Garmin Viago

I wonder if this app will let you add POIs?

I went to the App Store using my Droid and entered "viago" and got nothing. I tried "Garmin viago" and got nothing.

Anybody able to download for Android?

I haven't tried via Google Play on my Android, but it looks to be buyable here:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.garmin.and...

[Update]
My cheapy smartphone (a Chinese ZTE Tracfone) does offer Viago on Google Play Store. I'm running Android 4.1.1.

Here it is in ITunes for IPhone
https://itunes.apple.com/app/garmin-viago/id853603997?mt=8

... it is essential that Gamin remain an independent & financially viable company. To continue to do so it must find new ongoing revenue sources. A review of their quarterly/annual reports shows that the Nuvi/handheld product lines are not growth items anymore.

As a practically daily Garmin user I support any new revenue stream, as long as someone else pays the freight!

If you don't have at least Android 4.0 you can't have it. I have a 2 year old Samsung Galaxy running Gingerbread and I am left out. Would I purchase beyond the basic app? Probably not, but would like to take it for a drive anyway. I do like the already installed Google Maps and Navigation. Really a nice pair.

Did you see my post on "Cost of Bells and Whistles"?
This is one of those pieces of software that comes with the availability of extras that you pay for. Why can't the same idea work with a GPS unit?

For Apple iTunes users:

For some odd reason, searching the iTunes Store for it (using your device) returns no search results if you search for "viago". To find it on your iDevice:

1. Search for "Garmin"
2. Select "garmin"
3. Tap on the first result (which should be Garmin U.S.A)
4. Tap on the "Related" button
5. Garmin viago should then be listed under "More by Garmin"

Also note that it's listed as an iPhone only app...it *may* run on the iPad but I have no way of knowing since I'm not spending any money on it just to find out.

Going solely by the reviews, it seems to be just like all of the other Garmin apps...not that great and in dire need of improvement.
Hopefully, those that have purchased it will be able to actually use it soon...seems as if the app is encountering server issues and simply not running and/or having trouble with GPS positioning for many of the app's reviewers.

EDIT
I just noticed that the app is currently #2 in the iTunes Top Charts "Paid" category (when viewing the App Store on the iPhone) as of 6/18/2014. Hopefully, Garmin can iron out these early issues that many seem to be having. Until then, it looks as if the app's roll-out is not going very smoothly.

The reviews are not so good. It's disappointing to see how much has to be spent to make it reasonably useful.

No problems on my Nexus 4 running 4.4.3

.... As a matter of fact, Garmin Viago is listed as the first item of the search results in Play Store.

If I recall your post, you were wanting a number of "features" (like voice, rotate view, bluetooth, wifi, email, etc) built into all units such that they could be activated later by paying a fee.

I did not respond to that post but let me offer some thought now in order to make a distinction to the "viago" app.

Let me start by saying that my 765T (by its designation) obviously did not come with Lifetime Maps. I had to purchase them. In this case, this is similar to the "viago" app.

But note that there was not a "extra" hardware feature built into my unit. The 765T was able to take new versions of maps - up to a certain point when internal memory was not sufficient to hold the entire map.

The "features" from your post that I listed above would seem to require additional built in hardware capabilities to be already in the unit for me to decide that I would like, say, "voice recognition".

Building in additional hardware features would cost every purchaser something extra at the point of initial purchase. There would be no "essential" line, no "advanced" line, and no "prestige" line. Perhaps, then, this new "kitchen sink" line would cost approximately what the current "prestige" line now costs.

What this would do is to eliminate all those buyers who were not willing currently to pay anything more than the cost of the "essential" line. For your "kitchen sink" scenario to be profitable to a manufacturer, the total sales would need to be similar either way.

Now, could that be? For several reasons, I submit that this would not be the case.

Consider the universe of purchasers. Most are after something that will help them navigate from point A to point B. They went to a store and looked at all of the units from all of the manufacturers that that store happened to carry and chose a unit within their budget. Unless they had some friend that had already purchased several units and had strong feeling about what would be a valuable feature(s), cost was likely the driving force.

