[NetfreakBombay]

MMI salesperson is was off the mark. 3D maps and everything else works just fine on other Android tablets / phones.

Here is a video demo of the same:

Sygic Aura 3D on HTC Desire HD - YouTube

I have been using it for couple of months on my Tablet.

Originally Posted by darthvader

What if one were to buy Sygic Aura for Android directly, bypassing MMI, from Sygic | Sygic GPS Navigation for Android (it costs about 40 Euros, which is roughly Rs. 2600/-). There is an India version. Does it come with maps, or is it just the interface that I'm paying for?

Better to buy it from MMI since you can get it from 2k.

[darthvader]

Originally Posted by NetfreakBombay

MMI salesperson is was off the mark. 3D maps and everything else works just fine on other Android tablets / phones.
Better to buy it from MMI since you can get it from 2k.

A few questions:

1. Did you get Sygic Aura 3D (as shown in the video) from MapmyIndia or from Sygic directly? If I buy from Sygic directly, do I get maps from Sygic for India, or do I have to go to MMI and get maps?

2. Does Sygic Aura work on Android 2.3 or higher? What about MMI?

3. Does it make more sense to buy an Android tablet (say a Motorola Xoom or a Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1) which I can use for other purposes too, and just get the software from Sygic/MMI? (PS -- I know that buying a tablet is more expensive, but I have other potential uses for a tablet as I can also work on Android and other things.)

4. How do I find out whether the maps are detailed enough on both Sygic Aura as well as MMI, for places like Kanpur, Lucknow, Allahabad?

[amk_2009]

Originally Posted by darthvader

This is what I thought too. But the MMI person told me over the phone that the phone application doesn't have as many maps, and further, as an upgrade one has to buy the new version of software (worth 2k) all over again. Also, features like voice assistance are perhaps absent?

Do you have some experience with the MMI software?

Secondly, I saw on NDTV GadgetGuru that MMI is using Sygic's Aura software for the 3D maps (this is installed on the Carpad). Does this come with MMI's phone software?

What if one were to buy Sygic Aura for Android directly, bypassing MMI, from Sygic | Sygic GPS Navigation for Android (it costs about 40 Euros, which is roughly Rs. 2600/-). There is an India version. Does it come with maps, or is it just the interface that I'm paying for?

I used Mobile Maps (MMI iOS) software on iPhone for couple of years. All these years they provided FREE upgrades as with any other software usually. Then they released an upgrade with Sygic brand and after upgrade, it stopped working on my iPhone. Later I did some research and found that this is a known issue and Sygic is providing free of cost installation licences for people with upgrade errors.

I was 'MMI'less for couple of months until I moved to Android (Galaxy S2). Sygic was one of the softwares I installed in the first hour after getting my hands on SGS2. It works very much fine, 3D view is good. Somehow I find old 2D view easier to read and understand - may be I am yet to get used to 3D thing. I believe, all future upgrades will be free of cost for Sygic version.

AFAIK, Sygic maps are basically MMI maps only. Sygic is providing Navigator interface while MMI is powering it with India maps.

Also, not sure though, I feel MMI tablet is nothing but a chinese one or more closer Olive pad version with MMI clothes. With Android non-upgradable limitation, I think it is killing the purpose of being used as a tablet as user will not be benefited with latest Android code.

With 20+ K amount involved, I will anyday prefer to buy it from establised brand rather than MMI. After all they are MAP specialist, not hardware or OS or anything else related.

[darthvader]

Originally Posted by amk_2009

AFAIK, Sygic maps are basically MMI maps only. Sygic is providing Navigator interface while MMI is powering it with India maps.

So when you downloaded and installed Sygic, did you get MMI maps with it by default? Were future upgrades handled directly by Sygic or was MMI involved somehow?

Suppose I go ahead and buy Sygic for my phone/tablet. Do I have to interact with MMI at all?

[darthvader]

I received an email from MMI in response to my query. The relevant part is quoted below, as it may help others who are interested and are currently researching.

