Stand alone Gps?

According to the MotoDev page for the Xoom, it states that the Xoom uses simultaneous GPS, which I believe should mean it has stand-alone GPS. Simultaneous GPS means that it can use GPS and receive voice data at the same time. I'm no expert, mind you, but I believe the ability to do both would require two separate radios, one being stand-alone GPS.

MOTODEV > Products > MOTOROLA XOOM

 

google maps requires internet connection. I'm confused

 

GPS is not a radio, but a receiver. Nothing to do with cell use (though google maps does need internet at some point).

Simultaneous GPS probably means it has a GPS receiver and assisted GPS (uses cell tower/network locations).

 

If 3G is lost, then Google Maps is not an option. There are other Navigation apps though that you can use which store maps locally on the phone (tablet here), and therefore do not need a data connection. Those would work just fine with no 3G most likely. Some are paid, some not.

A few I saw doing a quick search in the new online market are:

Aura GPS Navigation

NDrive

Good luck !

 

I would like to throw in my 2 cents. Verizon has been known to disable the use of the standalone GPS on their devices, so it would require you to only use the GPS with their network.

 

True. However, that was in the past and most definitely is not the case here on the XOOM ...

 

I could swear that I was reading somewhere that if you setup directions while you are on a WiFi connection that you can then keep the navigation going with GPS once out of WiFi range. I have not tried this however. Would be nice to know.

 

This device probably has an A-GPS.

It uses (A-GPS) Cell tower to do quick triangulation and then lock into real orbital satellite GPS.Without cellular service, it reverts to normal triangulation which takes longer to lock-down.

If you use an app like Co-Pilot or Navigon, you won't need internet connection. I prefer standalone apps like Navigon for these reasons.


However, without cellular connection, the GPS acquistion or lock-time will be longer. 1-3 minutes vs 15 second (with cellular A-GPS).

The iPad works like this. I get 5-second lock w/ 3G. Without 3G, it takes about a minute. I know this for a fact because I took my iPad abroad without cellular signal and GPS works.

The "A" in "A-GPS" means "assisted" people have this misconception it only uses cellular radio. That is not true if it is a true A-GPS system.

 

I don't have Verizon service and GPS locks on in under 15 seconds to within 4 meters using wifi only. Just because your ipad takes forever to lock on doesn't mean all devices do.

 

It probably still uses A-GPS cellular tower.
Try getting a lock outside the US in a country like Equador. See if it still gets 15 second lock and I will be surprise that it locks faster than a SIRF III gps chipset.

The iPad gets 10-15 seconds lock in the US. I don't have any data plan on the Ipad and it does the same 10-15 second lock.

 

I believe that the bottom line question is; Is there a tablet GPS similar to my Tom-Tom, only with better map resolution (like a handheld Garmin or Magellan device) that uses satellite input (not Wi-Fi or cell tower service.)? OK so I live in a dream world.

 

You can set up the directions when in WiFi and then when out of range you can keep them, just don't hit back while Google Maps is open.

 

I live in Tijuana. My father sent me a Droid X from Motorola (from Verizon, deactivated). So he sent me a cell phone without a plan/carrier. The WiFi worked, so I am still able to use it for many things. Here is what I can do that is relevant to this Forum thread: I can be out in about in the city without WiFi, open Google Maps, with street names and everything showing, and have my location pin-pointed. I do require WiFi to get DIRECTIONS but directions are needed when you know where you are and you know where on the map you are going. If I get the directions while in WiFi, I can keep the directions too, I just can't hit back while the app is open (I can hit home and then return to the app and the directions will be there).

There is my experience. My question: What allows me to use the GPS and Google Maps outside of WiFi? Is it stand alone GPS?