Garmin Viago app

gatorguy

Garmin has come to the realization that smartphone users expect relatively inexpensive solutions to navigation needs and their current offers just weren't competitively priced any longer. For many free Google or Apple maps have been "good enough" for the price :) . So what's Garmin's response? Viago, a smartphone app for under a dollar offering features neither of the two mobile powerhouses offer like multi-stop navigation, Lane-assist and photoReal Junction View. Other features as needed can be added as in-app purchases. Those include Mobile Alert camera warnings, Garmin Real directions (announcing landmarks/traffic lights rather than street names), Safety Kit (speed warnings, alternate routes) and Urban Guidance to name a few. I just downloaded Viago myself and will give it a try the next couple of days.

http://sites.garmin.com/viago/

Boyd

Kind of a goofy name…. sounds like "viagra". :)

SergZak

Going solely by the reviews (at least in the Apple App Store), seems as if the app's roll-out is not going very well or very smoothly. However, it is currently #2 in the iTunes Top Charts "Paid" category (when viewing the App Store on the iPhone) as of 6/18/2014.

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"

Or you can simply find it in the App Store's "Top Charts" as I mentioned above. I really don't see it staying there (at least in the #2 position) for very long.

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.

Tim

They are certainly conceding there is no market for premium navigation apps on smartphones. Remember when the first TomTom and Garmin apps were released at $99? Then about a year later they were $49... It is simply a race to the bottom.

Boyd

I think they bounced off the bottom… the iOS StreetPilot Onboard North America app is $60, the Western Europe App is $90.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/garmin-n.-america/id435740864?ls=1&mt=8

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/garmin-western-europe/id434932570?ls=1&mt=8

I have noticed that the EU maps are more expensive in general than US. I suppose this is due to licensing fees involving multiple sovereign countries?

popej

Viago isn't cheap. If you'd like to have off-line map, traffic messages, TTS voice, speed limits then it is already $41. And this is probably half of the target price.

Currently all maps are for $10. You buy full City Navigator but you can select regions for download like in nuvi. CN Europe is 2014.40, this is not the latest version.

gatorguy

You are right Popej, it's not cheap to expand beyond that $1 intro version. I will say that the basic version is quite usable tho and most won't need anything more than that. At the same time it doesn't offer much more than the free Google and Apple map apps do unless you "pay to play" with $10 add-ons like Real Directions or Maps-to-Go. It could quickly add up.

sussamb

I suspect that's what they're counting on ... hook folks in with a 'cheap app' then see the £/$ pour on :-)

SergZak

With all the mobile device navigation apps that are available, I still have never, ever used my iPhone 5 for any vehicle navigation to anywhere. I'll sometimes use MotionX-GPS for walking but that's the extent of it. My nuvi is much more suited to vehicle navigation...besides that, I don't even touch my phone when driving.

sussamb

Serg, I'm the same yet my son uses his phone exclusively. Guess it's what you're used to and how it meets your needs.

Tim

This might also give Garmin negotiating power with Where (Navteq) since Garmin is sharing tracklog statistics with them for historical traffic flow data.

alokeprasad

I purchased it and quickly racked up a total of $60 to get features like the Nuvi's we are used to: TTS, lane guidance, traffic, customization of screen and voice, 3-D building views.

You need stored maps (Maps-to-go) for most of these features.

It was an indulgence. I still prefer Google Maps as it has now added lane information. Google maps is hard to beat, even amongst paid apps.

I am counting on Garmin to gradually improve the app and provide higher res maps as newer iPhones w larger screens get released.

fredbh

I've installed Viago and I put a Garmin map file (a .img file found on internet) into Viago's root directory.

It worked as well.
It shows the map, street names, POIs and other stuff.

But when I tried locate an address, the search fields are unable to fill.

I dont know why.

Does anyone tried it too ?

Thanks!

alokeprasad

I did not. I didn't see the point, as the maps downloaded in Viago have lots of POI as is. Also, it is difficult to do that sort of thing on an iPhone.

fredbh

So, let me explain myself.

I'm from Brazil and here we have a group of people(called Tracksource.org) that monthly create/compile a free Brazillian map compatible to Garmin devices.

This groups works as similar to Open Street Maps group.

This map created by them, are more accurate then Garmin's one. There are a lot of people working on that and every month they release a new version of it.

We have a lot of customs POIs, 4x4 bikes walking tracks, that doesn't exists on Garmin's official maps.

And the best of all, it's free!

So, it's better for us use this map instead buy the Viago built-in maps.

Thanks for all

:)

SergZak

We have a lot of customs POIs,

Does *any* Garmin mobile device App (Street Pilot, viago, etc) support user uploaded POIs (created with POI Loader) such as redlight cameras?