Originally Posted by MapmyIndia Nerve Centre Team

This is with reference to your enclosed mail below. Carpad is the best product, device comes with 1 year warranty. As of now, we do not have plans for Android 2.3/3.0. The navigation and all application on the device have been optimised for best user experience on android 2.2. In case of any issue, the software can be reloaded/flashed by MapmyIndia. You can always update your device. Single update will cost you Rs 990, one year plan is for Rs 1,250 and 2 year plan is for Rs 1,750/. The carpad comes with MapmyIndia navigator aura.This application has additional connected features, 3 D navigation, city guides.The navigation application on PNDs is different from MapmyIndia Navigator Aura and hence, cannot be compared.However, both come with MapmyIndia's maps & data. Delivery time is within 8-10 business days.

Over the phone, the MMI official (who I must acknowledge, has been very patient) gave me three important pieces of information:

1. MMI cannot share the name of the manufacturer of the Carpad or even their PND devices. First, the person insisted that a 'German company' has manufactured the hardware, but later on suggested that the device is probably manufactured in Taiwan/China. This was when I emphasized that Qualcomm only manufactures the processor and possibly some other internal ICs.

2. No backup CD/DVD is provided with the Carpad, to restore the system back to factory settings.

3. In case of any defect (as for instance, an OS failure), the device must be taken or sent by courier to MMI head office in New Delhi.

4. As of now, there are no plans to upgrade Android from version 2.2.

5. Aura has 3D maps only for New Delhi. (For UP, apparently there are only street and block level maps, and Aura seems rather useless for now.)

--------------

In view of this information, I feel even more hesitant to buy the Carpad, though it may well be a fine device. I feel that MMI could have teamed up with Samsung or Motorola and perfected their software to work on Android 2.3/3.0/3.1 rather than selling a tablet which is overpriced (as OPs have suggested) and not as much value for money.

Given that there are literally SO many Android phones and (now) tablets out there, it is very important that one knows the prospects of OS upgrades at the time of purchase. The easiest way a manufacturer can phase out a phone is by stopping OS upgrades! I have had this problem with the Nokia E71 and E75.

[gautamkhadse]

Looking at their website this tablet looks very very similar to the Reliance tablet that was released a month ago . And if my guess is correct then this tablet is the ZTE V9

Here are the links :
ZTE V9 - Full phone specifications
ZTE V9 - ZTE Corporation

I think it would make sense to spend 12 grand + 5 grand for a 3g plan with reliance and then install a navigation app . 22 thousand for MMI is way too much .

[darthvader]

You may be right..the specifications do seem similar (the Carpad specs are available at http://www.mapmyindia.com/carpad/pdf...d_20110829.pdf).

The Reliance Tab isn't available in Kanpur (my hometown) yet, so I guess I will just wait. If I were purchasing a tablet as such, I would be more inclined toward Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Motorola Xoom Wifi. The cost is much higher, but I'd have the flexibility of using Google Maps, Google Maps with Navigation (if they ever come to India), and perhaps MMI. Now the only problem is that MMI people claim that their software won't work on Android 2.3 or Android 3.0 (Honeycomb). Has anyone successfully used MMI software on newer versions of Android?

[NetfreakBombay]

Originally Posted by darthvader

A few questions:

1. Did you get Sygic Aura 3D (as shown in the video) from MapmyIndia or from Sygic directly? If I buy from Sygic directly, do I get maps from Sygic for India, or do I have to go to MMI and get maps?

Got it from MMI

Originally Posted by darthvader

2. Does Sygic Aura work on Android 2.3 or higher? What about MMI?

Using it with Android 3.2.

Originally Posted by darthvader

3. Does it make more sense to buy an Android tablet (say a Motorola Xoom or a Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1) which I can use for other purposes too, and just get the software from Sygic/MMI? (PS -- I know that buying a tablet is more expensive, but I have other potential uses for a tablet as I can also work on Android and other things.)

Thats what I would suggest. Buy a better tablet and install this software.

Originally Posted by darthvader

4. How do I find out whether the maps are detailed enough on both Sygic Aura as well as MMI, for places like Kanpur, Lucknow, Allahabad?

All maps are available without cost for browsing on PC.
E.g.: India Driving Directions, Maps of India and Local Business Search : MapmyIndia Maps

Similarly all providers (Navteq / Satguide) make maps available for free on web. You can browse to see level of coverage for a particular town/region.

