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Tyre stopped working, again!

2K views 17 replies 9 participants last post by  blaustrom 
#1 ·
Tyre just forced a new release 8 out and it runs again on Google Maps BUT you need to sign up for a Google account and give them your credit card (which many Android users probably have done) but I don't like it one bit.

So the question, is there any alternative out there that allows route planning form a PC (other than Basecamp) and saving the GPX file for transfer to Basecamp or to share with fellow riders?
 
#3 ·
For me, the alternative was to use Tyre's replacement, their on-line based program called MyRoute. It doesn't have as many of the features as Tyre did, but it's still usable. It's what I've been using for the past year or so. I got the paid version, but I think they have a free version with limited functioning. MyRoute can create the same .gpx files that can be loaded into Basecamp, or onto a Garmin or Tom Tom. The files can also be sent to other riders. In fact, with MyRoute, you can make the file you create available to other riders through the website itself.

I'm curious; why does Tyre want your CC number? Are they charging you for something? I still have the older version of Tyre on my computer (I kept an old file of it just in case they updated it to something I didn't like). I occasionally use it with the OpenStreet maps, but I prefer the Google maps on MyRoute.

Furkot is another mapping program you can use. I've tried it, but prefer MyRoute.
 
#4 ·
…I'm curious; why does Tyre want your CC number? ....
Its not Tyre, it is Google, to be able to use their commercial routing facility. You are supposedly not getting charged unless you use thousands of routings per day but I don't like the principle. Tyre does not work without that key.

Your old Tyre version will probably stop working when you open it next. At least mine did.
 
#7 ·
Furkot: I just played around a bit and it is not as simple as Tyre to just make a route. On the other hand it has many other features that may come in handy, once I get the hang of it. Will give it a try. Imported a test route into Basecamp and that came in ok.
 
#11 · (Edited)
It took me a while to get the hang of it (and can't say I totally ly mastered it) but I can't imagine travelling without it.

..Tom
 
#8 ·
When ANY online service requires your credit card number, even when saying they will not charge you, you can bet that ONE DAY you will do something that allows them to mine your wealth.

I am TYRED of online identities that try this con. I just walk away and search for similar (even inferior) software elsewhere.
 
#9 ·
Apply for a card with a very low limit then after hooking up cancel the card if you don't feel comfortable ??
 
#10 ·
Furkot does not charge for its use. They are very upfront in that their income comes from using their service to book hotels so they get the referal fee. It does have a higher level that adds some additional features and is fully functional without the additional features.

I used it to book a hotel this eve. Same cost as booking directly and Furkot gets the referral from hotels.com

..Tom
 
#15 ·
I don't think it's a con (asking you to attach a credit card to your Google account). I think it's a way for Google to collect a developer's fee for using Google Maps. The gist I got from this whole API Key thing was that Google realized that they were missing out on collecting even more revenue from all the various software developers who were designing their software around Google's product. So, they decided that anyone who uses it a lot, like Tyre, is now going to have to consider themselves as developers the way Google defines them, and they're making them pay a fee to obtain the API key so they can continue using Google's maps. That was one reason that the original Tyre program stopped working with Google Maps; because they wouldn't pay for the API Key. For individual users, I think the Google account and credit card is a way for Google to permit individual use of the maps without being a developer, but it leaves them a back door to track the amount that you use the maps. They can no doubt keep track of your usage through Tyre via your Google account, and I suppose if you reach a certain threshold of map usage, they begin charging you a fee. I have no idea what that threshold would be, or even if my theory is correct, but it would make sense if Tyre now requires a Google account in order to use it.

I miss Tyre a lot; it was the best mapping program I'd found for guys who ride motorcycles (probably because it was written by a couple guys who ride motorcycles). And with Google's current stance, I doubt you'll see another Windows-based freeware mapping program created by independent developers that takes into account the needs of motorcyclists.

I've gotten myself to the point where I can use Basecamp enough to create a route, and Basecamp does have the advantage of not needing an internet connection to work. I just wish Garmin's software developers would take a hint from Tyre and introduce a little simplicity into Basecamp.

Between Google and Amazon, there soon isn't gonna be any money for anyone else to use; they're going to have it all.
 
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