Nokia N95 GPS

[Nokoff]

Hi there, please, before you retaliate, I've seen all the threads about the N95 and it's GPS as well as smart2go yadda yadda, I however have not been able to conclusively state what the situation is concerning the N95 GPS usage in South Africa.

I would like to know:

1) Is there anyone who has successfully gotten their N95 GPS maps to work with navigation?

2) Is smart2go the only available option for the N95? and has anyone else gotten any other kind of navigation software to work on it.

3) What is it like? Navigation on the N95 that is. Usable?

Thank you, I'd appreciate any information you have to offer as I'm looking to ship my N95 in from Argentina for better rates (currently about R6000 but fluctuates up and down) and I would like to be sure that the GPS and the maps are in working order for SA.

 

[Johnit]

Other users on this forum have reported on the N95 GPS mapping.

I don't own a N95 but have played with the maps on an E61 (same operating system). The coverage for SA is fairly poor in the rural areas. The cities are OK. The user interface is excellent. The maps and routing work, for free, you only pay once you use voice guided navigation. That costs around R800 for three years, not bad by comparing to other products for SA.

Other mapping software should also work (route 66?). I use a number of free / shareware GPS packages on my 6680, mostly for tracking a route, not for navigation.

 

[GTi]

I have use the smart2go (freeware) on my N80 successfully, as Johnit mentioned for tracking a route, not for navigation.Johnit quote: "voice guided navigation that costs around R800 for three years, not bad by comparing to other products for SA."

I personally don't think it's reasonable for the voice guided navigation as most contracts are around 2 year periods, the voice guided navigation R800 over a 3 year period is non transferable, so you can't use it phone to phone.

 

[Nokoff]

So the navigation that you activate, actually activates something in the software on the phone (smart2go), would I be right in assuming that? Also, I read reports about the software not working with the N95 that's why I'd like to hear from someone with the N95. I'm specifically interested in finding out if it works with the integrated intenna, without having to use the GPRS connection.

 

[Piesang]

I use my N95's GPS to get from point A to point B without using a Data connection.

It works perfectly.

 

[JK8]

So the navigation that you activate, actually activates something in the software on the phone (smart2go), would I be right in assuming that? Also, I read reports about the software not working with the N95 that's why I'd like to hear from someone with the N95. I'm specifically interested in finding out if it works with the integrated intenna, without having to use the GPRS connection.

The maps are built in. No data conection needed.

 

[Piesang]

The maps are built in. No data conection needed.

JK8 is correct. The only time you will need the DATA connection is if you want to update your maps.

 

[Nokoff]

This map software on your N95s, it came with the phone? Do you think I'll get the necessary stuff with mine if I'm importing? Can I get it if it doesn't?

 

[rsachoc]

smart2go is currently available in its beta form and can be downloaded free from www.smart2go.com

i have used it successfully to navigate on multiple mobile devices, both symbian and windows mobile 5 platforms. some software issues have cropped up here and there but nothing serious. final product developments are currently taking place and an official release is set for next month

the final product will, as planned, operate on any windows mobile 5 or symbian 60 series 2nd and 3rd edition platform meaning that all those pdas and mobile phones that have been on the market at sky high retail prices can successfully be turned into GPS Navigation devices with very little effort and very little expense!!!!!! so when you are asked if you would like to pay extra money for GPS Navigation on your mobile device when you're getting your next upgrade... think twice and consider that you can in fact access smart2go free of charge and order yourself a cheap bluetooth antenna on the internet

for complete voice and navigation guidance the mobile device will need to be paired with a bluetooth gps antenna or use its own internal gps antenna.

some insider information says that Road Angel is launching a new product in June using smart2go ... look our for it next month on www.roadangel.co.za

Q and A: http://www.smart2go.com/en/help/faq

On that note, which is the best and most cost effective bluetooth device to buy and where can I buy one from?

