GPS software for Australia

[sentinal]

Hello,

I have a blackberry 8800 that I got on Friday.

Blackberry maps is pre-loaded on the phone that you can use with the inbuilt GPS reciever. I have opened Blackberry Maps and got a hook up of 5 satellites.

Blackberry maps does not currently have Australian maps loaded in the phone.

My questions are these:

1. Is Blackberry Maps being updated to include Australia in the software so I can use the GPS function?

2. I heard that Google maps has a new GPS edition that works in GPS phones. I cant find this anywhere on the net. Any ideas?

3. Are there any other software providers that offer GPS software that you can use on Blackberry?

[Yoda]

Regarding your point 2
Try going to maps.google.com on your Blackberry. On the screen click on "Download maps", you then get a link to "Download Google Maps" for the Blackberry 8800. The site seems to know what type of Blackberry you're using. I've done this on an 8800 and a 8100 Pearl.

I haven't been able to get the GPS to locate the position on the maps though. It's turned on and receiving position feed, but the program doesn't seem to move the maps to show the position. It keeps saying "locating position". I'd be interested to know if you can get the GPS to actively work with yours.

[sentinal]

Hello Yoda,

I have since doenloaded google maps 1.5.2 today. This version apparently supports GPS navigation.

It did automatically download the version for blackberry 8800 as well.

When I run the Google maps program It loads the terms and conditions page . waits for a while... and then says

Network Unavailable

This application requires a data connection.

I have chagned he permission of the google maps so it can access the GPS. I am frustrated now that I cant get it to work.

Also this may be a stupid question but -using GPS does not cost money does it - I mean Telstra cant charge for using that can they?

[GaryCutri]

When you use a Blackberry Enterprise Server you can direct all the data traffic via the server so it uses your own internet connection. When using the BlackBerry Internet Service (BIS) your web traffic data is charged at an additional cost (unless told otherwise by your network carrier).

With your issue with the "Terms & Conditions" screen just scroll to the bottom and press the menu button and select "Accept".

Also in a few more weeks some new Australia based GPS applications will be made available, they may be charged at an addition cost.

[sentinal]

Gary,

Thanks, I am on a BES firstly so that is ok.

Are you saying that GPS cost mony to use? if this is the case do people pay for normal portable sat nav systems?

I dont mind paying per month for sat nav - this is ok - but i dont want to get a bill from telstra to say that I have $$$ of data downloads. Clearly there must be a difference between GPRS and GPS

[GaryCutri]

Originally Posted by sentinal

Gary,

Thanks, I am on a BES firstly so that is ok.

Are you saying that GPS cost mony to use? if this is the case do people pay for normal portable sat nav systems?

I dont mind paying per month for sat nav - this is ok - but i dont want to get a bill from telstra to say that I have $$$ of data downloads. Clearly there must be a difference between GPRS and GPS

Sorry for not explaining it clearly in my last post. To clarify you are NOT charged for the GPS service on your device, you can potentially be charged for any web data that GPS applications download. As an example Google maps downloads all the map data via the web. As you are connected to a BES you only need to ensure that server IT Policy "Enable WAP Config" is set to FALSE, this will prevent any data that may be charged as an additional cost.

[sentinal]

Hello, Any update on GPS programs for Blackberry 8800 in Australia. It is a shame that I have this phone and cant usee such an important feature.

Any ideas?

[BESadmin]

Originally Posted by sentinal

Hello, Any update on GPS programs for Blackberry 8800 in Australia. It is a shame that I have this phone and cant usee such an important feature.

Any ideas?

The software should be here by July/August.

[sentinal]

I have found a program called nav4all.

it is located at www.nav4all.com and is free currently.

It offers Turn by turn street level maps for your Blackberry 8800 as advised by the website and is free.

I have downloaded the software, installed the voice (there is like 100 different ones in different accents) and also downloaded the language pack for Engish.

Currently i have started the software and I am having issues getting the software to look for the inbuilt GPS chip in the 8800.

I have lodged a query with their support section and will advise If i can get this to work.

If this is the case and by the quality look of the software this is great - appears to be very similar to telnav or tomtom etc. It have done the searches with teh software and its fast and smooth. I will keep you posted once I can get the GPS to sync.

Let me know if anyone tries it and gets it to work in the mean time.

Sentinal

[BESadmin]

Originally Posted by sentinal

I have found a program called nav4all.

it is located at Nav4All - Free gps navigation for your mobile phone! and is free currently.

It offers Turn by turn street level maps for your Blackberry 8800 as advised by the website and is free.

I have downloaded the software, installed the voice (there is like 100 different ones in different accents) and also downloaded the language pack for Engish.

Currently i have started the software and I am having issues getting the software to look for the inbuilt GPS chip in the 8800.

I have lodged a query with their support section and will advise If i can get this to work.

If this is the case and by the quality look of the software this is great - appears to be very similar to telnav or tomtom etc. It have done the searches with teh software and its fast and smooth. I will keep you posted once I can get the GPS to sync.

Let me know if anyone tries it and gets it to work in the mean time.

Sentinal

Thanks for the info and we look forward to hearing your results.