Anyone who has an "Android" Powered phone (Sky Caddie Alternative)

[Aztecs27]

Just found an app on the Android Market called "SkyDroid" which is basically a GPS locator to give you distances to the front, centre and back of greens. Plus distances to any hazards that have been pointed out.

It cost me 67p, can't go wrong!

I've not used it on the course yet, but will do tomorrow night (weather permitting! ) and report back, but the reviews of it are glowing.

The bonus is that if your course isn't in their database, you can go on their website and map it out. I've just mapped out my local 9-holer and it took me ten minutes. It's now available for anyone to use.

Just thought I'd give you all a heads up incase you were looking for a cheaper alternative to a Sky Caddie.

EDIT: Their website is here: www.skydroid.net for a list of courses that they already have.

 

[Aztecs27]

Managed to sneak out for 9 holes in the dark this evening and I can say with great confidence that it's easily the best 67p I have ever spent.

The yardages were extremely accurate and never more than a yard out and it helped me shoot 6 over par.

Very highly recommended for anyone with an Android powered phone who can't afford to spend hundreds of pounds on a SkyCaddie.

 

[Lump]

I take it this uses 3g to locate your position (I.e its use's your internet usage)?

 

[Aztecs27]

I don't think it does actually. I think it picks up GPS signals using your phone's standard signal.

Reason I don't think it uses the 3G signal is because I have a Data Monitor on my phone which keeps track of data I upload/download so I can see when I get close to my monthly allowance, and the amount didn't increase after being on the golf course and the battery life wasn't completely sucked away.

 

[HTL]

Have seen this but would definitely not use it. I have a HTC Desire and the battery lasts for about 8 hours using it regularly. Using this app I reckon it would last 4 hours tops.
I’m really not impressed with these Android phone things.

 

[Aztecs27]

Have seen this but would definitely not use it. I have a HTC Desire and the battery lasts for about 8 hours using it regularly. Using this app I reckon it would last 4 hours tops.
I’m really not impressed with these Android phone things.

My battery is pretty awful too (I have a HTC Hero) but it hardly made a dent having it turned on for an hour and a half for 9 holes. I'll keep an eye on it and keep you posted if you like.
If you're intruiged and the battery thing is the only worry, buy it/download it the day you go golfing (or the night before), use it on the course and if you don't like it or it drains too much battery, just get a refund. That's the great thing about the Android Market, if you buy an app and you don't like it, you can get a refund if you've had it less than 24 hours.

Just as a helpful hint, try turning off the "mobile network" if you don't use it all the time. You can still make calls/texts, but it just turns off the 3G network. It helps save the battery ALOT. The whole point of "smart phones" is that it's constantly updating and refreshing your data, so it's always trying to upload/download stuff, if you turn the 3G network off it won't do this. I use mine to check email and stuff, but if I'm not within one of my wireless ranges, I'll just switch it on and off when I need it, as it's quick to do. (You should be able to do it easily from the front screen, if it's the same as the Hero you hold the power/end call button down and it brings up a menu to turn off phone, switch to airplane mode, switch off/on mobile network etc).

 

[Oggie41]

I've tried most of the Android Golf GPS apps, and the best I've found is GolfCard (http://www.senygma.com). It only cost a few quid and is brill. The battery usually only goes down about 40% for the full 18 holes (I'm using an HTC Hero by the way). I've used it side by side with my mates expensive SkyCaddie and it is as accurate, and provides a few extra features the SkyCaddie doesn't.

 

[Aztecs27]

Cheers for the heads up! might have to invest if it's not too expensive.

 

[Imurg]

I've got a Skycaddie and I've just upgraded my phone to the HTC Desire. My biggest problem with taking the HTC onto the course would be using it in bad weather. I know the SC isn't waterproof but then it doesn't carry all my business contacts etc etc etc and its £500 to replace it.

Had a look at the site and it looks quite easy to map your course. Possible problem though is that you have no idea when the satelite photo was taken - have there been changes since? You also need to know your way around the course. If its a new course to you how will you know which way the holes go?

THese apart it looks quite effective.
Good luck

 

[Aztecs27]

I've got a Skycaddie and I've just upgraded my phone to the HTC Desire. My biggest problem with taking the HTC onto the course would be using it in bad weather. I know the SC isn't waterproof but then it doesn't carry all my business contacts etc etc etc and its £500 to replace it.

Had a look at the site and it looks quite easy to map your course. Possible problem though is that you have no idea when the satelite photo was taken - have there been changes since? You also need to know your way around the course. If its a new course to you how will you know which way the holes go?

THese apart it looks quite effective.
Good luck

I can confirm that the course mapper is very easy to use. It relies on Google Maps technology, so like you say, if the Satellite pic is old and there have been course changes it might affect it.

On the most very basic of uses though, unless the green has been moved, you'll still be able to get accurate yardages, you just might not know how far it is to reach the new fairway bunker etc..

Knowing your way around the course is also a good point! I will probably only ever be using it for courses I know, so it shouldn't affect me too much, and at the price, I can't complain.

That said, some of the other GPS apps that are available have ALOT more courses already in their database, (I think the one mentioned above has over 60,000) and I think that costs less than £10, which is still a steal for something that will get so much use.

 

[Spoff]

I've been using DroidCaddie on my HTC Magic.

not probs with the battery for 18, all smartphone batteies are pretty naff.

 

[THJahar]

errrm...freecaddie has been doing this for ages and longer than droid caddie.
And you don't even have to pay 67p.

 

[Imurg]

errrm...freecaddie has been doing this for ages and longer than droid caddie.
And you don't even have to pay 67p.

Tried Freecaddie today.

It couldn't get a GPS fix. Google Maps could

 

[RichardC]

errrm...freecaddie has been doing this for ages and longer than droid caddie.
And you don't even have to pay 67p.

Tried Freecaddie today.

It couldn't get a GPS fix. Google Maps could

I had the same problem on my iPhone with freecaddie.