Boyd

You can't do it with the Streetpilot app, so it would be surprising if they allowed this on their budget-priced app. I doubt that this is a technical limitation, we all know how Garmin intentionally removes features from their lower cost products to differentiate them. I'm sure they would rather have you buy a nuvi than a $1.00 app. :)

http://support.garmin.com/support/searchSupport/case.faces?supportPage=Garmin StreetPilot Onboard for iPhone&caseId={7785c390-9cdf-11e0-d01c-000000000000}&locale=en_US

Garmin StreetPilot Onboard for iPhone is not capable of accepting personal data from external sources, such as Garmin navigation devices or Garmin computer software. At this time, data cannot be transferred from a Garmin device to the iPhone application.

popej

But when I tried locate an address, the search fields are unable to fill.

You have to create a text file with name country_codes_generated.gar and save it in Garmin directory. File should contain map file name and country codes, for countries covered by map. This is example for CN Europe downloaded in application:
{"D2974140A.img":"LU,GF,HR,HU,FR,VA,BE,DE,MC,DK,BL,CZ,AT,SI,SK,SM,IT,MQ,MT,PL,AD,CH,ES,NL,GP,LI"}

This is what I use for free OSM map of Poland:
{"PL_OSM_A.img":"PL"}

fredbh

Thank you very much Popej!

IT WORKED!

Very good!

adell

Hi fredbh
Did you get to fill address with tracksource map?, because I only got the address by garmin server with common erros in Brazil. Please, how country_codes_generated.gar text line did you use?

fredbh

The content of my country_codes_generated.gar file is:

{"gmapsupp.img":"BR"}

gmapsupp.img is the name of my map file
BR is the acronym for BRAZIL.

That's it :)

Bye

adell

Thank you fredbh,
Its worked! Also it is necessary to save country_codes_generated.gat with UTF-8, I think.
Adell

dahauss

I downloaded the app and almost all the options on my iPhone 4S. I am in the USA (NJ) and I selected the LOWER 49 STATES Map file rather then the one called NORTH AMERICA because the North America one is almost double in size and it appears to have the same state info that I need. HOWEVER, none of the optional features I purchased seem to work.. No 3d buildings, no junction view, lane assist, sounds and buildings, 3d view, safety kit or real directions, or mobile alerts. Does this mean I NEED the North America MAP and not the LOWER 49 STATES Map? that would be a real bummer as it will use up too much space on my phone for map areas I dont need...

Can anyone confirm this?

Boyd

Since it's something that you purchased and it doesn't work, I suggest you go "straight to the horses mouth". That way you can request a refund if needed. I haven't used this app myself, but I can't see any reason why those features wouldn't work with the lower 49 map. Using the StreetPilot app (big brother of Viago), I installed only a small portion of the EU map and everything worked correctly.

I will say however that 3d building coverage is pretty minimal and limited to major landmarks in major cities. Junction view is only available on selected highway interchanges. I wonder if maybe you got an incomplete download?

http://www.garmin.com/us/support/

Contact Support

By Phone

U.S.: 913-397-8200
U.S. Toll-free: 800-800-1020
Canada: 866-429-9296

Support Hours

Mon–Thurs: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Fri: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Central Time (Closed Holidays)

tph06784

I downloaded Lower 49 states and my add ons work.

dahauss

I tried the lower 49 states and the ADDONS did not work for me. When I switched to the full NA maps then some of them worked .. I wonder why? One of which was real directions.. It didnt work on a trip using the lower 49 states.. BUT this morning, I tested driving around my area to work with the full NA maps and it worked...

dahauss

Since it's something that you purchased and it doesn't work, I suggest you go "straight to the horses mouth". That way you can request a refund if needed. I haven't used this app myself, but I can't see any reason why those features wouldn't work with the lower 49 map. Using the StreetPilot app (big brother of Viago), I installed only a small portion of the EU map and everything worked correctly.

I will say however that 3d building coverage is pretty minimal and limited to major landmarks in major cities. Junction view is only available on selected highway interchanges. I wonder if maybe you got an incomplete download?

http://www.garmin.com/us/support/

Contact Support

By Phone

U.S.: 913-397-8200
U.S. Toll-free: 800-800-1020
Canada: 866-429-9296

Support Hours

Mon–Thurs: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Fri: 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Central Time (Closed Holidays)

I would think it would work with the lower 49 states but It didnt.. I would assume I would have gotten 3d building when I was in Atlantic City NJ... The other program I have, SYGIC, does have 3D buildings (it uses TOMTOM MAPS and traffic)... I have since re-downloaded everything using the full NA maps and now things I can test in my area that were not working before are now working... hmmmm...