 

[Johnit]

Best bluetooth GPSes I can find are on bidorbuy.co.za; I have the Holux GPSlim 236 and am perfectly happy with it. It should cost around R800. In my experience it works better than the garmin M10; the Holux uses a newer chipset. But since it isn't Garmin, you cannot use it for Tracks4Africa maps which rely on Garmin software.

Other Holux advantages: 10 hour battery life; standard Nokia battery (easy to get a spare), charges from USB and USB car lighter socket, has external antenna socket, can interface to PC via optional USB cable. The supplied USB cable is for charging only; the optional USB cable has a USB to serial converter built-in. I made my own using a Nokia DKU5 cable clone - less than R100.

Just a note: the smart2go maps for South Africa are 22MB. They require a memory card and will not load in the phone memory.

 

[rsachoc]

Thanks, saw some reviews look good. Just a quick question (which I couldn't quite figure out from he reviews). does the Holux GPSlim 236 have bluetooth? So my N70 is able to connect to it via Bluetooth?

 

[Digilus]

This thread has been idle for a while, but I thought it the best place to post this question:

Reading the gsmarena.com review (http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_n95-review-141p9.php) - they claim that 3rd party apps can't access the built in N95 GPS device ?

Any N95 owners out there willing to confirm/deny this? (I'm still on a few waiting lists to become a N95 owner) This has the potential to really suck if one wants to load other software that might offer voice navigation, only to find it wont work on the device.

Thanks

 

[odin]

This thread has been idle for a while, but I thought it the best place to post this question:

Reading the gsmarena.com review (http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_n95-review-141p9.php) - they claim that 3rd party apps can't access the built in N95 GPS device ?

Any N95 owners out there willing to confirm/deny this? (I'm still on a few waiting lists to become a N95 owner) This has the potential to really suck if one wants to load other software that might offer voice navigation, only to find it wont work on the device.

Thanks

Hi, i really doubt this is true.
TomTom is apparently working on a version for the N95 that uses the internal GPS and i've downloaded the GPS API's from nokia's own site with the white papers to develope applications for the GPS

 

[The Guy]

Thanks, saw some reviews look good. Just a quick question (which I couldn't quite figure out from he reviews). does the Holux GPSlim 236 have bluetooth? So my N70 is able to connect to it via Bluetooth?

Yes it does ... these unit are quite cool cos you could use a data cable and the bluetooth at the same time

 

[Digilus]

Thanks odin,

I figured it was probably just a software issue and not a purposeful attempt by Nokia to keep their gps stuff proprietary.

*twiddling.thumbs.until.phone.arrives*

 

[spacebar]

1) Is there anyone who has successfully gotten their N95 GPS maps to work with navigation?

I decided over the weekend to activate the navigation (add-on voice guidance & navigation option under plan route) are the only components.

I did this from within the Nokia Maps application, using my credit card. The money (R770) was taken promptly and very efficiently from my account, but....

The screen was worded in such a manner that it seemed unnecessary to write down the serial code / activation code, so I did not (Was watching my kid at his karate class, so did not have pen and paper at hand)

It then stated that if I want to have an invoice emailed to me, I should provide my name and email address. I entered my name, but accidently pressed the wrong button 'tabbing' down to the email address. The app did not confirm anything and just exited/(completed?) the registration process.

The navigation component was NOT activated, as each time I try to select it, the Nokia Maps app wants me to accept the terms & conditions, and then states that a new sim card has been detected in the phone (It has only ever seen one sim card), and asks whether I want to transfer my licence.

I then choose to do so, but then it just takes me back to the purchasing option (another $106 for 3 years, which I obviously do not want to pay)

So, my problem is that I do not have my activation code, and also did not receive what I ordered and paid for (navigation and voice guidance)


Easy you'd say, just phone Nokia on 086-11-NOKIA !!!!

