FYI to those using Navionics on their phone

[DTro]

I recently had an issue with the receiver mic on my DroidX which not only resulted in my having to try a system reset to get it to work, but also exchange for a new phone.

Navionics stores all the data on the phone, which means all my spots are now gone. I don't know if there is a way to pull that info off your phone (I'm sure there is by rooting your phone or using Astro or something) but I would recommend trying to back up your markers if you can, because eventually you will have an issue with your phone, or you will upgrade for a new one and lose all your data.

This is from their site:

Q. Where does my user data get stored?

A. Wp, Routes, Track, Markers and Photos are stored in the phone. If you update your phone's OS, you will maintain your user data only if the update is an official update and not a Beta version.

Q. Is it possible to import/export user data such as waypoints, markers, tracks and routes with Navionics Mobile?

A. No. Currently it is not possible to import or export any user data. The only operation users can do is share user data via email/Facebook/Twitter on Google Earth or Google Maps.

[CAMAN]

Alright, well after venting last night I cooled down and decided to purchase the app (it's only $10 right? , and I am kind of a sucker for new toys ). I have to say I am very impressed with the new version. Much smoother and better running than the original. I really like how you can choose what lakes/areas you want to download and how it now covers the whole US. No more unneeded lakes sitting there filing up space on your phone. It is still recommended that all your downloads be done over WiFi, but if you really do need to, you should be able to download single lakes over cell network without a problem. I just wouldn't download an entire state. (MN = around 100MB)(Mille Lacs = around 4MB)

The one thing I don't like that they still haven't fixed(actually made it worse) is if you back out of the program and look at something else on the phone and then go back to the program it has to boot back up from the startup screen. The old app was about a 50/50 shot of beginning back at the startup screen or going right back to where you were, Now it is a 100% chance you will have to go through the startup process again, accept the terms of service, check for updates, then finally get back to the map. VERY ANNOYING!!

Even though Navionics did wrong with the way they treated their existing customers who, like dtro said "Beta tested" for them, they did almost everything right with this app.

The part that made this app the best, one of the lakes I fish often is now in 1 foot contours!!!

[DTro]

Hey thanks for the review I was hoping someone would share a bit about the new one. So I take it you just bought the US and not the US/Canada. I think it's $16 for both and thought about getting that one myself.

Couple of questions.

How does the pinch zoom work?

Is the tracking of your position smooth or does it move in segments like the old version?

How about favorites or waypoints? Is it pretty easy to save a private spot or does it revert to a community spot and you have to override that?

Thanks!

[CAMAN]

Hey thanks for the review I was hoping someone would share a bit about the new one. So I take it you just bought the US and not the US/Canada. I think it's $16 for both and thought about getting that one myself.

Couple of questions.

How does the pinch zoom work?

Is the tracking of your position smooth or does it move in segments like the old version?

How about favorites or waypoints? Is it pretty easy to save a private spot or does it revert to a community spot and you have to override that?

Thanks!

Yeah I just got the US one, I don't plan on going to Canada anytime soon so I saved the money.

Pinch zoom is PERFECT, moves in and out smooth with no hesitation. They really optimized the maps in this version so there is very little waiting for objects to load. Even the satellite and map overlays load super fast.

I forgot to check out the tracking, but thanks for the reminder, I will do so on my drive to work tomorrow and post back.

The Favorites/Waypoints is setup exactly like they were in the old app. Tap where you want it, tap for more info, then select either "Add To Favorites"(Private) or "Add an Object"(Public). Very simple

For the most part everything is setup pretty similar to the original, just optimized, and they removed the menu and put everything you need in buttons on the screen. They now also require you to create a free account with them if you want to add or edit objects in the community map layer.

[DTro]

I appreciate the info. Looks like I might have to pull the trigger on this one.

[CAMAN]

Alright, I finally got around to seeing how the tracking works, and it is pretty dang good, much better than than the previous version. It is a 1 second refresh rate, so not super smooth, but it is now up there with my old H2O and even my newer Humminbird. The one thing I didn't realize until now is that there is a "Track" button that will turn on and off and SAVE the path you are driving on! It is just like all other high end GPS system now. Maybe even better because it locks onto the satellites almost instantly, and stays locked.

And I must say being able to rotate between landscape and portrait is awesome also!!

If you don't have the app yet, get it!!

[CAMAN]

I almost forgot to mention, I take back my complaint about backing out of the app and having to go through all the startup screens again. I had to shutdown my phone because of an Android OS update this morning and after doing that I haven't had to go through everything like before, now its only after it times out after an hour or so. Something must have been hanging up in my phone.

[DTro]

Thanks for the update. It sounds like I should just go ahead and get the new version.

I still think it was a bad business move for them not to offer an upgrade discount...even only if a dollar or something. Not so much about the money.

[muc33]

Any clue, or iphone info?

[CAMAN]

Any clue, or iphone info?

???

The iPhone has had the updated app for some time now.

[DTro]

Well, I broke down and purchased the new version...

I gotta tell ya, that dang pinch zoom might be worth the 10 bucks alone. Navigation is 100 times easier now. I like that they added the tracking and distance pins right there on the navigation screen. They are a little hard to hit as they are small, but a good addition.

I'm still not happy about the whole thing, but the amount that I use this app, it's kind of a no brainer for me.

I look forward to testing it out a bit more in the next couple of days.

[DTro]

Well, I decided to contact Google to try and get a refund for the first app. Mostly as a feeler for everyone else here to see if that was an avenue to pursue.

Here's the first reply I got:

We understand that you'd like a refund of the app "Lakes: US North" by Navionics. We've investigated your request and have determined that we're unable to issue you a refund at this time. Please note that there is a 15-minute refund window for all app purchases, and we're only able to issue refunds outside of this window in rare circumstances.

You're still welcome to ask the developer for a refund. They indeed DO have the ability to issue refunds in such circumstances, and they can always provide you with the new version of their app at their discretion.

Please feel free to write back if you have any other questions; I'm happy to help.

Thanks,

Ryne

The Android Market Team

so I complained some more about not being able to re-download the old app and this was the next response:

Thanks for writing back. I apologize for the inconvenience this has caused. I do not have access to the app that was removed. The developer chose to unpublished this app from the Android Market, and has made it unavailable to both Google and the general public.

The only way to potentially get this app back is to go through the developer. As a paying customer, they should have a record of your purchase. They also have the ability to issue you a refund.

Once again, I apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.

Regards,

Ryne

The Android Market Team

[Dan Brelje]

This will probably make more of you upset than not. I was able to re-download the old version of the navionics software onto my droid x this past weekend. I have not noticed anything different from the version I originaly downloaded.

[BassKnuckles]

I'm so glad I have an iPhone.

[fisherman-andy]

I'm so glad I have an iPhone.

X2. I dont exactly know how the Android OS market keeps track of Apps or purchases but for iOS/iPhone your Apps youve purchased are in your purchase history and can generally be redownloaded in the event it gets accidently deleted or your phone has be restored due to some software fault. Even now the old North App still appears on my purchase history for redownload. I have it already on my iTunes.

The last update to the Navionics North App was for iPhone was version 5.04 on 5/12/11. I've compared same North versions from iPhone to Android and the iPhone version is better and smoother. This App is no longer available for purchase but can still be downloaded if your previously purchased it on your iPhone.

I've had the newer Navionics Marine&Lakes: US& Canada App for over a year and half now and the updates to it keeps getting better.

If you still have the old North App its time to update cause you are missing out on a whole lotta features. The old North App stored all the maps on the phone. The newer App allows you to preload and store only maps you want during your trip to the waters to save memory space.