I get exactly what you mean. Maps has always been free with Nokia Maps/Ovi Maps. Downloading over your cellular network will no doubt incur a charge because you are using a service to connect to, but that is hardly Nokia's fault. And you can always use the free Nokia Maps Uploader to get them via your home's broadband connection.

E55-1 RM-482
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Sage
totoanon
Posts: 206

Re: GPS - why not free?

I prefer NAV4ALL. Its free software. Maps are not brilliant but it works on my n96 better than nokia maps. Nokia maps still thinks im in Wales and I visited there over 6 months ago now LOL.

I dont pretend to know everything like some people on these boards i am just trying to help. Its not all about the kudos.
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