If you use your smartphone for GPS navigation, or pretty much any other GPS receiver released in the past decade you can probably ignore the rest of this article. But if you have an older GPS receiver, it may malfunction on or around April 6, 2019. That’s because the GPS system works to identify location […]
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Android 9 gesture navigation is optional now, will be mandatory on the Pixel 3
One of the most notable changes in Google Android 9 is the new gesture-based navigation system. You can swipe up from the home button to bring up a new overview screen showing recent apps or to bring up the app drawer and Google search bar from any screen. There’s no more dedicated recents app. And […]
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Android Auto now works with any phone (running Android 5.0 or later)
More than two years after launching a custom version of Android designed for in-vehicle systems, Google is making Android Auto available to just about anyone with a relatively recent Android phone. You no longer have to buy a car or car stereo head unit with Android Auto baked in. Just fire up the Android Auto […]
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Google Maps: use “OK Google” voice commands just when you’re driving
The Google app for Android lets you use your voice to search the web, set reminders, open apps, and do a lot of other things. You can use it by tapping the microphone icon on your phone, but if you enable “OK Google” hotword detection, you can also interact with your phone without ever touching […]
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Google Maps gets easier to use with spotty internet connections
Google is rolling out a few new features for Google Maps that makes it easier to use your phone to get from place to place, even if you have spotty (or non-existent) internet access. There’s a new WiFi-only mode for Android that lets you navigate when your phone is offline. There’s now support for storing […]
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Google Maps navigation now works without an internet connection
Remember when you used to have to pay for a GPS navigation device if you wanted turn-by-turn directions when you drive? Most smartphones now come with maps software and navigation features that work for free… assuming you’ve got an internet connection. But what happens when you drive into a cellular dead zone? Now there’s a […]
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Garmin Viago brings navigation to iPhone, Android for $1(ish)
Garmin is one of the biggest names in GPS navigation… but now that many smartphones include free navigation from Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Nokia HERE, it’s hard to justify paying for a dedicated GPS device. So Garmin also offers mobile apps for smartphone users… but some of those apps can be rather expensive. Now Garmin […]