Android Maps / Navigation App

I'm having some serious problems with the latest version of the google maps app on my Note 2.

I use GPS on my phone a lot, especially to find people's houses. I was quite happy with the functionality of the stock app. Then it was automatically updated a month or two ago, and since then, I've had nothing but issues.

Overall responsiveness of the app is way down. I used to be able to plug in a new route in just a few seconds, whereas the new app seems like it has to sit there and think after every time I touch a button.

Uses much more data. I don't recall the old maps/navigation app using tons of data all the time. This is exacerbated by the fact that my driveway is right in that spot where I'm on the edge of my WiFi but not far enough to auto disconnect and switch to 4G so often it chokes waiting for data. Old app never seemed to have issues with this.

Locks up. Once I input the source and destination, I have to wait AT LEAST 5-10 seconds before I press the blue arrow button to begin turn-by-turn directions. If I press it quicker than that, the whole screen turns white, then the app shuts down "Google Maps has stopped working".

Pressing power button resets all data. This is probably the biggest issue I have with the app. I have gotten into the habit of pressing my power button once I'm done looking at my phone which simply turns the screen off. I do this to conserve battery, especially when using GPS which will otherwise keep the screen on the whole time. Unfortunately if I press the power button when using the new version of the app, and then press it again later to turn the screen back on, it will have reset the app and I have to put in a new source and destination - and then hope it doesn't lock up when I begin turn-by-turn navigation again. The old app never cared if I used the power button to turn off my screen; I'd turn it back on and everything would still be there.

I've solved this temporarily by reverting to the stock version of the Maps app, but even with automatic app updates specifically disabled, it still seems to update automatically to the POS new version somehow about once per week... I also hate the idea of simply using an old version. Why did they make the new version so bad?

I also have a Note 2 and the new maps version definitely sucks compared to the previous version. When I first updated it, it would consistantly crash when I tried to navigate anywhere. No message or anything.. just crash to launcher, but I temporarily fixed it by clearing cache, but sometimes it still crashes like that. It's definitely laggier and less responsive compared to the old version on my phone. I have seen that same issue you have where it takes forever to search for a route/destination too. It takes a LOT more tapping and input just to navigate to a contact or previous destination since there's no more "navigation" icon anymore, which would take you to a tabbed interface to let you navigate to contacts or previous desintations, now you only have "Maps." I don't even see the option to navigate to contacts anymore anywhere in the app.

I haven't noticed the screen off/reset issue you mention though. But I normally leave my screen on when I navigate since my phone is charging in the car anyways.

I'm strongly considering reverting back to the previous version of Maps though. I want to give this new version a good effort try to see if it will get updated and fixed, but it's getting old fast. If you're rooted, you can use Titatnium Backup to detach the app from the market so it doesn't receive any updates through the Play Store anymore. If I revert back, I will do that until I start seeing Maps getting the above issues fixed.

I hate the new version. It usually takes two navigation attempts off of voice actions to get it to work. The first one opens a blank map and the second attempt navigates. Not to mention that the usability of it is terrible.

I reverted immediatley after they removed the ability to cache map tiles for offline use. The new version blows. Search xda, you'll find an apk easily.

I had the same issue on my old xperia z. Now ive upgraded to the z ultra every problem stated has gone.the new maps cant be optimized for every chipset yet.

New Google maps navi update sucks completely. Multiple tries to get it to get a GPS signal and plan a route (used to be instantaneous), and when I get an incoming phone call, the app will CTD and will not plan a route unless I reboot my phone. This is on a Sprint Galaxy S3.

I have since installed and exclusively use the free version of Scout and it has been the most awesome navi app I have ever used. It even kicks the shit out of my TomTom and Garmin dedicated navi units.