Mapkin

Discussion in 'Gadgets & Tech Talk' started by Ken Anderson, Jun 6, 2016.

  1. Ken Anderson

    Ken Anderson Senior Staff
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    I have complained some about my iPhone because, in most ways, I preferred by Android, but here is an app that I really like.

    Mapkin is a GPS app that gives directions as if they were coming from a real person. Users of the app can share tips about landmarks or things to watch out for, such as speed traps, and the app gives turn by turn guidance that includes visual clues, using real-time traffic reports that warn me if I am coming up on a reported accident or traffic jam, often even telling me which lane it is in.

    It also uses a familiar tone, sometimes slightly sarcastic. For example, if I go past a turn, she might say something like, “Okay fine, we’ll go this way instead,” and then proceed to reroute me, avoiding the “recalculating...” nonsense that so many other GPS’s will give.

    When I nearly missed a turn and swerved suddenly to get in the right lane, she perceived that movement as if I had been cut off and took my side, saying, “I can’t believe that other driver cut you off like that.”

    Plus of course, the directions are very accurate. At the end, Mapkin might say that I’ve reached my destination a couple of buildings away from the actual destination, but it’s very close, and better than most. Everyone who was with my on the road trip we made around Maine and to Boston last week ended up downloading Mapkin.

    I have a Tom-Tom and a Garmin, and I liked the VZ Navigator that I used when I had an Android and used Verizon as my provider but I use US Cellular now, and had to find an alternative to VZ Navigator. I am pleased to find that I like Mapkin better.
     
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  2. Joe Riley

    Joe Riley Supreme Member
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    Mapkin sounds like a fun app. We have a Garmin, that we put up with.

    Amish GPS.gif
     
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  3. Ken Anderson

    Ken Anderson Senior Staff
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    Yeah, I've got a Garmin too. I prefer the Garmin to the Tom-Tom but Mapkin is better. More personable anyhow.
     
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  4. Joe Riley

    Joe Riley Supreme Member
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    I have gotten tired of the lady's voice and would like another choice, but I don't know how to change it.
     
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  5. Chrissy Cross

    Chrissy Cross Supreme Member
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    Thanks, Ken. Sounds like something I need. It's an iphone app?

    Never mind, went back and reread what you said.

    Just got it and was reading reviews....a few have problems with sound going out. Have you had any problems?
     
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  6. Ken Anderson

    Ken Anderson Senior Staff
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    I changed mine years ago, shortly after buying my Garmin. I know it wasn't difficult but I don't remember. However, here is how Garmin says to do it.
     
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  7. Ken Anderson

    Ken Anderson Senior Staff
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    Yes, I believe it's free too. If there was a charge, it was minimal.
     
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  8. Chrissy Cross

    Chrissy Cross Supreme Member
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    It was free.

    Here are some of the reviews

    image.png
     
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  9. Chrissy Cross

    Chrissy Cross Supreme Member
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    I'll have to go somewhere and try it out. I've had the voice problem with my other iphone gps app I use, so will see.

    When the app appeared on my iphone it's called mapquest but looks like a different mapquest that I already have. Looks different also.

    It seems more detailed with all sorts of information even the temperature outside right now.

    I think I'm going to like it! :)

    Knowing where traffic might be is an important feature for me.
     
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    Last edited: Jul 12, 2016
  10. Ken Anderson

    Ken Anderson Senior Staff
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    Those reviews certainly haven't been my experience. It does reroute, by the way, it simply doesn't say, "rerouting" as it does it.
     
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  11. Joe Riley

    Joe Riley Supreme Member
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    Thanks, @Ken Anderson for that info. I was able to go my device and change the voice from American Jill, to American Jack.;) (updating my maps as well)
     
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    Last edited: Jul 12, 2016
  12. Frank Sanoica

    Frank Sanoica Supreme Member
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    Well, I enjoy getting involved, but shan't this time, as I don't know what anyone is talking about........o_O
     
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  13. Joe Riley

    Joe Riley Supreme Member
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    I was just changing the voice on our gps to a man's voice, with Ken's help.
     
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  14. Ken Anderson

    Ken Anderson Senior Staff
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    Yeah, I did the same. Who could trust directions given by a woman? ;)
     
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  15. Joe Riley

    Joe Riley Supreme Member
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