A free app that brings satnav functionality, using GPS with visual and audio turn-by-tum directions, to any Google Android tablet.
• PRICE FREE
• COMPANY GOOGLE www.google.com
PROS
Easy to use; Map customisation options;
CONS
Rush hour not taken in consideration for journey times
OVERALL SCORE ★★★★
SPECIFICATIONS
Google Android device; Internet connection to download the latest maps; G PS signal
The Google Maps Navigation app builds on Google Maps,which already comes as part of the Android OS, by giving users visual and audio turn-by-turn directions from their current location (pinpoint by GPS) to a new destination.The app is really easy to use: once you've chosen to drive or walk, simply enter your destination.You can enter a street name, postcode, or even type of place, such as restaurant or Post Office, as your destination.
Once your handset's GPS has identified your location, which can take anything from a few seconds to over a minute depending on signal strength, the route is calculated. A blue icon is displayed on the map at your current location, with a blue line marking the route the software has created.You can also view step-by-step instruction as a list, rather than on the map. Meanwhile, a female voice offers an audio version of the instructions.We loved the range of customisation options, from being able to turn off the audio navigation to switching between 3D satellite maps, street view and standard Google maps. Because the app uses an Internet connection to obtain the latest maps, users will never need to purchase new maps.
There are some negative points though. Unlike many satnav's, the app gives you the same estimated journey time no matter what the time of day. For example, it calculated 39 minutes for a journey from King's Cross to the Kent/ London borders - achievable in the early morning perhaps, but unrealistic during rush hour. In fact the only indication of how congested your route is comes from Google's Traffic View, which colours roads in green, yellow, or red based on how busy they are. It won't reroute you to avoid traffic jams either.
Verdict
Google Maps Navigation is a useful app. It works well and as it's free, it's excellent value for money too. If you don't want to invest in a satnav, Google Maps Navigation is a worthy download from the Android Market.
"A blue icon is displayed on the map at your current location, with a blue line marking the route the software has created"
Wikidroid for Android
Wikidroid does an excellent job of putting the power of Wikipedia on your Android tablet.
• PRICE FREE ($1.99 FOR PLUSVERSION)
• COMPANY SIRIUS www.siriusapplications.com
Want access to the world's most popular encyclopedia on your tablet? Then Wikidroid is for you, as it's essentially a front end to Wikipedia. Do a search, and the app grabs the relevant information from the site, formats it for your tablet, then delivers it to you. For searches, Wikidroid suggests potential matches, shortening your searching time.You can even do voice searches: tap the search option,a small mic button appears next to the search box.Tap this, speak your search, and it goes about its work.
The app includes many of the Android tools available when you browse to Web pages, so you can select text and copy it to the Android clipboard, or share the page with others via email, SMS text messaging, Bluetooth, and social networking apps such as Facebook. If you want to be able to save pages to your Android phone for viewing offline, then buy the Wikidroid Plus version for $1.99 (£1.24).
Verdict
If you regularly use Wikipedia, you'll want the Wikidroid app, because it's the best way for Android tablet owners to get access to the online encyclopedia.
PROS & CONS
Access Wikipedia on your tablet; Easy to use; Use Android tools in apps Meeds Internet connection
OVERALL SCORE ★ ★★★
SPECIFICATIONS
Google Android devices; Android 2,1 and later; Plus version allows you to save pages to your tablet for viewing offline .
Moon Maps for Android
Want to explore the moon? You can with Moon Maps and you don't need a rocket ship
Want to explore the moon? You can with Moon Maps and you don't need a rocket ship
Moon Maps for Android enables you to choose between imagery from the Clementine Mosaic or the Lunar Orbiter Mosaic - although the Clementine imagery is generally better. You can pan and zoom in and out using the touchscreen. Points of interest are labelled with colour-coded text: for example, turquoise labels indicate Apollo landing sites.You can search the database of lunar features - as you type, results are auto-suggested.
Since the imagery was taken by orbiting spacecraft, the view is birds-eye only, and there's a limit to how far you can zoom in. However, the level of detail is far greater than you would be able to see with a casual telescope. One flaw is it becomes distorted as you go nearer to the lunar poles. It would also be nice to be able to click a labelled lunar feature and go to a Wikipedia article (or some other source of information) about it. After a while, the bleak lunar landscape becomes monotonous, so it would be nice to be able to switch things up a bit.
Verdict
All in all, this app is off to a good start. If you want to learn more about the moon, Moon Maps is an easy way to do it.
PROS & CONS
Great way to explore the moon; Nice, close-up images of moon's surface; Mo links to Wikipedia for more detail
OVERALL SCORE ★ ★★
OVERALL SCORE ★ ★★
SPECIFICATIONS
Google Android devices; Android 2.1 and later.
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