Boyd

I would assume I would have gotten 3d building when I was in Atlantic City NJ... The other program I have, SYGIC, does have 3D buildings (it uses TOMTOM MAPS and traffic)

Why would you assume that Garmin and TomTom maps have the same features when the data comes from different sources? I have a Garmin Nuvi 3550 that supports 3d terrain and buildings. There are no buildings in Atlantic City (I live near AC). As I said above, only major cities have 3d buildings on Garmin - Philadelphia, New York, Washington, Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, etc.

pavelv

I purchased the Viago and used it for couple of days. Later I purchased and downloaded some in-app purchases. After that whenever I open Viago, my iPhone 5 wants to Sign In to iTunes store and asks me for my Apple ID password. Can anybody help me to solve this problem?
Thanks.

tph06784

I had this too for one day, but hasn't asked for it again.

alokeprasad

I downloaded the "USA without Alaska" and my optional (purchased) features work.

As for those seeing an iTunes prompt, go to the Download Manager and make sure you download all the mandatory files. I downloaded all that I was eligible to, just to be sure.

alanb

I downloaded Viago (Android version) to my Galaxy Note 8.0 and tested it on a short 250 mile road trip this weekend. The Note is wifi only, so I downloaded the North America map and a couple of the other add on's (total $31).

The one surprise I got with my testing is that Viago gave both a visual and audio (short ping) speed alert at 5 MPH over the speed limit. I looked in the settings, and sure enough, the speed cushion is configurable with 5 MPH as the default. I know this is something many nuvi users have asked for but never got. I think this feature is probably part of the "Safety Kit" add on.

A few of my other observations:
There is no trip log or visual display of where you have been.
No way to "search along the route" for a POI
Junction view is full screen
Address entry is by field instead of free form
No custom POI capability, also can't import routes or waypoints.
The multiple lane assist arrows on the navigation screen would display briefly then go away.
No support for voice recognition.

Overall, I liked the Viago app and hope Garmin continues to develop and improve it.

Boyd

There's a long thread about this app on Garmin's own forum. This part is interesting…


https://forums.garmin.com/showthread.php?91130-Garmin-new-Viago-App&p=323459#post323459

07-01-2014, 03:51 PM #34

KGANSHIRT
Master
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Regina, SK, Canada

Originally Posted by G8351427
I discovered a somewhat disturbing problem today.

Viago seems to run a service in the background whether you are using the app or not, AND it routinely requests location information from the background, as evidenced by the logs in my version of Android..

It's actually much worse. Whenever I check running apps Viago is running with as many as 3 services. I stop all 3 services and the App and moments later it's all back again. In some cases I have not launched the app myself in the past two or three days and there has been at least one intentional restart.

Sometimes it seems to get stuck in a state that drains the battery. The other night the battery was at 75% when I quit for the night. The next morning the tablet had powered off and would not restart until plugged in. The battery was at 3%. When I checked battery use it showed Viago at the top with 68%. Wifi was also unusually high, in second place for usage. It's normally never that high.

I uninstalled Viago from my phone a week ago. I'm only keeping it on my tablet out of some morbid curiosity to see whether they make it work properly or just give up and pull it.

...ken...

SergZak

Ugh...I wonder if this issue affects the iOS version as well. I was debating at least trying out the app for .99 but in addition to this potential issue along with the overall bad reviews of the iOS version in the App Store, I may not even want to try it now.

alanb

So far I haven't observed that problem on my Galaxy Note.

alokeprasad

On the iOS version:
How do I find out the map version I am using? (I purchased the Maps-to-go for USA without Canada)?
We know based on using Nuvi's and hanging around here that maps are updated every 3 months or so.
How will the map (or any other paid addon, for that matter) get updated on the iPhone? Will I get notified and have to download updates from the Download Manager?

alokeprasad

On an iPhone: I have purchased almost all add-ons (including maps-to-go) except Urban Guidance.

How do I mute voice guidance but listen to music or podcasts or audio from other apps?

I got the following from Garmin email support: "Apple does not support multiple audio channels at this time, and instead pushes everything through a "media" channel. It is not possible to mute the application and not adjust the volume on the phone."

That is not correct. Voice directions in Google Maps and Waze can be muted while allowing audio from other apps (like music playback or podcasts). Garmin should fix this (unless there is a way to do this now that I don't know of).

popej

You could try a "silent" voice. People are patching standard voices to remove any or most sounds, search for it. Some info is for example here:
http://www.poi-factory.com/node/41486

I assume that you can save files on your own phone.

Boyd

I assume that you can save files on your own phone.

iExplorer should let you do that without the need to jailbreak: http://www.macroplant.com/iexplorer/

alokeprasad

Thanks for the workarounds. IExplorer looks very interesting.
For now, I have a variety of navigation apps on the iPhone, including the very capable Google Maps. I'll wait for a couple of app updates from Garmin and see if they improve their app.

dtort

Dear Garmin (and anyone else who will listen)
Having a difficult time understanding your product strategy and Viago has only made this more confusing.
Longtime customer (eMap) have been through lots of changes in your model.
I use a GPS for driving and for walking while traveling. The walking part requires a unit that can last all day and in the Nuvi product line, the last one with removable batteries was the 800 series (my unit now on its last legs). Now all your units have permanently installed batteries that are often rates for only a few hours. Really?

