RB, I have a friend who bought a smartphone solely for the purpose of having a large screen for a "pretty" wallpaper. So don't feel like you're alone out there not using your phone to its full potential.


That is a good point with the TomTom and ect. Although Google Maps does have an offline feature for navigating without using a data connecting that not many know about. You can save a 50x50km map for disconnected use just like a standalone GPS system such as TomTom or Garmin. You can of course save multiple 50x50 sections to make a bigger map provided you have the storage space.

Down to what ratio i wonder?
250:1 or can you save them down to the maximum zoom?

And to keep on topic, i guess this will work for those members with Android Based Head Units too :)

Yes, it has been for a few years now.
I had it on a iPhone 3GS and 4, worked a treat.
As a test, i ran it side by side with my TomTom 530 Stand alone GPS.
Was almost identical in operation and nav instruction.

But as mentioned here already, i've kind of dropped it now for Google Maps.
I really only need a GPS for a few minutes at a time, generally just to find a street address.
If i tried to use the BMW Nav, id still be parked on the side of the road selecting letters
The Smart Phone option would already have me at my destination :)

You can go down to max zoom. You choose how much you detail you want the map to save. For example, I did Seattle, zoomed down to a birds eye view and I have all the street names, shops, and 3D buildings.

This might actually be helpful for those with the AVIN unit. I know I sometimes lose service downtown (my stock GPS will also lose its signal). Here are googles instructions for downloading sections of maps. Keep in mind, the more you zoom the more detail you save, and you can compile multiple files (does this automatically) to make larger higher definition maps.

https://support.google.com/gmm/answer/3273567?hl=en

Yes, but the Map Expires in 30 Days
And you cant Search for Directions when "offline", even though you have map data.
Add from what i see, you can not save Satellite View?

That is odd. They recently changed it then. I have a bunch of satellite files on my tablet that I have saved from when my phone was down. I used my Nexus 10 as a GPS a few times (non network device). looks like they limited their feature. That is pretty shitty.

Yeah, i had heard of people saving Googles maps before, although i had never tried it myself.
Perhaps the 30Days is an Australian thing?

My intent was for when you go 4WDing (not in the X5), you have GPS Local Mapping while in the Bush(woods)
I since found it was better to use other mapping solution, which dont offer "turn by turn", but are far more detailed for such work.

I bought Sygic navigation software for the iPhone. Works like a charm and is totally offline (if you don't want traffic updates etc). Paid something like $70 for lifetime subscription and map updates.

It isn't an australian thing. It is doing it on my phone as well. That is a bummer. Maybe it is saving it to the cloud or something? I am not sure why there would even be a time limit.

For bush driving I would imagine you would want something with high res satellite imagery? I can't imagine something like that would be cheap or available as an app.

Yes, plenty of Offline High Res Apps, would easy be 20+ choices.

I use Hema, MapMemory and a few others.
You can also make your own maps and load them on OziExplorer.

I think this is why i like the idea of Android Car Head Sets
(plus nearly every car manufacture has sign the Android Program, Open Automotive Alliance)
All except BMW :)

Before looking into Integrated Head Units, i was happy just to run an 8" Tablet in the car, although there is no really neat way of mounting one.
But at least it keeps the vehicle in OEM Spec and its removable for use in other vehicles

Now a few Brand Names are integrating it in to their vehicles

http://www.cnet.com/au/videos/link/x...SkXYybTU2YJx1/

Still, its the Integration with Pre Existing Vehicle Hardware thats is always the hurdle.
Where i appreciate the efforts of the N6 Team for trying their best.