Digital Magnetometer (Compass) on Moto Droid?

vinson · Oct 25, 2009

BGR's Droid preview says there's a digital compass/magnetometer, but I don't see it listed in the leaked specs from Motorola's website.

So does it have it or not?

Jacqueline · Oct 25, 2009

DonnyIrish · Oct 25, 2009

It does.

Couldn't help myself.

vinson · Oct 25, 2009

Is BGR your only source? If not, where else?

DonnyIrish · Oct 25, 2009

Check out Androidandme @ Motorola publishes Droid specs and release date

Jacqueline · Oct 25, 2009

You mean aside from common sense saying that the flagship android phone for Verizon won't be missing something that important? Then look for info from wnrussell who had the phone in hand and was allowed to release some early pics, although I'm not sure why you'd believe him if you don't believe BGR, me, and DonnyIrish.

Edit to add...
I see Donny beat me to it. Anyway, the answer is yes, the phone has it.

shark1987 · Oct 25, 2009

DonnyIrish said:
Check out Androidandme @ Motorola publishes Droid specs and release date

DonnyIrish · Oct 25, 2009

You're absolutely right Shark, that's what I get for posting in a hurry from work :/

But there are several posts/pics, as Jaqs has mentioned.

johninbigd · Oct 26, 2009

So, does it have a compass/magnetometer or just an accelerometer? I didn't see compass on the feature list.

Jacqueline · Oct 26, 2009

I understand the questions and expecting there to be a surprise. We have seen in early information releases that augmented reality apps work. That means there is a compass/magnetometer or else it wouldn't know which way is north and which way is up.

So, Yes.

Fitech · Nov 7, 2009

My Moto Droid does not seem to have a functioning magnetometer. Neither the compass app or a Geocaching app are able to find North. I will talk to Verizon support.

Otherwise, cool phone.

Update: My compass works after a hard reset. Just pull the battery out and put it back in!

eL777 · Nov 7, 2009

I downloaded the compass app and my droid can find north and as I turn, the compass turns with me. So I can confirm that it does have a compass. It also works in street view after you "enable compass" under options while in street view.

Telexen · Nov 7, 2009

I downloaded the Compass app on mine and while it would turn with me somewhat...it was never at any point even close to correct.

Turning it 90 degress UP (as in towards the sky) had more of an effect on it than turning 360 degrees in a circle.

Encryptshun · Dec 8, 2009

Fitech said:
My Moto Droid does not seem to have a functioning magnetometer. Neither the compass app or a Geocaching app are able to find North. I will talk to Verizon support.

Otherwise, cool phone.

Update: My compass works after a hard reset. Just pull the battery out and put it back in!

So was that your first troubleshoot step? My compass app doesn't find north, even after the "move your device in a figure 8" calibration step. Is there any harm in performing the battery removal before trying other things?

Fitech · Dec 8, 2009

That is actually what the Verizon Support Representative recommended. I was also nervous about it, but it is occasionally necessary when the Droid locks up as well. I *think* it is safe.

Encryptshun · Dec 8, 2009

Well, I did a hard re-boot by pulling the battery. I then downloaded the compass app and installed again. I followed the calibration steps.

The compass arrow still does not point North -- instead, it points about ten degrees to the right of whereever the top of the phone is pointing, no matter which way I rotate the phone. It does move -- it will sway and then return to rest at the same relational position.

Weird. Any other ideas? I'm trying to avoid calling the support line because I'm at work and having to be all stealthy...

Digital Magnetometer (Compass) on Moto Droid?

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