OK, so I figure for that walking use you are going the iPhone route. Can have multiple external battery backs - great. Download Viago and pay about $90 for all the options, then go to import my existing waypoints (favorites, whatever). Oh, you can't do that.... whaaat?

The way you use Viago seems quite a bit different than the traditional way you might use a Nuvi, so let me download a manual and see what I am missing...... no manual? Really?

I understand the challenge that Garmin is facing with the advent of Google and Apple maps but this approach you are taking seems to have a lot of holes in your strategy. Do you really not care about the market that uses a GPS for navigating cities on foot? Why no manual to help customers maximize the benefit of what you build? If you really want customers to stay with your hardware then design it to be flexible for all uses including all day walking in the city. And why are you frustrating only your customers with not allowing upload of waypoints from your other devices into Viago?

I have just about had it with Garmin, and am resigned that I too, will have to go the Apple and Google maps route, and as convenient as they are, they just don't cut it for me. Wake up Garmin! Get back to focusing on your customers, it can be done while maintaining competitive differentiation, even in this digital world.
Dan

alokeprasad

Info from Garmin Support:

Map updates will be released for Viago about twice per year. Once all features of Viago have been released and finalized, we will pursue quarterly updates.

When updates are released, a notice will appear when the application is loaded, and the download can be started from the Download Manager.

WAASup

What's New
Version 1.1.0 (2379):

- Foursquare POI search added
- New In-App product Urban Guidance : Navigate via public transport
- Fix for issues issues reported through Google Play

Undocumented change is the Bonus Package which allows you to customize the map and vehicle symbol. Free registration is required. It adds 10 map themes, and vehicles may be downloaded from the Garmin Garage.

The Urban Guidance feature costs $4.99. Strange that Toronto is not listed in the supported transit systems, but Montreal and Vancouver are. Documentation can be downloaded at http://static.garmincdn.com/shared/emea/custom/viago/UrbanGuidance_coverage_20140520.pdf

WAASup

After installing to a second device, the Bonus Package shows installed, but options to select map themes and vehicle icons are missing. Reported to Garmin.

alokeprasad

I had the Bonus Package from version 1 original release .. Required me to register the app to get that enabled in the app.

WAASup

Uninstalling/reinstalling viago on a second device fixes the missing Bonus Package problem. Offline maps, JCV and junction view files need to be re-downloaded :-(

kganshirt

I see there's a new version appeared in the Play Store a couple days ago. I just reinstalled it on my tablet (Nexus 7 2013) and it's downloading the maps and additional files now.

The update says it fixes bugs reported in the Play Store. That's not especially comforting. Like many others, I won't join Google+ so I can't comment on apps in the Play Store. I sure hope they've also paid attention to trouble reports and emails through their standard web site support pages. We'll see soon enough.

Earlier in this thread someone posted a response from Garmin that StreetPilot will never allow you to add favorites/waypoints or other things from other Garmin devices or PC software (I assume they mean Basecamp, etc). I asked that question about Viago a few months back and got the same answer ... not going to happen. That's pretty much a showstopper for me. But I'll play with it a bit again. I've already paid for it so I might as well see if they ever get the basics right.

...ken...

kganshirt

For anyone interested in having offline maps AND the ability to get their favorites/waypoints and custom POIs from their Garmin device(s) or PC software like Mapsource or Basecamp, ALK CoPilot Live makes it fairly easy. I've been using it on my Android smartphones for more than a year and it works well. Maps are from the same supplier as Garmin.

Hope this isn't too off topic. It seems like a reasonable note for anyone who comes here looking for an app like Viago but that lets them use their existing data without having to manually enter it.

...ken...

dahauss

Has anyone done a comparison between Viago and the garmin usa program that's been out for ios for a long time? I'm trying to decide which one to keep on my phone....

alokeprasad

Good question. How does the Viago compare to StreetPilot Onboard North America?

alokeprasad

I emailed Garmin support asking this question:
Whats the difference between Viago and StreetPilot Onboard apps?

Here is the answer. Exactly as received:
"Thank you for contacting Garmin International. I would be more than happy to explain the major difference between the 2 apps you are inquiring about. Mainly the Viago app's biggest difference is that I think of the Viago app more like a set of Lego's. Its more of a customize your own app and build it how it will work for you best by only having to by what you want and need instead of purchasing an app with all preset functions and buying multiple apps in a purchase to get just one. Hope this Helps!"