Vlog: Nokia N97 Compass Overview in HD

June 17th, 2009 • Mark Guim • Filed Under •

A nice feature on the Nokia N97 is the compass and the only way to really tell you about it is by showing you video of it in action. I like the addition of this sensor because I don’t have to walk to find out which direction I’m heading.

You can also watch this video in HD on the Youtube page.

My problem with the compass is that you have to calibrate it every time you open Nokia Maps. It means doing the weird figure-8 motion whenever you need to use it. It usually takes a while too. On average, it has been taking me 1-2 minutes.

This reminds me of when the GPS was introduced on the Nokia N95. It used to take minutes to lock on my position, but only a few seconds now with the latest devices. I’m sure Nokia will improve on the compass as well.

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  • chiris
  • Nels
    DAmmit can't make my compass work.. it can hit yellow and then if lucky green for 1-2 sec and then go back red again
  • Disappointed that it it only works with Nokia Maps currently, it only seems to affect your orientation without any additional features, and doesn't have a standalone app.

    -3G S and i8910 both have standalone compass apps
    -3G S gives you a "Metal Gear Solid vision cone" near your position to help show your orientation
    -HTC G1 uses the compass in Street View (very cool)

    It's also worth noting the i8910 doesn't seem to use the compass for anything BUT the compass app right now too, so there's a lot of room for improvement with this new tech from all companies.
  • napier
    I believe the navigator phones have compasses as well. Do they have this calibration issue as well?
  • Err, the manual *does* say to rotate it about *all* axes, that is, tumble it, don't just do the figure eight. I can calibrate it in a few seconds, usually. The diagram is fairly misleading. :)
  • Viipottaja
    Hehe.. yeah, it does look a bit silly.

    Is there any difference on how quickly it calibrates if you do it indoors vs. outdoors. I would imagine not, but thought to ask nonetheless.
  • Heikki
    Usually electronic compasses are calibrated by putting them on level surface like on a table and turning them slowly over 360 degrees. So mark, can you try what Ray suggested and give us your opinion if it's faster (and accurate).
  • I tried both methods and don't notice any difference. They both take a few minutes.
  • Greg Brooker
    Sad it only works in Nokia Maps as Nokia doesnt have maps for my country and it quite useless
  • Ray
    Mark
    I do that 8 thing you were showing and after compass turns yellow I would put phone on my palm and turn it full 360 couple times it works better that way.
  • seaotter02
    Ugh, it only works in Nokia Maps? That's pretty pointless for those of us who think Nokia maps is complete and utter garbage. Wow, I hope the one on the n86 isn't this lame, but not holding my breath.
  • I'm sure google will update the s60 google maps to support the compass sensor
  • seaotter02
    That would definitely be sweet, but I find it odd that they didn't include a dedicated app for it off the start - it's a great feature to have even on its own (sans map). I do also wonder if the iPhone is going to have odd compass calibration issues too.
  • kayoh
    Yep, sounds like it's the same thing on an iPhone 3G S as well. This from http://www.austinkim.com/?p=28855:
    "You calibrate the compass, before all that, by twisting a figure 8 in the air with the phone."
  • It should make lightsaber sounds while you're calibrating it. vrrreeeaarrrrrrerrr.

    I'm liking the new videos you're posting. And the beard! : )
  • Haha, looks fun to calibrate and yeah, with lightsaber it would be more awesome :D Whuuuuuuuum.

    Points for the new review style, keep them coming like this way!
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