Run GPS on Google Maps on Samsung i780 [How-to]

Posted on April 28, 2008 by Benjamin Koe

When I got my i780 a week back, I was under the impression that the GPS chip was locked to only allow AGIS’s NAVfone software and maps to work on the machine. Reviews I read before my purchase mentioned its inability to work the GPS on Google Maps even though it was detected by the app.

But that’s not true as I found out. All you need to do is:

  1. Go to the Start Menu > Settings > System
  2. Click on External GPS icon
  3. Under the Programs Tab change GPS program port to COM8
  4. Move to Hardware Tab and change GPS hardware port to COM9 and Baud rate to 4800
  5. Move to Access Tab and check Manage GPS automatically
  6. Click OK to save your settings

Now launch Google Maps on your device (if you haven’t got it, go download it) and stand under the clear blue sky. Within 2 seconds you should get at least 4-5 satellites connected and a little blue dot on your map for your location. Keep the settings for the GPS in Google Maps to use the system default.

I’m almost sure these settings will work on other GPS software too, but I don’t know others software with Singapore maps so I’m not putting down cash yet, but I’m sure it’ll come in handy when you use other software and maps when you travel.

Oh, and just to be clear, Google Maps is NOT a driving GPS replacement. It doesn’t “talk” to you and prompt you with robotic voices. It’s just a mapping application that helps you find your way.

P.s. You also need a data connection to use this because Google Maps doesn’t store the maps on your device but downlaods it off its servers just like Google Maps on the web.

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8 Responses to “Run GPS on Google Maps on Samsung i780 [How-to]”

  1. Daily Tech: 29 Apr 2008 « The Singapore Daily, on April 29th, 2008 at 11:20 am Said:

    [...] Tech - The eOK .network: Run GPS on Google Maps on Samsung i780 [How-to] - theory.isthereason: GTA IV + Euphoria engine = Mimicking Life on Screen - Under the Willow Tree: [...]

  2. Wissam, on May 13th, 2008 at 9:59 pm Said:

    hello, i tried this google map application, it worked fine when i was using wifi connection, but once i tried using “activate GPS” it doesnt work, even tho i tried your settings. can you please help me out?? thank you

  3. Tan JK, on May 20th, 2008 at 12:08 am Said:

    It works! I did not change anything from the original setting.

    The only difference on my i780 is using GPD1 port on the Programs tab.

    Great help!

  4. Az, on May 31st, 2008 at 4:52 pm Said:

    Thanks mate! Followed your instructions precisely and it worked a treat!
    I bought my i780 in Singapore but live in the UK.
    So, for anyone in a similar situation, this tip should work perfectly for you.

  5. Manjula kumaragama, on June 5th, 2008 at 9:38 pm Said:

    Thanks for ur instructions

  6. Indkøb og prøveprogrammeringer | Bæredygtig bevidsthed på mellemtrinnet, on June 10th, 2008 at 6:21 am Said:

    [...] del. Så er det jo godt at mange deler erfaringer på nettet. Jeg siger mange tak for hjælpen til Benjamin Koe fra Singapore han ved et eller andet om [...]

  7. mermer, on June 13th, 2008 at 9:43 pm Said:

    thanks you.

  8. higui, on July 9th, 2008 at 8:28 pm Said:

    in the picture i attached gps is not working. It is the imprecise solution based on triangulation.

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