Second, consider that it is only a very limited subset of those with GPS units who understand the features available - many of which are members of this site.

I would suspect that most people are not like those on this site and are waiting for every new map update. Likely, most have forgotten that they could do an update at all. What would remind them?

If every purchaser were like those on this site, then a "kitchen sink" model line might be viable, but, even then, I doubt it. Otherwise, our members would all have purchased at least an "advanced" model.

Now, this "viago" app is nothing but "software" because all it can do is to use whatever "hardware" features are on the smartphone to which it is downloaded. There is, in my opinion, no comparison appropriate against the "kitchen sink".

I really knew this, but couldn't pass it up for discussion.

When you are presented with the unit that will do more and you have the ability to pick and choose, you have a unit that you can grow with IF you choose. I am one that doesn't like to have many trade-offs. If I want voice, WiFi, Bluetooth, and rotating screen, I don't want to have to buy several different units (over simplified). It's not like they would be developing all new technology, just putting it in one box.

Perhaps I am in a small minority, but that is OK. I like to have options for my particular set of needs (well maybe wants) and then make my choice linked to my budget AND that I can add to as budget increases.

My laptop came with features that I don't use, but I paid for them anyway. I bought the unit because it had the features I wanted at the time, and maybe in the future I will use the extras. I also, have software that I can choose the features I want. The development has already been done and delivered, but I can go online and purchase what I want as my needs change.

I know that this is more of a basket of fruit than apples to apples ... agreed?

It is good to discuss and disagree. Isn't that part of learning?

Usually PlayStore tells you that your gadget is not compatible. I did not see this with this app. That could be why some are not getting to the download. If you don't have Android 4.0 or above, you are left behind.

It did. When I looked on Google Play through the computer, I was told that my device was compatible.

Still, when I used the Droid Maxx HD to went to the "Play Store" and entered "garmin v" and scrolled down, I found nothing. However, I can now enter "viago" and scroll down and Garmin Viago is the 6th entry.

So I purchased it.

I do not understand why this did not work yesterday as I have changed nothing of which I am aware - in particular the Play Store.

I kept reading on this post about this App and had no interest in it. The more I read the more I wanted it.

Well I just paid my $.99 and got it for my Nexus 7. I played around with it a little. Looks good for routing to address or POIs that are installed on it.

It never asked me about any upgrades. Where do you find them and what does it offer?

In the upper right corner of the main screen - or at least the one that says "Ready to Navigate" at the bottom - is a blue triangle. Pressing that gives a series of options, one of which is "Shop". Pressing "Shop" brings up things you can buy.

Will check this out. Thanks.

So a question for those who've purchased the app, does it allow you to load custom POI files?

I could not find anything that would indicate I could

Found where to shop but did not buy anything yet. (Thanks )
Have not found any why to all my POIs to it.

I really doubt that you can use custom POIs with it...has -any- Garmin mobile app ever allowed this?

That right there is one of the main reasons why I stick with a dedicated navigation device (nuvi).

But, I did buy the Maps to Go as this would be the way I would use this on my Nexus 7.
The reason I bought the Maps to Go now is that Garmin is offering them at 1/2 off for now. It was $9.99 now and will be $19.99 later.

I bought the Sound & Buildings for $9.99 because I wanted the spoken street names. At first I thought that it wasn't working, but then I realized that I needed to switch from American English-Michelle to American English-Samantha!

@jim, it not obvious from the post why you needed to switch. A few more details please.

Under:

-Settings

-Audio

-Languages and Voices

there are a number of languages. Some languages have several voices to choose from, but others have only one. For English, there is Australia, USA, and United Kingdom. The English (USA) choices are:

-Jack

-Michelle

-Samantha

The Michelle voice file is 1.9 MB and does not speak street names. The Jack voice file is 24.9 MB and the Samantha voice file os 30.3 MB. Both the Jack file and the Samantha file state "Says Street Names". The Michelle file does not have that.

That makes sense.

