Why this app was created
I wanted to build a small, practical GPS display focused on one task: showing the current speed in a large and readable way.
During navigation, a speed display may be missing, too small or positioned inconveniently depending on the app and view. The display should therefore float above other apps and be movable to the desired position.
The app should also be useful without a navigation app. It therefore includes a clear full-screen display and a horizontally mirrored HUD mode for projection onto the windscreen.
The app deliberately remains lightweight: no user account, no cloud and no transmission of location data. Route recording is started only deliberately; recorded data remains exclusively on the device.
The unit is selected automatically from the Android device’s regional system settings: metric settings use km/h, while imperial or US settings use mph. No manual switch is required.
Bluetooth cadence sensor
For the optional cadence display, GPS Speedometer has been tested with the Magene S314. The sensor must operate in cadence mode. To set it up, briefly rotate the crank, select bicycle mode in the app, open “Cadence sensor”, tap “Search for sensor” and select the S314. The selection is stored locally; afterwards the app reconnects automatically whenever the sensor is active.
Possible alternatives are Bluetooth cadence sensors that provide standard Cycling Speed and Cadence (CSC) data, for example Garmin Cadence Sensor 2 or Wahoo RPM Cadence (where still available). We have not tested these alternatives with GPS Speedometer, so compatibility cannot be guaranteed. If a sensor is not found, check whether it is already connected to another app or device.
A look inside the app
The interface is intentionally reduced: start the display, select a colour and use overlay, full screen or HUD as required.
Privacy and permissions
The app requires location access to calculate the current GPS speed. The Android permission to display over other apps is also required for the overlay.
Location data is processed exclusively on the device. It is stored locally only when route recording is deliberately started.
There are no ads, tracking, cloud services or transmissions to the developer or third parties.
Feedback and questions
For comments and questions about display, GPS behaviour and device compatibility, please email: gps@diy-technik.de
Voluntary support
Like the app?
The app is free and ad-free. If you would like to support development voluntarily, you can buy the developer a coffee.
Availability
The app is currently available in several versions (sorted historically). The APK files required for installation can be downloaded directly here and installed on an Android device.
Available languages: German, English, French, Spanish, Italian, Dutch and Arabic
The app language is selected automatically based on the Android device’s system language. If that language is not available, the app falls back to English.
Note: Installation takes place outside the Google Play Store. Depending on the Android version, installation from unknown sources must be permitted for the browser or file manager being used.
Downloads are counted anonymously. Only the number of downloads and, if provided by the server, the country of origin are stored.