Boffill's WebCrib: GPS

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No more update for Garmin Mobile XT

Posted by Boffill Tuesday, January 15, 2013

A few days back, I sent an email to Garmin's customer service and asked if there's an upcoming update for the Garmin Mobile XT. I was told by the agent that the Garmin Mobile XT support has been stopped. It has been removed from their main line of products.

I have been an avid fan of the software since I discovered it way back 2008. Everytime I buy a new phone, the first application I install is Garmin Mobile XT. I always make sure that it works fine in my phone. Too bad now that I'm not gonna get any update from the software anymore. Garmin has been my number 1 choice when it comes to navigation software. It didn't failed me even for once. The reason why I don't like android mobile phones is because I can't install Garmin on it. Yes there are navigational applications available for android mobile phones like the Navdroyd but when I tried it on an android phone, it didn't gave me the user experience I had with Garmin. Even Nokia Maps is way too far from Garmin. I think the reason why they have remove Garmin from the list is because the Symbian platform is dying. Too bad that I can't get any update from them anymore. Well, on the other hand, the map for Garmin is still being updated regularly by some helpful people. I think a separate file for the map would be fine as long as it is being updated regularly.

How to Save Battery of Mobile Phone

Posted by Boffill Thursday, January 3, 2013

Battery life has been the most common issues when it comes to Smartphones whether it runs with Android, iOS, Symbian or Windows. You know it’s irritating when our battery runs out after 5 hours of use and worse is you are away from home to charge your phone. When I was still using my old Nokia N82, I always bring with me an extra battery anywhere I go. Chargers are not too handy to carry so I prefer an extra battery on my pocket. I’ll be giving you guys some tips on how to save the battery of your favorite gadget so you can make use the best out of it.

Turn off GPS, Bluetooth, WIFI – These three features of our Smartphone are the monster of them all. It drains our battery too fast so it’d be better for you to turn them off when not in use.

Use 2G instead of 3G network – If you’re not using mobile internet or video call, better use 2G network instead of 3G. 3G has high consumption than 2G.

Adjust screen brightness – If you’re eyes are bright enough to read your text messages, adjust the screen brightness of your gadget to lower level

Turn off widgets – I know most of us like widgets but there are some nuisance widgets that are installed in our Smartphone that we sometimes ignore. Widgets runs in the background even if you’re phone are in lock mode and sometimes use an Internet connection which will surely drain your battery faster.

Other options that you have to turn off to save battery are vibration, notification tone and key tone

I hope these simple tips can help you optimize your battery consumption. If you have suggestions, please post a comment below so I could include it in my post.

Latest Garmin Mobile XT Map 2012

Posted by Boffill Saturday, August 11, 2012

Last year, I have posted a copy of Garmin Mobile XT map in this blog. Just a week ago, I have been informed that there’s a new available map for the Garmin Mobile XT. I downloaded it and installed it in my phone and noticed a very big difference than the previous map. This is the 2012 version of the Philippine Map for your Garmin Mobile XT and a lot more improvement has been added. Try it now and install it in your phone! If you don't have a Garmin Mobile XT on your mobile phone, click here for the installation process. The tutorial is available only for Nokia Symbian Phones!

Download Here! (47.53MB)

Once downloaded, transfer the IMG file on your Garmin folder.

New Garmin Mobile XT Map as of November 28, 2011

Posted by Boffill Friday, December 2, 2011

Sorry, I used an old screenshot because my Screencap is not working well.

Truly there are a lot of people using GPS now on their Smartphone. A few weeks ago, I have talked about using Smartphone's GPS and now, I have got a message from a co-forumer at Symbianize that a new detailed Philippine map for Garmin Mobile XT has just arrived. I can't create screenshots because the Screencap software installed in my Nokia N8 is not properly working even after how many reboot. But I guarantee you guys, this is the latest map for your Garmin Mobile XT. I personally tried and tested it and checked some details and yes, there are a lot of improvements compared to the one I downloaded a couple of months ago. So do what you gotta do, downloading is just a click away. Enjoy this new map for your Garmin Mobile XT and don't ever get lost in the middle of nowhere again!

Download Here!!!

Password: Boffill

Smartphone's GPS, To Use or Not To Use?

Posted by Boffill Sunday, September 18, 2011

Most Smartphones coming out of the market right now comes with a built-in GPS or the Assisted GPS (A-GPS). But only a few are using their GPS enabled phone for directions and recommendations. That's my personal observation on people I know who has a GPS enabled phone. They don't even know what GPS is or doesn't have any idea how to use it. My first device that has a built-in GPS is my Nokia N82. My purpose of buying the N82 back in 2008 was because of its high-end camera during those days and of course, the GPS.

In America, only 55% of Smartphone owners use their GPS to get directions and recommendations. Probably here in the Philippines, lower than 55% are using their Smartphone for GPS purposes. With me, I always travel and I use GPS when I'm not familiar to a certain place. Its very helpful when you have a handy GPS device on your pocket. In just a click of a button, you're good to go and you won't get lost in a middle of nowhere!

Here's a tip to those who want to take advantage of their GPS enabled phone, you install applications that doesn't connect to the Internet to download a map. Instead, download a map on your computer and transfer it to your mobile phone. That's what I did when I installed Garmin Mobile XT on my N82 and my Samsung B7300 Omnialite. I used Navphone before for my Nokia N82 but the problem is you only have limits to Manila, Cebu and Davao maps. The only disadvantage that I experienced when using the built-in GPS of my mobile phone is it consumes a lot of battery energy. So you better bring with you a charger or a back-up battery when travelling.