This is a MUST-HAVE on every BJ2... I wrote this into the 'general apps' forum though it could qualify as a general app, internet app *and* GPS app.
But wow, what's to say? The power of Google Maps, including traffic, satellite view, now with the power of GPS.
My favorite feature is activating the GPS, and having the ability to look up directions where my starting location is "my current GPS location" and getting live directions drawn on the map for me which I can pan around and zoom (use volume buttons on the top left edge of the phone to zoom), etc. WAY COOL!!
The program detected and used the BJ2's built-in GPS unit without needing the MoDaCo hack. My only beef is that the maps application will keep your LCD screen on full-time until you close or change to a different app. This will obviously drain your battery pretty quick (especially if you use the GPS mode), so I recommend getting the car charger and plugging it into a power source if you're going to use this in your vehicle.
Just BE CAREFUL using this app while driving -- don't be stupid about squinting at a little screen while you're the one driving.
I recently was using Google maps, and before I had any locks on satelites, Google had
found my general local, within 1800 meters. I assume it did this using cell tower triangulation. I was under the impression that the BJ2 was incapable of AGPS. Isnt that what it did using Google? Anyone, just to clear this up.
Thanks
Even with the GPS unit off, you can dial '0' when running Google Maps and it'll recalculate your position triangulated from cell phone towers. It just helps to narrow down your approximate location while the BJ2 *does* sync with actual satellites to lock in your position.
So is it possible to use internet browsing and google maps without a data plan? I know you can use the GPS for free as long as you have an app. such as Garmin Mobile XT, but i dont know much about internet on phones, and what i would like to know is, will google maps work for free on my BJ II even though i dont have a data plan?
The Google Maps app downloads the maps on the fly based on your pan/zoom and/or gps locations, looking up directions, etc.
If you use something like Garmin Mobile XT which has all of the maps in memory already, then no data plan is needed.
Frankly, I don't see the point of buying a mobile device *without* a data plan any longer, as having a mobile browser in my device keeps me connected whenever/however I need. I'd go nuts without ping.fm to update all of my social networking sites. But, I digress.
If you attempt to use Google Maps, you will start incurring very heavy data usage fees since it's not already part of your plan. In a perfect world, AT&T would simply charge you as you used it but cap it at the $30/month amount that they charge subscribers, but they're not likely to do that. Best to get yourself on a data plan before something horrible happens.