[villagetinker]

I am considering buying the above app, however I am trying to find out the following:

When the app is active and giving directions does it stay ON without operator intervention? Is there a setting that will keep the phone on until you get to your destination? My wife will be using this and does not want to have to keep unlocking the phone to get back to the map. If it matters we will be using a Google Pixel phone which is android based.

I have the same question into the developers, but have not heard back yet, so I thought I would ask other users.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

I am considering buying the above app, however I am trying to find out the following:

When the app is active and giving directions does it stay ON without operator intervention? Is there a setting that will keep the phone on until you get to your destination? My wife will be using this and does not want to have to keep unlocking the phone to get back to the map. If it matters we will be using a Google Pixel phone which is android based.

I have the same question into the developers, but have not heard back yet, so I thought I would ask other users.

I've never had that problem with the app, I use a Samsung Android based phone. It doesn't just give directions, it is an actual GPS that will show you your position on the map and even keeps track of your speed and estimated time of arrival.

[wisbad1]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

I am considering buying the above app, however I am trying to find out the following:

When the app is active and giving directions does it stay ON without operator intervention? Is there a setting that will keep the phone on until you get to your destination? My wife will be using this and does not want to have to keep unlocking the phone to get back to the map. If it matters we will be using a Google Pixel phone which is android based.

I have the same question into the developers, but have not heard back yet, so I thought I would ask other users.

You can adjust your phone to stay on longer.

[Stu from NYC]

I would think that waze would do the same thing and it is free.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by Stuart Zaikov

I would think that waze would do the same thing and it is free.

Waze doesn't do it at all. The Villages GPS works for golf carts on golf cart paths, which are private paths and not roads recognized by public GPS services.

Waze can't give you directions - for instance - from the Orange Blossom Hills Country Club, to the Panera in Spanish Springs Town Square, by golf cart.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Originally Posted by wisbad1

You can adjust your phone to stay on longer.

The OP asked specifically what the options are for someone who does NOT want to have "operator" intervention. No one should have to change their phone settings just to make a single app work correctly on the phone.

[tophcfa]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

I am considering buying the above app, however I am trying to find out the following:

When the app is active and giving directions does it stay ON without operator intervention? Is there a setting that will keep the phone on until you get to your destination? My wife will be using this and does not want to have to keep unlocking the phone to get back to the map. If it matters we will be using a Google Pixel phone which is android based.

I have the same question into the developers, but have not heard back yet, so I thought I would ask other users.

Our experience with he app is that it is not very helpful if there is only one person in the golf cart. First and most important, having a driver trying to use their phone while driving is inheritently dangerous. The app does continue to work when the phone times out with an I-phone, but I don't know about another device. But the app's voice directions are not audible when driving the cart, and trying to look at the phone while driving is very dangerous. Also, the app gives OK directions, but not very good with short cuts through golf cart only cut throughs. In general, I would say that when we first bought into the Villages, the app helped us a little while I drove the cart and my wife told me where to go while looking at the phone. But as a solo golf cart driver, I would never try to safely use the app unless I planned on frequently pulling over to look at my phone for the next few required turns. Fortunately, we now how to navigate the Villages without needing directions, so the need for the GPS app is no longer an issue. Hope this helps?

[Summerhouse]

I use the Village GPS app on my iPhone all the time, even when alone in the golf cart. It does NOT time out, or the screen go off, while using the app with a destination selected. Secondly, I have a phone holder so I have “hands free” operation. Third, I CAN hear the audible in my gas cart while driving. Also, I believe the was free at the time I downloaded it.(?) Though I cant remember for certain.
I find the app an invaluable tool. I do highly recommend a phone holder. Either one that slips into the cup holder or one that attaches up in your natural “line of sight” through a suction mount or silicone glue into place at edge of windshield. The last is the application I use.

[Cheapbas]

Yes it’s stays on. It’s decent, sometimes get confused.

We received one of those Weather tech cup holders in a Christmas grab that works well.

One of the issues is address to address Directions so I just put in my Rec center and works just fine

[Ginsanders]

There are two Villages GPS apps. One is free from the villages, does not talk and hard to follow. One is $6.99, talks and works great giving golf cart paths or car directions. We purchased a small bluetooth speaker for our golf cart for about $15 at Walmart and the phone connects and it is very easy to hear directions. I have a Google android phone and the phone does not go off while using this app. The screen may go black due to my settings, but it still gives directions. Personally I think the one time charge for the app is very much worth it.

[billbob]

I have the The Villages GPS which I paid I think $6.99 and it is GREAT. It never goes out, she gives you directions - even when to turn. It is well worth the one time fee to have it here in The Villages.

[erojohn]

I bought the app and the phone does tend to go sleep. I’m sure there is a setting to keep it awake though. I do know it is a battery hog. I have installed a Socket and take a charger for the cart so that isn’t a factor for me now, but it is a consideration. I use the villages app and it seems to work just as well if not better. Free. Originally I bought it for the speedometer but was always fiddling with it. I figured it was safer to keep up with the carts and keep eyes on the road.

[hav7979]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

Waze doesn't do it at all. The Villages GPS works for golf carts on golf cart paths, which are private paths and not roads recognized by public GPS services.

Waze can't give you directions - for instance - from the Orange Blossom Hills Country Club, to the Panera in Spanish Springs Town Square, by golf cart.

not sure about waze, but if you use google maps and use travel by bicycle it uses the golf cart paths. also, I have both apps on my android and the paid one is worth it. the screen does stay on. the free app does not keep the screen on which is very annoying. I also have a Bluetooth speaker and you can hear the turns even in an older gas cart

[Kegarn]

And if you wear hearing aids like my husband, it will “speak” directly into his ears. Otherwise, as mentioned, either a Bluetooth speaker or plug in your headphones. It’s not perfect but it is pretty darn good.

[Brondrisek]

I’m not a fan. I have an iPhone. Because I’m single, I don’t have anyone to read it to me and there is no voice to tell you where to turn. So that entails stopping to see what app says. It will give distance.
I still use my trusty map that shows the cart routes.