Compass 1.3.0.0
In case you do not have such a physical device, worry not because there are numerous virtual assistants that can be used from a mobile device such as your Windows Phone and one of them is Compass developed by Robert Firth.
Plain and unadorned look, focused on practical aspects
The focus when creating this app was only on functionality, as you will realize when coming face to face with the front-end of this utility that lacks any visually appealing elements of graphical design.
The needle is quite responsive and adapts pretty fast to each movement, while the coordinates displayed in the upper part of the screen are also adjusted according to your current position.
There is, nonetheless, a constant nuisance that follows you around and it is represented by the ad banners that will also appear in the lower part of the screen.
All the information you need at your fingertips
This application will need to be calibrated once in a while and you will be prompted to do so in the early moments of the first use. The procedure is carried out manually in order to obtain the best results and all the necessary instructions on how to do this are outlined in the calibration prompt.
Inside the main screen you have the positioning details, as well as the cardinal points inscribed on the rotating dial that adjust its position as you move. The numbers are easy to read and presented in a pretty clear manner, so you can follow a certain direction without any problems.
The heading and degrees that are necessary for navigation are shown inside the main screen, right above the compass dial, so you will always know in which direction you are currently going.
If you choose to activate the location services from the "Settings" area of Compass, the precise coordinates of your current location will also be shown. Also, the altitude and speed can be viewed right below the compass dial.
The application can use the Metric or Imperial measurement system, depending on which setting you activate from the same module. In case you want to use only the compass functionality, disabling the location services for this app will remove from view the coordinates, as well as the speed and altitude parameters.
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CompassHits & Misses
hits
|
misses
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Bottom Line
Design / UI4
The interface of this app is less attractive than many similar utilities, lacks customizations and has advertisement banners. |
Function8
The application offers a simple calibration procedure and accurate readings, so it scores pretty well from the functional perspective. |
Security7
A bit to curious, Compass will need to access several system areas and for some of them it has no good reason to do so. |
Battery2
The stress on the battery is extremely high and the utility uses up a lot of power when running in the background as well. |
Price9
Despite the shortcoming of having flashing ads inside, this app performs very well and can be a reliable tool for any user. |
Compatibility8
Although the app works with Windows Phone 8 and higher devices, some accuracy related issues may arise if the handset doesn't have a built-in compass and has to use the GPS. |
Specifications
- price:
- Free with ads
- current version:
- 1.3.0.0
- reviewed version:
- 1.3.0.0
- developer:
- Robert Firth
- category:
- NAVIGATION
- os version req.:
- 8, 8.1
- age rating:
- N/A
- in-app purchases:
- No
- hits:
- 466