[darthvader]

Originally Posted by k2max6

Right ! You can use it to call any number just as you use your cellphone.Since its a 3G enabled device it uses a sim card for connectivity,and will allow calls as well.
I guess MMI might have tied up with various cellphone operators across India for the same to lower the data usage charges or they may allow us to choose our own operator.
Samsung Galaxy Tab also allows you to make calls from the tab.
Voice Calls as well as Video Calls.

I was on the phone for a long time with a Motorola representative this evening about the Motorla Xoom Wifi + 3G tablet, and he strongly insisted that voice calls cannot be made from the tablet, except through GTalk or Skype. I asked him whether I can use the tablet as a cellphone when a regular SIM is used, and his response was that Honeycomb does not support voice calls, and the Xoom cannot be used as a cellphone.

Since Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Xoom both run Honeycomb, can you and NetfreakBombay clarify whether voice calls can indeed be made from these tablets (by using them as regular GSM SIM equipped devices)?

Originally Posted by NetfreakBombay

Using it with Android 3.2.

Thats what I would suggest. Buy a better tablet and install this software.

All maps are available without cost for browsing on PC.
E.g.: India Driving Directions, Maps of India and Local Business Search : MapmyIndia Maps

Similarly all providers (Navteq / Satguide) make maps available for free on web. You can browse to see level of coverage for a particular town/region.

This was very helpful NetfreakBombay, thanks! Can you please tell me which tablet you are using with Android 3.2? I may buzz you again for help once (if) I have purchased an Android tablet for myself . Any advice?

[darthvader]

Originally Posted by NetfreakBombay

All maps are available without cost for browsing on PC.
E.g.: India Driving Directions, Maps of India and Local Business Search : MapmyIndia Maps

Wait, are you implying that these are the mpas on those devices too?

I actually used this link last week and that's how I got in touch with the MMI Nerve Center. These maps are very poorly detailed, and MMI assured me that the maps on the website are nowhere as good as the maps that will be provided on the devices (PNDs, as well as the Carpad).

I can understand that IITK is not nicely detailed, but the rest of the city has very poor detail too as far as these online maps go. My house in Kanpur isn't listed anywhere, nor are the schools in the area around, not to mention the entire locality. And yet every MMI spokesperson and my Chevrolet dealer assures me that the maps are very well detailed for Kanpur.

[NetfreakBombay]

Originally Posted by darthvader

Wait, are you implying that these are the mpas on those devices too?

Yes, coverage is same. However some features like house numbers / 3D buildings are not shown on web and are only available on PND /Cell.

Will try and compare few places over the weekend.

[darthvader]

Which tablet are you using? I am curious since you said you are using Android 3.2 with MMI successfully.

Originally Posted by NetfreakBombay

Yes, coverage is same. However some features like house numbers / 3D buildings are not shown on web and are only available on PND /Cell.

This is sad because Kanpur isn't detailed at all. I think even Google maps is better. Do you know the link to Garmin's maps?

[NetfreakBombay]

I am using it on Acer Iconia A500.

Gamin (Navteq) maps are available at :

NAVTEQ Map Reporter

and

http://maps.nokia.com/#|26.4755538|80.2798354|14|0|0|normal.day?

[darthvader]

Can you make voice calls from your Acer Iconia A500?

If I understand you correctly, Garmin uses Navteq and Nokia maps. Apparently MampmyIndia maps can also be installed on Garmin.

To summarize, can I get driving instructions in the same graphical and audio form that Garmin and MapmyIndia boast of, on an Android device? If yes, and if that Android device can also be used to make outgoing calls, then

The attraction in a PND device is the ability to interface with my existing phone (handsfree operation).

[NetfreakBombay]

No, cant make calls from A500. Its a WiFi only model. Usually you can use phone for 3G (and share 3G connection with tablet via WiFi).

And yes you can get navigation + voice directions on any Android device that has GPS hardware.

It would cost approx 2k.

On a Garmin PND, you can install maps from:

1. MMI
2. Navteq (Sold by Garmin)
3. Satguide

Advantage of PND is better GPS hardware as compared to Tablet/Phones.