Naviguating using GPS *and* voice through Google Maps

[merciadriluca]

Hi,

Google Maps looks like a good alternative to naviguate using my HTC Desire's GPS. The fact is that I would like my route to be explained in some vocal way (better for driving, isn't it?).

I already have Speaking Pad from `IDEAL Group, Inc.' installed. This application lets me type some text and let the HTC Desire litteraly `say' (pronounce) it. Thus, I already have the good vocal libraries, and I do not understand why I do not have the speaking ability in my Google Maps. Thanks.

 

[takeshi]

From:
Google Maps Navigation for mobile

Note: Google Maps Navigation is currently only available in the United States on phones that run Android 1.6 and higher, including the Nexus One

Google Maps Navigation is really what you need to use it as a GPS nav app.

 

[merciadriluca]

From:
Google Maps Navigation for mobile



Google Maps Navigation is really what you need to use it as a GPS nav app.

Well, at Google Maps Navigation for mobile it is said that, to download it, I can go to Android's market and type `Google Maps.' When I do it, all the Google Maps that are displayed are already marked as installed on my HTC.

 

[anthgav]

when you say it doesnt have the speaking ability do you mean the navigation does not give you voice guidance or do you mean search your destination by talking into the phone?

 

[xmastree]

Well it works for me. I just installed the latest google maps (4.2.0) and there was also an icon for Navigation.
When I opened it I was asked if I want to download the speech synthesis app for voice guidance. I did, and it works.

Some of the pronunciations are a little off, but mostly it's fine.

 

[merciadriluca]

when you say it doesnt have the speaking ability do you mean the navigation does not give you voice guidance or do you mean search your destination by talking into the phone?

Sorry, I should have specified it. It does not give me voice guidance (which is normally easier to implement than talking into the phone!). Note that I'm not in the U.S.A.

 

[merciadriluca]

Well it works for me. I just installed the latest google maps (4.2.0) and there was also an icon for Navigation.
When I opened it I was asked if I want to download the speech synthesis app for voice guidance. I did, and it works.

Some of the pronunciations are a little off, but mostly it's fine.

Well, I found a `Navigation' application in my HTC Desire. It looks like it's the vocal front-end of Google maps. Nice, but it told me that voice guidance is not yet available in my location. Huh?

 

[xmastree]

Nice, but it told me that voice guidance is not yet available in my location. Huh?

It might be a language thing. The voice commands say things like:

"Turn right into church street"

which is easier (for an English speaking voice synthesizer) to say than:

"Turn right into Rue Straihe" or "Turn left onto Quai de l'Ourthe"

Does your Speaking Pad thing speak French? (apologies if this isn't your language)

 

[merciadriluca]

It might be a language thing. The voice commands say things like:

"Turn right into church street"

which is easier (for an English speaking voice synthesizer) to say than:

"Turn right into Rue Straihe" or "Turn left onto Quai de l'Ourthe"

Okay.

Does your Speaking Pad thing speak French? (apologies if this isn't your language)

It can speak English too. I also tried modifying my language to English, but the reaction from the navigation app is still the same.

Yes, French is my language.

 

[xmastree]

It can speak English too. I also tried modifying my language to English, but the reaction from the navigation app is still the same.

Come over here and try it.

 

[Prime]

um isn't google maps the gps nav for all android phones

 

[Tre Lawrence]

Yes, Navigator is part of Maps.

 

[merciadriluca]

Yes, Navigator is part of Maps.

And thus, what's my problem, actually? That I'm not in a vocally-gps-ed region?

 

[anthgav]

Hey I stumbled across this article check it out. It's about its release in extra countries with new language packs.



Google Maps Navigation now available in 11 new countries - AfterDawn

 

[merciadriluca]

Hey I stumbled across this article check it out. It's about its release in extra countries with new language packs.



Google Maps Navigation now available in 11 new countries - AfterDawn

Thanks. Your first `thanks'

Note that I tried to update, but I found no update. Why?

 

[anthgav]

Can you tell me what version of maps is installed on your phone?
If you open maps, press the "Menu button" , click "More" and then click "About" it will tell you there.

Did maps ask you to install the speech synthesis when you installed it?

 

[anthgav]

Can you tell me what version of maps is installed on your phone?
If you open maps, press the "Menu button" , click "More" and then click "About" it will tell you there.

Did maps ask you to install the speech synthesis when you installed it?

 

[merciadriluca]

Can you tell me what version of maps is installed on your phone?
If you open maps, press the "Menu button" , click "More" and then click "About" it will tell you there.

`Version 4.2.0 build 4210 gmm-android-htc.'

Did maps ask you to install the speech synthesis when you installed it?

AFAICR, no.

 

[nomarsgirl]

I was in Canada last week. Guess they rolled this out just after I came home. Could have used it in Toronto to find my hotel.

 

[anthgav]

Try to uninstall the maps update in "settings" "applications" and then reinstall it and go to navigation and see if it asks to install the speech sythesis app!

 

[merciadriluca]

Try to uninstall the maps update in "settings" "applications" and then reinstall it and go to navigation and see if it asks to install the speech sythesis app!

I just tried, but nothing changed.

 

[anthgav]

Google maps 4.3 has just been released on android market. Why don't you try that update and see if that works.

 

[merciadriluca]

I'm not asked to upgrade by the system.