When I looked at my voices, I did not find Jack or Samantha. And, all those I looked at were about the same size as Michelle, which was my default.

How did you get the other voices? I looked around in settings but did not see a way to get more voices.

Thanks

John

John,

That is a good question and I do not know the correct answer. It is possible that when I downloaded Maps To Go that the additional voices were included. Or, since Sound & Buildings specifically mentions "spoken street names" that maybe it was included with that download. Something tells me that we are all going to learn a whole lot more about this application in the course of the next few weeks!

Jim

Bought about $60 worth of the extras on the iOS version. When did Garmin Traffic FINALLY decide to include secondary roads? Finally, outperformed TomTom Traffic! With the $60s worth of add-ons, easily as good as the $329 Nuvi 3597LMTHD. I think it actually
routes slightly better. Active lane guidance is extremely smooth! The real directions over bluetooth are wonderful. Leave out the Urban Guidance and Live Alerts services, no need for them.

DFERRON>>When you are presented with the unit that will do more and you have the ability to pick and choose, you have a unit that you can grow with IF you choose.

Using that same logic ... every car and truck should be equipped with Sunroof, Navigation, Back Up Camera, Leather Heated and Cooled seats ... all for the price of a stripped down unit ... so that a driver could pay a stripped down unit price, but be able to use various upgrade features if they want to, later, if they choose.

Personally, I like to buy stripped down units and after I learn to drive, buy newer cars, with more features.

"Enhance your sat nav experience with spoken street names and directions (Text to Speech) plus 3D building views."

This is what the Buy Now screen has. Maybe would be nice to have.

EDIT: It does give you several more names and they have a lot more MB.
When you buy it the language files are added to and you pick the one you want to download. It also does not automatically download the 3D buildings and you can choose if you want to download it or not.
For now I am only downloading the new voice of Samantha

Also, in the "Maps To Go" be sure and download the extra file "Photo Real Junction View"

The $0.99 is going up to $1.99 later this summer, so better jump on this deal! Seriously, it's worth looking at, and some of the in-app purchases are worthwhile. But I still use free Google Maps for most of my day-to-day navigation. This is Garmin responding to the market. The day of dedicated GPS units - with some exceptions - is coming to an end. Everything goes on your phone!

It could be ... for "consumer level" automotive unit, where phone networks have coverage and folks are already paying monthly fees for their devices. The "exceptions" (hiking, hunting, golf, etc.) should keep the industry going. And that doesn't even include the very expensive markets (construction, agriculture, etc.) where highly accurate GPS features are needed.

Now that the Garmin Viago app has been available for a few days now and some of us here have had a chance to use it, what additional features or functions would you like to see added to this?

The ability to add my POI files to it.

Has anyone used the route to contact and did it work?
I can not get mine to work.
It looks like my Google Contacts are not formatted correctly to use.

Thanks, I'll give it a try.

Has anyone gotten a handle on how much data the new Garmin app uses for a 4 or 5 hour route?

I know there is an option to use off-line maps, but that seems "old fashion."

I wish it had the ability to simulate a route. I usually preview a trip at home to check out the turns so I have an idea of what to expect when on the road. I also want the ability to load multiple personal POIs rather than loading one location at a time.

I have only had an android smartphone (Moto X) for a couple of months and none of the gps apps I have tried feel as intuitive and complete as my Garmin 3760. I want something more substantial than what Viago has showm me.

Found the same thing contact with an address will not find the address.

I purchased the app for $1 and the NA map download for $10 so for a total of $11 I got everything I would want including photo real junction view and panorama terrain view that both were no cost options with the map download option.

The map download, traffic live and the app are on sale for 1/2 price through July 13th:

http://blogs.wsj.com/personal-technology/2014/06/17/garmins-...

New is not always better. Off-line maps require smaller amounts of processor power to tile, as opposed to downloading it, and then tiling the map.

Add some text messages, a phone call, and I wonder how well the process would fare.

As per previous discussions, I still prefer a stand-alone device. If someone is a casual GPS user, I can see them buying this app.

