For most of us, our phones have replaced quite a few pieces of technology in our lives, not the least of which is GPS or mapping software. Having the appropriate sensors and whatnot to tell you exactly where you are most anytime is generally more helpful than having to carry around a separate GPS device when travelling. The Google Pixel is the newest and shiniest featured Android device on the block, but some users are seeing compass issues with the device. Specifically, they’re seeing themselves pointed in the wrong direction.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oq9j3US2wus&feature=youtu.be
You can see in the video above that when switching from camera to Maps, the vehicle (and the phone) are definitely pointed in the same direction moving forward, but Maps shows the dot facing the opposite direction. For some, this isn’t going to be a huge deal, provided they know which way they’re actually going and won’t be confused by the way they are “facing” in the app. For others though, this could be problematic when travelling.
Some have pointed out that this issue has been present on several Nexus devices, with varying degrees of change. I can confirm, for example, that my Nexus 6P seems to show about a 90 degree difference based on where I’m sitting right now. There was a slight difference between landscape and portrait though. When navigating, I’ve never had an issue following the little blue dot, regardless of the direction it’s facing, provided that the blue dot is following the road I’m on appropriately.
Have you seen any discrepancies with the compass on your Google Pixel or other Nexus or Android devices? Tell us what you think in the comment section below, or on Google+, Facebook, or Twitter.