Well, those guys operating that call centre are easily the worst, rudest, stupidest call centre operators I've ever dealt with (worse than Telkom, Vodacom, MTN, Various Banks - eg Standard, FNB, ABSA)

Twice they hung up on me, third time I just could not take it anymore, so I hung up.

The fourth time after persisting that I am dealing with Nokia, and not my cell service provider (they keep op trying to tell me that the financial transaction was between me and MTNSP, even though I initiated it from their application, and paid in dollars, translated in Rands !!!)

They eventually, after 50 odd minutes provided me with a call reference number 2-1661*257* (stars to mask)

I do not know what to do anymore, as the call centre is obviouslt clueless on this somewhat more 'advance' request, LOL maybe most of the questions they get are something like how to insert the sim battery maybe?

So if anyone here knows how to retrieve the serial number from the app itself, or has a contact(with brain intact) at Nokia please let me know?


Regards
spacebar
(lost somewhere in corporate call centre hell)

 

[adamr]

i think it be better if you contact smart2go, the guys that made the "maps" application for the phone ... give them your details and im sure they will be able to see your phones imei number on their database and provide you with the license code ...

 

[Piesang]

I decided over the weekend to activate the navigation (add-on voice guidance & navigation option under plan route) are the only components.

I did this from within the Nokia Maps application, using my credit card. The money (R770) was taken promptly and very efficiently from my account, but....

The screen was worded in such a manner that it seemed unnecessary to write down the serial code / activation code, so I did not (Was watching my kid at his karate class, so did not have pen and paper at hand)

It then stated that if I want to have an invoice emailed to me, I should provide my name and email address. I entered my name, but accidently pressed the wrong button 'tabbing' down to the email address. The app did not confirm anything and just exited/(completed?) the registration process.

The navigation component was NOT activated, as each time I try to select it, the Nokia Maps app wants me to accept the terms & conditions, and then states that a new sim card has been detected in the phone (It has only ever seen one sim card), and asks whether I want to transfer my licence.

I then choose to do so, but then it just takes me back to the purchasing option (another $106 for 3 years, which I obviously do not want to pay)

So, my problem is that I do not have my activation code, and also did not receive what I ordered and paid for (navigation and voice guidance)


Easy you'd say, just phone Nokia on 086-11-NOKIA !!!!

Well, those guys operating that call centre are easily the worst, rudest, stupidest call centre operators I've ever dealt with (worse than Telkom, Vodacom, MTN, Various Banks - eg Standard, FNB, ABSA)

Twice they hung up on me, third time I just could not take it anymore, so I hung up.

The fourth time after persisting that I am dealing with Nokia, and not my cell service provider (they keep op trying to tell me that the financial transaction was between me and MTNSP, even though I initiated it from their application, and paid in dollars, translated in Rands !!!)

They eventually, after 50 odd minutes provided me with a call reference number 2-1661*257* (stars to mask)

I do not know what to do anymore, as the call centre is obviouslt clueless on this somewhat more 'advance' request, LOL maybe most of the questions they get are something like how to insert the sim battery maybe?

So if anyone here knows how to retrieve the serial number from the app itself, or has a contact(with brain intact) at Nokia please let me know?


Regards
spacebar
(lost somewhere in corporate call centre hell)

Maybe someone here will be able to help you.

http://www.n95users.com/forum/index.php

 

[RVQ]

Is the R800 worth it for the voice guidance?

 

[JK8]

Is the R800 worth it for the voice guidance?

I say its once off payment and if you really going to use the GPS its kinda worth it. Personally Id go for a real GPS if I needed it that bad and not really on the N95. A friend of mine just got a GPS with a full house of features!!
MP3
DivX
Synching of contacts
BTooth
SD card slot
USB
FM radio


ANd it finds you in less than a minute, even under 3 floors of concrete, has a cool little car showing you where to go, and if you drib=ving fast the car turns into a Ferrari lookalike!!
Etc etc all for a grand total of R5500!!