Another question for those that have purchased the app. Does the map add-on include lifetime updates or is it a one time thing?

Lifetime maps are not mentioned.
I am hoping lifetime maps and the ability to add my POIs will be added later.

I still like my Nuvi 2450 better than the app and my in car navigation but I do carry my Nexus 7 with me every where I go so it is nice to have the maps there also.
When in the car and my husband is driving the unit does not hear my voice and the other controls are grayed out so I look for what we need so when we are stopped at red lights I know just what I am going to put in to the car navigation. I am hunting a way for the passenger to input into the navigation while the car is moving but have not found a why. This is a problem, so it is nice to have the extra app when I don't have my Nuvi in the car.

That was one of the questions I had in mind too.Google play for this app includes this statement.Up to date maps:
"After the app has been installed for the first time, you will have access automatically to the latest maps available from the market leader HERE maps (formerly Navteq)".

Also curious with your phone or tablet connected to computer with Viago installed.What is the file lay out?

Here are some of the FAQ's posted by Garmin http://support.garmin.com/support/sw/supportPage/display?loc... .

This is a link to a screen grab of the file structure for the Viago files as installed on my note 8.0 SD card. You will notice the directory structure is shown near the top of the grab detailing the directory structure created in the Android directory where it has been installed.

http://home.comcast.net/~rjrsw2012/pwpimages/Viago%20files%2...

Thanks. Have you figured out how to add favorites?

Start a navigation to somewhere by Pressing the blue triangle in the upper left corner.

One of the 7 options that appear will be "Where To?

When Where To? is pressed, 6 options will appear, one of which is "Address"

When "Address is pressed" you will get a screen with "Country", House number" etc. You will have to press Country and scroll down to United States of America and press it. Note this will stay set the next time you come to this screen. Pressing United States of America will let you choose another country.

Go through setting up an address. You may be offered several choices near where you are currently located.

Once you have the address, you will press either the "Pedestrian" or "Car" icon at the bottom of the screen and navigation will begin.

Press the blue triangle at the upper left of the screen and an new option "Stop navigating" is available. Press it.

Press the blue triangle again and this time choose "My Destinations".

The My Destinations screen appears with tabs for Favorites and Recently Found. You have a Recently Found so you can press that location. A Destination map will appear. Pressing the three bars at the upper right of the screen gives you the option "Save"

Pressing "Save" brings up the "Save Destination" dialog allowing you to "name" this location. Now, the next time you go to "My Destinations" this will be a Favorite as well as a Recently Found.

Now have some Favorites.
Thank you.

Path:
Nexus 7/Internal storage/Android/data/com.garmin.android.apps.viago/files/Garmin

Folders in Garmin:
databases/mapTile.db and mapTile.db-journal
Diag/.txt
ExtData/006-D4511-05.bin and 006-D4511-06.bin
JCV/D3191120AJCV 468 MB
SID/D3157120A.sid
Text/(quiet a few .gtt foreign files
Thems/Viago.kmtf
Vehicle/rr_arrow.srf
Voice/ (my two voices that I downloaded)

Files in Garmin:
client_generated_token
country_codes_generated.gar
D2338160A.gma
D2338160A.img
D2338160A.unl
D2364160A.img
gmapbmap.img
img_rsrc_480_272.gir
img_rsrc_800_480.gir
TimeZoneMap_1400.img

I have the downloaded maps and the Building and Language packages.
See anywhere that I might put a .gpx file for POIs?

(This is the second time I have typed this. The first time my internet went down just as I was posting. Wasn't happy. This time I typed it in email then copied it to here so I wouldn't loose it.)

I have been wondering about that, too. What if you save a Destination on the Nexus 7 and then see where it shows up in the directory?

Anyone try installing a custom vehicle icon?

I then checked all my files and nothing was added and nothing changed. No file showed an update date.

does anyone know if there is a operating manual for the Viago app?

ps. The app and its data were installed on my sdcard2 on my Lenovo 9.5in tab.