Global Positioning System (GPS) is taking by storm into virtually all new mobile phones. New users may fully pay for their phone but unaware that their new mobile phone has a-GPS or GPS support. Simply, it is a case of ignorance or the constant fear of being charged extra for data traffic. I summarize the differences between GPS and a-GPS in below table.
GPS | A-GPS | Comments | Sample Phone | |
YES | YES | a-GPS can speed up and lock the location faster (Eg. 5 sec). If a-GPS is disabled, locking the position may take up to 5 mins. | Nokia N97 | |
YES | NO | Older model like N95 need firmware upgrade to include the software a-GPS. | Older Nokia N95 | |
NO | YES | a-GPS requires GPRS traffic and maybe costly | Nokia N81 | |
NO | NO | GPS software is needed | Your old Nokia phone | |
When they realized that GPS is actually FREE OF CHARGE (FOC) and bear no data traffic, they will start hunting for GPS application suitable for their phone. The common GPS applications are listed below in alphabetical order.
Vendor | Program | Navigation | Data Traffic | Maps | POIs | Guide |
Agis NAVFone | $ | Free | Optional | $ | Yes | Yes |
AmAzeGPS | Free | Free | Yes | Free* | No | NA |
Garmin Mobile XT | $ | Free | Optional | Free | Yes | NA |
Google Maps | Free | NA | Yes | Free* | No | NA |
Mapking | $ | Free | Optional | Free# | Yes | Yes |
Nokia Maps | Free | $ | Optional | Free | NA | $ |
Route66 | $ | Free | Optional | $ | No | NA |
TomTom NAVIGATOR | $ | Free | Optional | $ | NA | NA |
* - Free maps with BBOM
# - Free maps with S'pore Land Authority
- Agis NAVFone
This is a local company which can provide unique yellow pages search and public transport route planner. Both program and maps are chargeable but local support is present. It is also the first company to launch postal code search.
- AmAzeGPS
The installation is swift. However, data traffic charges for map download maybe costly because it constantly download the map as you move. You can use tulip navigation to reduce the data charges and generally costs S$0.20 for a city navigation.
- Garmin Mobile XT
The selling point for this program is map can be downloaded from a 3rd party (malfreemaps.com) where the map for Singapore and Malaysia is updated nearly every week. However, it beeps to warn but regretfully, cannot verbally tell you that there is a speed camera ahead!
- Google Maps
Everything is essentially free if you have broadband on mobile (bbom). It has 2 shortcomings. The first being no POIs customized for Singapore and the second being no real-time navigation.
- MapKing
Mapking claimed to be the number 1 seller in Singapore for GPS products with free download of map from malsingmaps.com (free version updated every quarter). The best selling point is the virtual reality look of the map that make the interface realistic.
- Nokia Maps
Both real-time navigation and guides are chargeable. It is ideal for casual users like tourists. Download of worldwide maps is available which is helpful if you are visiting other countries.
- Route66
Both program and maps are chargeable making it less popular in Singapore. Its market segment is mainly in mainland China and USA.
- TomTom Navigator
Tomtom is strong in Europe and USA but less popular in Asia.
So which GPS application should I choose?
- FOR FREQUENT USERS IN SINGAPORE
Being a frequent user, it is wise to invest in a good software for navigation purposes. My clear choice is Garmin Mobile XT with frequent updated map and Point-of-Interests (POIs). For those with bbom but unwilling to buy the program, you can settle for AmAzeGPS for direction navigation. Else, Google map or Nokia map are good enough for simple location tracking.
- FOR FREQUENT USERS IN MALAYSIA
For those who often drive into Malaysia for good food and cheap petrol, it is wise to equip with professional GPS device for driving navigation instead of depending on your small screen mobile device. You can explore more areas with ease and discover and share more good food locations via forum discussions. You enjoy faster speed in navigation, clearer graphic for viewing and better voice and power integration with your car. Some popular brands are Holux, TiBO and Garmin.
- FOR CASUAL USERS
If you are planning a trip to overseas, it is good to bring along your mobile with GPS and download the latest Nokia map. With the battery fully charged, you can be assured that you will not be lost in the Wonderland.
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