How to Use Google Maps With a GPS on a Tilt

Using Google Maps on an AT&T Tilt eliminates the need for paper maps.

The AT&T Tilt smart phone has a powerful GPS receiver built right into the unit. However, unlike with stand-alone GPS units, you will need to have navigation software installed on your Tilt in order to use its GPS features. Google Maps for mobile works particularly well for this purpose and will allow your AT&T Tilt to do many of the same things as a top-of-the-line stand-alone GPS unit.

Things You'll Need

• AT&T Tilt phone
• Google Maps for mobile software

Instructions

1. Visit http://m.google.com/maps in your Tilt's Web browser.

2. Click the "Install Now" link at the top of the page. After a few seconds the download will start automatically.

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to download and open "GoogleMaps.CAB." If you choose to save the CAB file rather than open it, make a note of where you save it and use the Tilt's File Explorer program to locate it later. The download should take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes, depending on the speed of your Tilt's Internet connection. Once the download completes, the Google Maps installer will start automatically.

4. Choose the "Device" option to install Google Maps directly onto your phone's internal memory and click the "Install" soft key. After installation is complete, Google Maps will launch itself.

5. Enable your Tilt's GPS receiver by clicking the "Menu" soft key and scrolling down until you see the "Options" submenu. If the GPS receiver is off, you will see an option that says "Use GPS." If the GPS receiver is already enabled, the option will instead say "Turn Off GPS."

6. Wait for Google Maps to initialize the Tilt's GPS receiver. In the top-right corner of the screen, you will see text that says "Seeking GPS satellites." When Google Maps is ready, this text will be replaced by text that says, "GPS Active."

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to conserve battery or if you don't want to wait for your Tilt's GPS to initialize, you can disable the GPS and rely on your phone position. Google Maps can estimate your location based on phone position alone. This provides much less specific tracking, however. Using the Tilt's GPS allows Google Maps to pinpoint your location to within a few dozen meters. Using your phone position, on the other hand, limits the software's estimate to a few hundred meters.

• The Tilt's GPS receiver is very battery intensive. Using Google Maps on a Tilt with the GPS enabled will cause your battery to drain at a much higher rate.

• While Google Maps is free to download and use, your wireless service provider may charge you for accessing the Internet with your phone. Be sure to check your service plan before attempting to use Google Maps on your AT&T Tilt in order to avoid unexpected charges.

References

• Google Maps for Mobile