Has anybody used a navigation program with 8 or 8.1

[whs]

I wonder whether you have used an 8 or 8.1 tablet for navigation. I am looking for a similar facility as I have on my Nexus 7.

 

[ectech]

I've used the built-in Maps App from my laptop for navigation before. It works very well. I can tether it to my iPhone and get a list of any places or destinations I'm looking for.

 

[whs]

Hmm, I have no mobile phone. I was really looking for a native true navigation app. On Andoid there are dozens, but for 8.1 I cannot find any.

I know MS changed the GPS programming interface in 8. But by now the program developers should have caught up with it.

 

[ectech]

Since Microsoft doesn't own any satellites (that I'm aware of) I'm pretty sure a tablet would require a data connection in order to utilize GPS capabilities.

An iPad is the only tablet I know of which has a cellular data connection. Sorry

 

[Harrylowt]

if you buy a Surface 2 for example it comes with bing maps as your navigation solution.

Cheers,
Harry

 

[whs]

if you buy a Surface 2 for example it comes with bing maps as your navigation solution.

Cheers,
Harry

Nice thought. But who wants an overpriced surface.

 

[whs]

Since Microsoft doesn't own any satellites (that I'm aware of) I'm pretty sure a tablet would require a data connection in order to utilize GPS capabilities.

An iPad is the only tablet I know of which has a cellular data connection. Sorry

Nah, not at all. The navigation works solely on the GPS or GNSS signal. No need to have any other connection. You only have to setup the route when you have an internet connection. But on the road it is independent. I do that all the time with my Nexus - which I left in my home in Europe, so it does not help me here in the US. LOL.

 

[ectech]

Nah, not at all. The navigation works solely on the GPS or GNSS signal. No need to have any other connection. You only have to setup the route when you have an internet connection. But on the road it is independent. I do that all the time with my Nexus - which I left in my home in Europe, so it does not help me here in the US. LOL.

Interesting, so the tablet has the entire US map stored in memory? That's handy.

 

[whs]

You can store the entire country (storage permitting) or certain regions that you define. I have a 32GB model, so I do not starve in terms of storage. I also have maps of some regions in Europe.

 

[strollin]

I have used MS Streets & Trips navigation software with an external Bluetooth GPS receiver on my tablet that is running Win 8.1. Streets & Trips offers turn-by-turn navigation guidance.

There is a 14 day free trial of the software available for download here: Download Streets & Trips 2013 Trial from Official Microsoft Download Center

 

[whs]

I have used MS Streets & Trips navigation software with an external Bluetooth GPS receiver on my tablet that is running Win 8.1. Streets & Trips offers turn-by-turn navigation guidance.

There is a 14 day free trial of the software available for download here: Download Streets & Trips 2013 Trial from Official Microsoft Download Center

That is really interesting. You are the first person I found that has actually used navigation on 8.1.

Where did you get the BT GPS receiver and does that work well - e.g. will it easily pair. Could you plse post the link.

I watched their video. Sounds like a real navigation device. Is that your experience too ??

Now I have to only find out how all of that will work in Europe.

 

[Harrylowt]

if you buy a Surface 2 for example it comes with bing maps as your navigation solution.

Cheers,
Harry

Nice thought. But who wants an overpriced surface.

they are not everyones cup of tea! I like mine ha

Was really a reference point all of my installs of Windows eight in the Metro screen has "Maps" installed which is the metro version of bing maps. If not it is in the store as a free download.

Maps app for Windows in the Windows Store
Does this not do what you are looking for ?

Cheers,
Harry

 

[strollin]

The Maps app in the Store is not a navigation app, it allows you to search for a destination and create a route but does not provide real-time turn-by-turn navigation like a true navigation app using a GPS.

 

[Harrylowt]

Well that clears that up I never properly use it just seen it has directions and hoped it had richer capabilities.

I always use my tomtom for navigation so never have to put windows to the test.

 

[strollin]

I have used MS Streets & Trips navigation software with an external Bluetooth GPS receiver on my tablet that is running Win 8.1. Streets & Trips offers turn-by-turn navigation guidance.

There is a 14 day free trial of the software available for download here: Download Streets & Trips 2013 Trial from Official Microsoft Download Center

That is really interesting. You are the first person I found that has actually used navigation on 8.1.

Where did you get the BT GPS receiver and does that work well - e.g. will it easily pair. Could you plse post the link.

I watched their video. Sounds like a real navigation device. Is that your experience too ??

Now I have to only find out how all of that will work in Europe.

It certainly is a true navigation device, Windows navigation software pre-dates Android or iOS navigation by quite a bit. I started using GPS on my Windows 95 laptop back in 1996.

The Bluetooth GPS receiver I have is a Telenav BT-359 that I bought used from Ebay about 5 years ago for $20. Here's a link to a new one on Amazon: Amazon.com: TeleNav GPS Navigator Bluetooth Receiver Kit BT-359: GPS & Navigation

The receiver pairs easily and works well with the software. Only issue I have encountered is that the BT receiver must be powered on prior to invoking the software or the software won't be able to establish a connection to the GPS.

There is other software available that may work as well such as Delorme Street Atlas. I have used that software in the past but have not tried it with Win 8/8.1.

 

[strollin]

Well that clears that up I never properly use it just seen it has directions and hoped it had richer capabilities.

I always use my tomtom for navigation so never have to put windows to the test.

The software programs we are talking about are like your TomTom on steroids.

 

[whs]

Thanks Bruce. That was very helpful. In the meantime I also saw that they have a European version of Street and Trips called AutoRoute. I think I will get that for my use in Europe. In the US I really make no trips by road. The BT receiver question I will study a bit more. There is also this one. But that needs to be connected via USB or with the OTG cable. That may be less convenient than BT.

 

[strollin]

I haven't tried a USB GPS receiver with Win 8/8.1 but believe they should work.

 

[navneeds]

This is a good thread, similar for my requirements, I have got increasingly annoyed at ever worsening android and want to buy a windows 8 or 8.1 laptop, so I'm looking for a preferably free satnav app.
I know I can download 'Here maps', but can I search offline for destinations?
Navmii told me of I can download the map it will work! They didn't realise I haven't bought my laptop yet!
Copilot will be expensive!
I also realise that I will have no GPS sensor on my laptop!
Any additional info would be cool

 

[strollin]

Since this thread was re-opened, I'll mention that MS has discontinued the Streets & Trips software. You can still find copies of the 2013 version to buy which still work fine and MS says it will be fully supported until 7/14/2015. The 14-day trial link still seems to be operational.

MS wants you to use Bing maps (the software Harrylowt suggested above). The problem with Bing maps is that MS changed the interface in Win 8.1 so that GPS data is not received via COM ports anymore so you'll need to find a GPS receiver that is compatible with Win 8.1 and then Bing maps will provide real-time, turn-by-turn navigation.