Bike navigation with an Android phone
Hi,
Just got me an Android phone (Samsung Fascinate) and want to tap into your wisdom here:
I do a lot of biking in unfamiliar places. I'd love to be able to:
a) Look on a bike-route mapping program I like (such as google maps), map out the route I want to take, then somehow download that onto my phone. Then have my phone give turn-by-turn directions. Maybe even by voice!
b) When I have NOT pre-programmed a route, and want quick info on how to bike to a particular destination: I'd like to be able to do a GPS fix on my current location, enter my destination, and get voice turn-by-turn directions based on a good bike route.
Bing is what comes stock on the Fascinate but I understand I can download a google maps app. Is there something even better than google maps?
c) Find some fixes for the inevitable fact that the GPS and/or 3G will run down the battery fast. Can I turn off the GPS for a while, then turn it back on when I know I need directions, and still be able to find where I am along my preprogrammed route? Should I buy an extra stock battery and carry it with me?
Not sure I'm interested in mapmyride.com, if it only tracks where I've been. I want a program that will tell me where to go in the first place.
What else am I not thinking of?
Thank you!
- Mariposa